[Energy and macronutrient requirements of female athletes engaged in synchronous skating]

The athletes' energy and nutrient requirements are calculated based on individual energy expenditure and body composition indicators. This takes into account the different ratios of proteins, fats and carbohydrates recommended for sports with different physical activity levels, as well as the changing ratio of macronutrients depending on the physical activity coefficient. The purpose of the research was to assess the energy and nutrient requirements of female athletes involved in synchronized skating based on the results of assessing morphological indicators and daily energy expenditure.

The study involved female athletes (n=22, age 21.4±4.5 years) specializing in synchronized skating, who were divided into three groups according to their sports ranks (8 candidates for master of sports, 10 masters of sports of Russia and 4 masters of sports of Russia of international class). Overall dimensions were assessed using anthropometry, body composition and basal metabolic rate were assessed using bioimpedancemetry, resting metabolic rate was assessed using indirect calorimetry, a dosed load test was performed on a bicycle ergometer, daily heart rate monitoring was performed, and athletes' daily activity was recorded using self-registration.

Changes in morphological indices were revealed that occur when female athletes move from one athletic skill group to another, higher one. With the growth of athletic skill, female athletes become taller and more massive, their indices of metabolically active tissues (lean and skeletal-muscular) increase while maintaining the level of fat mass. In general, the basal metabolic rate of female athletes in the group was 1426 [1382; 1486] kcal/day, daily energy expenditure was 3177 [2788; 3507] kcal/day. Daily energy expenditure varied significantly and depended on both the training and non-training activities of the athletes. The calculation of the need for nutrients and energy complies with the requirements of MR 2.3.1.0253-21, as well as recommendations for the ratio of macronutrient shares in the diet of female athletes in complex coordination anaerobic sports, and with a Physical Activity Coefficients (PA Values) of 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 was made based on the principle of not exceeding the need for macronutrients per 1 kg of body weight: in proteins - no more than 1.96 g/kg body weight; in fats - no more than 1.66 g/ kg body weight; in carbohydrates - on a residual basis.

For athletes whose requirements exceed the regulated norms with PA Values of more than 2.2 (according to MR 2.3.1.0253-21), when calculating the need for proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and their share contribution to the calorie content of the diet, the percentage ratio of macronutrients should be changed depending on the need in grams per 1 kilogram of body weight.