Total energy expenditure of elite synchronized swimmers measured by the doubly labeled water method

To determine the daily energy requirement of elite synchronized swimmers du ring moderate-intensity training, the average daily energy expenditure meas ured by the doubly labeled water method, was calculated for nine female Jap anese national team synchronized swimmers [four senior; mean (SD) 22.5 (1.0 ) years old, 52.2 (3.6) kg, and five junior; 17.6 (1.1) years old, 52.8 (2. 3) kg]. Their total energy expenditure (TEE) was 11.5 (2.8) MJ . day(-1) [2 738 (672) kcal . day(-1)]. When compared with estimated energy requirements derived from "Recommended Dietary Allowances for the Japanese", 12.1 (0.6) MJ . day(-1) [2897 (139) kcal . day(-1)], there was no difference between mean actual and estimated energy requirements. However, there were consider able differences observed on an individual basis. Their energy intake, esti mated from 7- day self-reported dietary records, was 8.9 (1.7) MJ . day(-1) [2128 (395) kcal . day(-1)], which was significantly lower than their TEE (P < 0.05). Resting energy expenditure (REE), as determined by indirect cal orimetry was 5.2 (0.3) MJ . day(-1) [1247 (75) kcal . day(-1)]. Their physi cal activity level (TEE/REE) was 2.18 (0.43). These results demonstrate tha t the TEE values of elite female synchronized swimmers are not dissimilar t o those reported for athletes participating in other sports, especially com petitive swimmers during moderate-intensity training.