Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Kinesiology (MKin)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Tom Hazell

Advisor Role

Primary Supervisor

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:  Energy compensation may limit exercise-induced weight loss through adaptations in energy intake and expenditure and appears more prevalent in females.  This sexual divergence could involve hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, as a recent meta-analysis demonstrated energy intake was ~170 kcal⋅d−1 higher in the luteal phase (LP) than the follicular phase (FP).  Current research is limited to acute studies, and whether menstrual phase influences energy compensation over one week remains unclear.  PURPOSE:  To examine the role of menstrual phase on weekly energy compensation across multiple sessions of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).  METHODS: Eight recreationally active females (age=29±2 y, BMI=21.9±2.7 kg·m-2) completed an exercise and control week each in the FP and LP, where exercise weeks included three 45-min MICT sessions at 60% V̇O2max.  Weekly, energy intake was measured using Keenoa®, a dietitian-monitored food logging application, energy expenditure via Garmin smartwatches, and energy balance was calculated.  Results:  Energy intake did not differ across phases (p=0.212, np2=0.212) or conditions (p=0.113, np2=0.319).  Energy expenditure did not differ across phases (p=0.138, np2=0.337), though there was greater expenditure in the exercise weeks (p=0.074, d=0.25).  Energy balance did not differ across phases (p=0.702, np2=0.026) or conditions (p=0.221, np2=0.036).  Descriptively, compared to the FP, the LP had higher energy intake (~120–150 kcal·day⁻¹) and energy balance (~40–110 kcal·day⁻¹) across conditions.  CONCLUSION: Menstrual phase had no effect on energy intake, energy expenditure, or energy balance.  Descriptive trends suggest menstrual phase may influence components of energy balance, though a larger sample is required.

Convocation Year

2027

Convocation Season

Spring

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