RMR Ratio as a Surrogate Marker for Low Energy Availability

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Low energy availability (EA) negatively impacts athletic performance and health.
• Suppressed resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a known consequence of low EA.
• The RMR ratio (measured RMR to predicted RMR) is proposed as an EA assessment tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utility of the RMR ratio as a marker for low EA in athletes.
• To compare different methodologies used for measuring the RMR ratio.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies assessing RMR ratio in athletes.
• Analysis of RMR measurement techniques and predictive equations.
• Comparison of RMR ratio values with indicators of EA.

Main Results:

• Decreased RMR ratio often correlates with low EA indicators.
• Athletes with less severe energy deficiency may not show a reduced RMR ratio.
• Methodologies for RMR ratio measurement lack standardization across studies.

Conclusions:

• The RMR ratio shows potential as a complementary tool for assessing EA.
• Standardization of measurement protocols is crucial for reliable RMR ratio assessment.
• RMR ratio should be used alongside other assessment methods for a comprehensive EA evaluation.