(48) DIFFERENCES IN RESTING METABOLIC RATE ACROSS WEIGHT CLASS DIVISIONS IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

Purpose: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for 60-70% of an athlete’s total daily energy expenditure and is an important component of determining energy intake requirements. Collegiate wrestling is a weight category sport; therefore, differences in RMR and energy requirements across the 10 weight classes may exist. The purpose of the current study was to examine differences in RMR values across each weight class in wrestlers. Methods: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate male wrestlers participated in the current study (n = 177; Age: 19.6 ± 1.4 yrs.; Height: 176.6 ± 6.6 cm; Weight: 77.6 ± 12.7 kg; Body fat: 12.7 ± 4.2 %). Indirect calorimetry was used to measure RMR. Body fat percentage (BF%) was estimated via skinfold measurements using the Brozek and Lohman prediction equations during routine NCAA weight certification testing in accordance with NCAA policy. Results: Mean RMR was 2152 ± 306 kcal·d⁻¹ and 27.3 ± 3.8 kcal·d⁻¹ when normalized to body mass for all wrestlers collapsed across weight class divisions (Table 1). When compared to the 125 lb. weight class, wrestlers competing in the 157 lb. weight class, and all five heavier weight classes exhibited significantly higher RMR values (p< 0.05). When normalized to body mass, differences between weight classes were no longer significant (p >0.05). Body mass (r = 0.614), fat-free mass (r = 0.633), and BF% (r = 0.170) were all associated with higher RMR values (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Larger wrestlers competing in heavier weight classes have higher absolute RMR values compared to those in lighter divisions. Practical Applications: These RMR values can help estimate energy requirements across each weight class for collegiate male wrestlers. It is recommended practitioners individualize nutritional guidelines for heavier wrestlers to ensure adequate energy intake for optimal performance and health throughout the competitive season. Acknowledgements: None