Development and validation of new predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in physically active boys

Abstract

Abstract Measurement or estimation of resting energy expenditure (REE) should be the first step in determining energy demand in physically active boys. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate new equations for resting energy expenditure in male children and adolescents practicing football. The study was carried out among 184 boys in the validation group and 148 boys in the cross-validation group (mean age 13.20 years and 13.24 years, respectively). The calorimeter and device for assessing body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were used. Model of multiple regression showed that REE can be predicted in this population with equations 1 or 2. Predictive Eq. 1 had an average error of 51 ± 199 kcal and predictive Eq. 2–39 ± 193 kcal. Cohen's d coefficient was 0.2, which confirms the small difference. The bias was 4.7% and 3.9%, respectively. The accuracy was 61.2% in the population for predictive Eqs. 1 and 66.2% for predictive Eq. 2. Therefore, the new formulas developed and validated in this study are recommended for the estimation of REE in physically active boys, when the use of in-direct calorimetry is not feasible or available.