Christopher Dean

Case Study Assignment #1

Nutrition 5320

1. Based on your athletes primary physical activity/sport, which energy system

predominates during his/her exercise session? Consider the type of exercise,
intensity, and duration of exercise. Explain the rationale behind your answer. (10 pts)
I believe it is difficult to determine which energy system predominates in a soccer
player; however, I think that the aerobic system would be the best answer. All three
systems can be and are used by soccer players but I feel that the ATP-PC and
anaerobic glycolysis systems are used to a lesser extent. These two systems will be
utilized during the short burst, high intensity portions which consist mainly of sprints. In
my opinion the majority of the soccer workout is spent either walking, jogging, or lightly
running which utilizes the aerobic energy system.

2. Considering the predominant energy system used, what substrate (i.e.,

carbohydrate, fat, or protein) does your athlete utilize to the greatest extent during
his/her training? (assume that he/she trains at a moderate-to-high intensity unless
otherwise specified in your case study report). Explain your rationale. (5 pts)
The substrate utilized to the greatest extent during aerobic training is fat. During a
prolonged workout such as soccer the body will conserve the muscle glycogen (for
when intensity increases) and blood glucose (for when oxygen availability is decreased)
and will utilize fat. You will need to consume carbohydrates as well in order to help

break down the fat but fat will be the primary substrate used for energy during soccer
training.

3. Describe the types of assessments you might conduct on you client based on their
profile AND explain your rationale. Include a MINIMUM of two assessments. Refer
to lecture 2 for information on nutrition assessment. (10 pts)
I would have Sarah complete a Diet History and perform a Metabolic Measurement of
indirect calorimetry. I would conduct the Diet History because I want to know what types
and quantities of food Sarah is consuming on a daily basis. The metabolic cart would
be used to help determine her energy expenditure during exercise.

4. Calculate the estimated daily energy requirements of your athlete using 1) Figure
2.22 on p. 56 of your textbook and 2) using the Estimated Energy Requirement from
the Dietary Reference Intakes found in lecture 2. Be sure to explain why you chose
the activity factor you did. Show your work for both (type your calculation and include
with this question). How do these values compare? Which is more accurate for your
athlete and why? (15 pts)
Sarahs Estimated Daily Energy Requirements (Book)
RMR= (9.99 x wt) + (6.25 x ht) (4.92 x age) - 161
(9.99 x 61.36) + (6.25 x 162.5) (4.92 x 19) - 161
612.99 + 1015.625 93.48 161
1628.615 93.48 -161
Approximately 1,374
Estimated Energy Requirement (Lecture 2)

wt= 135lbs/2.2lb/kg= 61.36

ht= 65 in. x 2.5cm/in= 162.5

EER = 354 6.91 x age[yrs] + PA x (9.36 x wt[kg] + 726 x ht[m])

354 6.91 (19) + 1.45 x (9.36 x 61.36 kg) + 726 x 1.625 m
354 131.29 + 832.74 + 1179.75
Approximately 2,235
I chose the activity factor of very active which is 1.45 for females because Sarah is a
collegiate soccer player who exercises 5 days a week for at least 45 minutes with an
intensity of moderate to high. There is a significant difference between the two values;
the total difference is almost 900 kcals. I believe that the higher number of 2,235 is
more accurate and appropriate for my athlete because she is active on a regular basis
and needs the extra calories to refuel. I believe that the time and intensity of Sarahs
daily workouts require her to consume more calories.

5. Based on the information provided in your case study, identify at least two
nutritional concerns or red flags that should be addressed. (10 pts)

The first concern that I have about Sarah is that she eats an early lunch and is unable to
eat anything before (closer to) practice. She is going into the practice on a lowered
energy supply because she is unable to eat prior to practice. The second concern that I
have is that she likes fast food and sweets. As a college student it can be hard to
maintain a healthy diet, however, if she hopes to become an elite soccer player she will
need to eat the sweets and fast food in moderation.