Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

The Relationship between Energy Balance and Performance Measures in Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between hourly and total energy balance (EB) and performance in collegiate volleyball players. Eleven collegiate female volleyball players participated in this study. At the first visit, athletes were provided informed consent and instructed on completing 24-hour food and activity logs. During the second visit, the food and activity logs were collected and analyzed to determine hourly EB values. Performance was measured with a 10-yard sprint test and a vertical jump test using the Just Jump! Mat. Participants consumed 2799 kcal and expended 2665 kcal, with a distribution of 18% protein, 35% fat, and 47% carbohydrate. Average hourly energy balance was -132 kcal. Higher average EB was associated with greater vertical jump and decreased sprint time (p=0.013 and p=0.009, respectively). In addition, participants were divided into two groups based on whether average EB was in surplus (n=7) or deficit (n=4). The surplus group was found to have a higher vertical jump (p=0.017) and lower sprint time (p=0.016) than the deficit group. This study indicates that an energy intake that supports a positive hourly energy balance is associated with improved performance measures. Future studies should test whether providing calories to those in a calorie deficit prior to performance improves performance outcomes.