Construct and Criterion Validation of the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) Among Women CrossFit® Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Grant number: 24/20024-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition
• Principal Investigator: Marcus Vinicius Lucio dos Santos Quaresma
• Grantee: Nycolle Alves de Oliveira Silva
• Host Institution: Campus Ipiranga. Centro Universitário São Camilo (CUSP). União Social Camiliana (USC). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

CrossFit® (CF) is a sports modality that has gained popularity in recent years in Brazil and worldwide. Scientific evidence available on CF practitioners is scarce; however, some studies suggest that CF, primarily due to its high energy demand, can lead to adverse effects such as rhabdomyolysis and other alterations. Lower energy availability and reduced nutrient intake are major factors contributing to exercise-related syndromes, such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). In this context, the aim of the present study will be to assess the energy and nutritional intake of elite and recreational CrossFit® athletes and the degree of association with resting energy expenditure and hormones related to resting energy expenditure. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample based on rational choice, as it seeks to evaluate only young adult women (ages 18-44) who are high-performance CrossFit® athletes and practitioners. Only healthy women without any diagnosed chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.) will be included. Sample size calculation indicated the need to evaluate 54 women, 27 per group. The study will be conducted at the Center for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation and Social Integration - PROMOVE São Camilo. The assessments in this study will be performed using subjective and objective methods exclusively in person. The dependent variables will include: (i) resting energy expenditure; and (ii) hormonal parameters related to resting energy expenditure. The independent variables will include: (i) energy intake; (ii) macronutrients; and (iii) micronutrients. Additionally, data will be adjusted for body composition and other confounding variables. All procedures will be explained to ensure the accurate completion of the proposed questionnaires. Data will be analyzed using multivariate linear regressions, adhering to pre-established criteria for this type of analysis, and to reject the null hypothesis, a p-value of less than 0.05 will be adopted.