ADOLESAN TENİS SPORCULARINDA ENERJİ DENGESİ VE MAKRO BESİN ÖGESİ ALIMLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Abstract

GÜNEY, F. Evaluation of Energy Balance and Macronutrient Intake in Adolescent Tennis Players. Master’s Thesis, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sports Sciences and Technology Program, Ankara, 2024. The aim of this study is to examine the energy balance, energy availability, body composition, and macronutrient intake of adolescent tennis players during rest, training, pre-match, and match days. The study included 6 female (14.43 ± 1.90 years) and 8 male (14.38 ± 1.88 years) tennis players aged 12-18. Data were collected over two laboratory visits, spanning the preparation (4 days) and competition (3 days) periods, during which food intake and physical activity were recorded. Resting metabolic rate was measured using the Quark CPET gas exchange analyzer, and body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy intake for female players averaged 1443.49 ± 559.81 kcal on rest days, 1269.25 ± 264.26 kcal on training days, 1400.01 ± 259.93 kcal on pre-match days, and 1779.12 ± 709.86 kcal on match days (p>0,05). For male players, energy intake was 1716.19 ± 271.85 kcal on rest days, 1993.93 ± 696.75 kcal on training days, 1982.89 ± 650.60 kcal on pre-match days and 1864.04 ± 207.06 kcal on match days (p>0,05). Energy expenditure for female players was 2212.25 ± 369.34 kcal on rest days, 2474.71 ± 345.81 kcal on training days, 2648.86 ± 623.31 kcal on pre-match days and 2909.18 ± 661.39 kcal on match days (p>0,05). For male players, it was 2287.78 ± 464.02 kcal on rest days, 2656.09 ± 547.10 kcal on training days, 2653.95 ± 406.35 kcal on pre-match days and 2900.73 ± 502.39 kcal on match days (p<0,05). Both groups demonstrated negative energy balance values: for female players, -768.76 ± 738.27 kcal on rest days, -985.60 ± 572.57 kcal on training days, -1248.85 ± 401.93 kcal on pre-match days and -1130.05 kcal on match days; for male players, -571.59 ± 454.90 kcal on rest days, -616.87 ± 562.08 kcal on training days, -671.06 ± 413.36 kcal on pre-match days, and -1036.68 ± 518.36 kcal on match days (p>0,05). The energy availability was less than 30 kcal/kg/day in 66.67% of female tennis players, between 30 and 44 kcal/kg/day in 16.67%, and greater than 45 kcal/kg/day in 16.67%. Among male tennis players, the energy availability was between 30 and 44 kcal/kg/day in 50% and above 45 kcal/kg/day in the other 50%. Measurements during the competition period indicated slight increases in body weight (51.37 ± 10.76 kg) and height (165.39 ± 11.19 cm) compared to the preparation period (body weight: 50.61 ± 11.62 kg; height: 164.02 ± 11.50 cm) (p<0,05). Body composition analysis showed no significant changes in bone mass, fat mass, or lean body mass (p>0.05). Macronutrient intake analysis revealed that female players had inadequate protein and carbohydrate intake but exceeded the recommended fat intake. Male players had adequate protein intake, low carbohydrate intake, and high fat intake. In conclusion, a negative energy balance was observed in adolescent tennis players, with female players at a higher risk due to lower energy availability compared to males. Individualized nutritional plans for adolescent tennis players should be closely monitored to ensure optimal growth, performance, and health ourcomes. Keywords: Adolescent Tennis Player, Energy Balance, Available Energy, Body Composition, Macronutrient