Physical activity is directly associated with total energy expenditure without evidence of constraint or compensation
Abstract
The prevailing linear model of physical activity (PA) and total energy expenditure (TEE) has been challenged by models that predict an upper limit of TEE linked to a compensatory reduction elsewhere in the energy budget in response to increased PA. We determined the equation of best fit between PA and TEE and explored relationships between PA and behavioral and physiological compensation. Using linear and nonlinear modeling, we observed a positive linear relationship between PA and TEE either without or after adjustment for fat-free mass (R 2 = 0.3492, TEE = 0.00685*PA + 7.124: R 2 =0.3667, TEE_ADJ(FFM) = 0.00511*PA + 8.598). Higher PA was associated with lower sedentary time (R 2 = 0.7207, %SPA= −0.0211*X + 91.261). There was no association between PA, TEE, or resting metabolic rate and adjusted biomarkers of immune, reproductive, or thyroid function after Bonferroni correction. The findings of this observational study do not support the constrained/compensated model but affirm the conventional additive relationship between PA and TEE across a broad range of PA levels.
Article Details
Journal Info
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Sciences
Authors (11)
Kristen R. Howard
Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech
Olalla Prado-Nóvoa
Department of Human Nutrition Foods and Exercise, Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech
Guillermo Zorrilla-Revilla
Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Departamento de Historia, Geografía y Comunicación, Universidad de Burgos Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Departamento de Historia
Eleni Laskaridou
Translational Obesity Research Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Predoctoral Program, Virginia Tech
Glen R. Reid
Translational Obesity Research Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Predoctoral Program, Virginia Tech
Elaina L. Marinik
Translational Obesity Research Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Predoctoral Program, Virginia Tech
Marina Stamatiou
Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Catherine Hambly
Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Brenda M. Davy
Translational Obesity Research Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Predoctoral Program, Virginia Tech
John R. Speakman
Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Kevin P. Davy
Translational Obesity Research Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Predoctoral Program, Virginia Tech