Energy expenditure in professional flat jockeys using doubly labelled water during the racing season: Implications for body weight management.

This research investigates the energy expenditure of professional flat jockeys, revealing a discrepancy between the amount of energy they expend and what they actually consume. Given this inconsistency, the study suggests a need for personalized nutritional guidelines for jockeys to meet their daily weight targets without compromising their health.

Study Participants and Methods

• The study included eight male flat jockeys. Variables such as age, height and weight were taken into consideration, establishing a common baseline for the study.
• The researchers measured the total energy expenditure (TEE) of these athletes over two separate weeks during the spring and summer using a technique known as doubly labelled water. This method allows the monitoring of energy expenditure in free-living humans over long periods of time and is considered the gold standard for measuring TEE outside of a laboratory setting.
• The total energy intake (TEI), or the amount of energy consumed by the jockeys through their diet, was self-reported. Riding and other structured exercise activity were also recorded.

Main Findings

• The study determined the mean daily TEE and TEI for the two weeks under observation. It was found that the jockeys were consuming significantly fewer calories than they were expending.
• The number of race rides and horses ridden at morning exercise, as well as additional structured exercise, were also taken into account. These factors did not show significant differences, suggesting consistent training regimens among the jockeys.
• However, TEE was linked to each participant’s body mass and level of non-racing physical activity, but not their riding activity. Thus, this suggests that non-racing physical activity contributes significantly to energy expenditure in jockeys.
• Despite their profession, the physical activity levels of the jockeys were relatively modest compared to other athletes and similar to non-athletes of the same age.

Implications

• The study suggests that conventional sport-specific nutritional recommendations do not seem to apply to professional flat jockeys due to their unique physical activity patterns.
• The large discrepancy between TEE and TEI implies significant under-reporting of dietary intake. This finding highlights the importance of more accurate assessment of energy intake in these athletes.
• These results provide an essential framework to develop individualized nutritional guidelines for jockeys. Such personalized strategies could help them attain their daily weight goals while ensuring their well-being.