Energy Expenditure And Energy Availability In Active Individuals With Physical Disabilities

Recent studies have begun to examine individuals with physical disabilities within the realm of exercise science, but information regarding nutrition and exercise is still largely unknown. Low energy availability (LEA) may be an issue for this population and the lack of knowledge surrounding energy expenditure in this population is critical. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of low energy availability (LEA) in a population of individuals with physical disabilities. A secondary purpose was to evaluate the relationship that exists between measured resting energy expenditure (REE) and predicted resting energy expenditure. METHODS: Ten healthy, active males and females with a physical disability (Mean ± SD; Age = 25.3 ± 5.5y; Height = 165.1 ± 15.1 cm; Body mass = 67.4 ± 17.5 kg; Body Fat = 27.2 ± 7.1%) were recruited to participate in this study. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry. Exercise energy expenditure and energy intake were assessed to determine energy availability (EA). RESULTS: EA values were determined to be 26.0 ± 2.9 kcal/kg FFM/day. There was a moderate negative correlation between measured REE values and Cunningham predicted REE values (r = -0.455). The Cunningham model (1098.2 ± 157.3 kcal) was significantly lower (p = 0.01) than the measured REE (1683.0 ± 471.9 kcal). The RMR ratio (measured REE vs predicted REE) was 1.58 ± 0.57 kcal/day. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with physical disabilities who are at least moderately active may be at an increased risk of LEA. The Cunningham REE equation significantly underpredicted participants’ actual REE and therefore caution should be used when predicting REE in a population of individuals with physical disabilities.