Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Equation for Elite Cyclists
Validated resting metabolic rate (RMR) predictive equation developed in the largest cohort of UCI ProTeam and WorldTour elite cyclists (N = 78) using ventilated-hood indirect calorimetry and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV)
Clinical & Sports Nutrition Application Guidelines
1. Target Population: Elite road cyclists (UCI ProTeam / WorldTour / Continental levels) and endurance athletes of comparable age, lean body composition, and high aerobic energy turnover;
2. Standard Measurement Conditions: Morning fasted state (≥ 8–12 h fast), abstention from caffeine and nicotine, avoidance of high-intensity exercise for 12–24 h prior, and 20–30 minutes of supine rest in a thermoneutral environment;
3. RED-S Metabolic Suppression Screening: When indirect calorimetry is performed, calculate the measured-to-predicted RMR ratio (mRMR / pRMR) using this equation. A ratio < 0.90 is a validated clinical marker of adaptive thermogenesis and chronic Low Energy Availability (LEA / RED-S).
Anthropometric & Demographic Predictors
Enter biological sex, standing height, and morning fasted body mass
Partial correlation r = 0.42; coded as Male = 1 (+180.79 kcal/day) and Female = 0
Partial correlation r = 0.19; +5.77 kcal/day per cm
Partial correlation r = 0.41; +14.25 kcal/day per kg
Training Phase & Daily Activity Context
Used alongside predicted RMR to estimate Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE = RMR × PAL)
Does not alter the core RMR formula; used to calculate estimated daily TDEE