Prevalence of physiological and perceptual markers of low energy availability in male academy football players: a study protocol for a cross-sectional study.

Low energy availability (LEA) is a core feature of the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). LEA underpins multiple adverse health and performance outcomes in various athletic populations, including weight category, endurance and aesthetic sports. Recent reports suggest LEA is highly prevalent in female football, volleyball and netball, with little known on male team-sport athletes. Therefore, the study aims to identify the prevalence of LEA among male academy football players (16-23 years), using surrogate markers that align with the International Olympic Committee REDs Clinical Assessment Tool-Version 2. A cross-sectional study design will be used with physiological and perceptual markers of LEA measured. The study will seek to recruit 355 players to complete several online questionnaires believed to be associated with LEA, measured using a 24-hour food and activity diary. Of the 355 players, a subsample (n=110) will complete an additional 3-day food and activity diary, provide a venous blood sample to measure levels of total testosterone and free triiodothyronine, and have resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured to determine RMR

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

None declared.