Nutritional responses to acute training sessions in young elite rugby players

Background: Acute exercise has been shown to induce nutritional adaptations in obese and lean inactive youth but it remains unclear whether youth with a high level of physical activity experience such exercise-induced energy intake and appetite modifications. Methods: 14 (15- to 16-year-old) male elite rugby players completed sessions on three separate occasions: (1) a control session (CON); (2) an exercise session (EX) and; (3) a rugby session (RUGBY). The energy induced by the rugby and exercise sessions was matched (Polar Team2 pro technology), and participants' energy intake, food preferences (ad libitum buffet meals) and appetite feelings (Visual Analogue Scales) were assessed throughout the experimental days. Results: The energy intake during lunch and snack time was not different between conditions. Dinner time energy intake was significantly increased after RUBGY compared to CON with respectively 969 ± 145 kcal and 777 ± 183 kcal (p < 0.05). The energy intake at dinner time was significantly increased during EX (1185 ± 199 kcal) compared to both CON (p < 0.001) and RUGBY (p < 0.01). None of the appetite feelings investigated were modified between sessions. Conclusion: Adolescent elite rugby players regulate their energy intake differently depending on the nature of their training; independently of the energy expended. This demonstrates the need for energetic and nutritional education to optimize their physical fitness and performance.