Energy turnover during 24 hours and 6 days of adventure racing

Energy turnover was assessed in two conditions of mixed ultra-endurance exercise. In Study 1, energy expenditure and intake were measured in nine males in a laboratory over 24 h. In Study 2, energy expenditure was assessed in six males during an 800-km Adventure race (mean race time 152.5 h). Individual correlations between heart rate and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) were established during pre-tests when kayaking, cycling, and running. During exercise, energy expenditure was estimated from continuous heart rate recordings. Heart rate and VO(2) were measured regularly during fixed cycling work rates to correct energy expenditure for drift in oxygen pulse. Mean energy expenditure was 18,050 +/- 2,390 kcal (750 +/- 100 kcal h(-1)) and 80,000 +/- 18,000 kcal (500 +/- 100 kcal h(-1)) in Study 1 and Study 2 respectively, which is higher than previously reported. Energy intake in Study 1 was 8,450 +/- 1,160 kcal, resulting in an energy deficit of 9,590 +/- 770 kcal. Body mass decreased in Study 1 (-2.3 +/- 0.8 kg) but was unchanged in Study 2. Fat mass decreased in Study 2 (-2.3 +/- 1.5 kg). In Study 1, muscle glycogen content decreased by only 60%. Adventure racing requires a high energy expenditure, with large inter-individual variation. A large energy deficit is caused by inadequate energy intake, possibly due to suppressed appetite and gastrointestinal problems. The oxygen pulse, comparing start to 12 h of exercise and beyond, increased by 10% and 5% in Study 1 and Study 2 respectively. Hence, estimations of energy expenditure from heart rate recordings should be corrected according to this drift.