The effects of differences in fat free weight of endurance trained athletes on energy balance and physical work capacity

This dissertation research examined the effects of a 24-week endurance training program on caloric intake, energy expenditure, fat free weight (FFW), and physical work capacity for the upper and lower tertiles. Based on percent body fat at week 0, the upper tertile (n=ll) were 15.4 percent and the lower tertile (n=ll) were 7.4 percent. At week 0 energy intake and energy expenditure were measured using a seven-day food record and a seven-day activity record, respectively. The sum of four skinfolds was used to measure FFW at weeks 0 and 24. Physical work capacity was measured using a 12-minute run and a bicycle ergometer test at weeks 0 and 24. Mean energy intake (kcal/day) was significantly higher (p < .01) among the lower tertile (3208 ± 832) than for the upper tertile (2204 ± 751). Oxygen consumption (ml2° /k9/min) was significantly higher (p < .006) among the lower tertile (52.7 ± 10.8) than for the upper tertile (4.04 ± 7.2)