Take part to contribute to our understanding of how insufficient energy influences athletic performance and risk of injury
This research project investigates how insufficient energy intake compared to exercise energy expenditure among female athletes might affect their physical performance, and risk of injury.
Study description
This study aims to understand how insufficient energy intake compared to energy expenditure from training influences athletic performance and risk of injury in female athletes. By participating, volunteers will directly help researchers develop practical recommendations to reduce injury risks, and enhance training effectiveness. The outcomes of this study can benefit not only athletes themselves but also coaches, medical professionals, and sports communities, by raising awareness of the prevalence and effects of issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Participants will receive valuable personalised feedback on their own fitness and energy status, potentially aiding them in making more informed training and dietary choices.
What will participants be doing?
The participant will first complete a quick body composition test using the InBody device, which simply involves standing still on a platform. Next, they will do a resting metabolic rate (RMR) test, lying down comfortably while breathing into a mask to measure how their body uses energy at rest. Afterwards, they'll fill out a short questionnaire about their health, diet, and training habits. Finally, participants will perform two jump tests (countermovement and drop jumps) and a brief strength test (pulling upwards on a stationary bar) to assess fitness and fatigue. The whole process will take 180 minutes max and is supervised by trained researchers. Participants will receive personalised feedback on their results.
Duration
Testing will take place early in the morning (9am start) and will take up to 3hrs to complete the whole protocol
Apply
Contact the chief investigator via email at: mahd.abualruz@port.ac.uk or phone +44 7979447321 or 0239 284 3085.
Participant characteristics:
- Staff, students and general public
- Biologically female athletes
- Aged 18 years and above
- Have competed in their sport at any level (local, regional or global) at least once since January 2023 and have completed/finished the competition and received a final score
- Currently training in the UK
Reward
A free body composition test and detailed result sheet (InBody).
Closing date for applications
15 August 2025