Using physical activity levels to estimate energy requirements of female athletes

[PURPOSE]: The goal of this study was to review data on physical activity level (PAL), a crucial index for determining estimated energy requirement (EER), calculated as total energy expenditure (TEE, assessed with doubly labeled water [DLW]) divided by resting metabolic rate (RMR, PAL = TEE/RMR) in female athletes and to understand the methods of assessing athletes’ EERs in the field. [METHODS]: For the PAL data review among female athletes, we conducted a PubMed search of the available literature related to the DLW method. DLW studies measuring TEE and RMR were included for the present review. [RESULTS]: Briefly, the mean PAL was 1.71 for collegiate swimmers with moderate training, which was relatively low, but the mean PAL was 3.0 for elite swimmers during summer training camp. This shows that PAL can largely vary even within the same sport depending on the amount of training, and the differences in PAL were remarkable depending on the sport. Aside from the DLW method, there is currently no research tool related to athletes’ EERs that can be used in the field. [CONCLUSION]: Briefly, the mean PAL was 1.71 for collegiate swimmers with moderate training, which was relatively low, but the mean PAL was 3.0 for elite swimmers during summer training camp. This shows that PAL can largely vary even within the same sport depending on the amount of training, and the differences in PAL were remarkable depending on the sport. Aside from the DLW method, there is currently no research tool related to athletes’ EERs that can be used in the field.