Abstract
Objective: To investigate risk for relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S) among a team of female and male collegiate long-distance runners. Methods: North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND, USA) female and male competitive long-distance runners who agreed to participate during fall semester, 2019, completed an electronic survey containing the LEAF-Q and EAT-26 surveys and additionally completed a DXA scan, to screen for low energy availability and RED-S, disordered eating/eating disorders, and bone health, respectively. Participants were required to be 18 - 25 years old, not injured, training a mini-mum of five hours per week, and currently participating as part of a collegiate competitive team. Thirteen participants (male = 3) finished the study which also included energy intake and exercise expenditure self-reported with a three-day food diary and exercise log and estimated with ESHA Food Processor. Response rate was 42% of entire team; mean age 19.8. Results: The LEAF-Q significantly predicted risk for RED-S (p < 0.007). Correlations using the participants EAT-26 score, energy availability levels (p < 0.508), and whether they were at risk for RED-S (p < 0.208) or not were non-significant for all comparisons, although there was a moderate positive correlation between EAT-26 and RED-S risk (R = 0.454). Participants at risk for RED-S had higher occurrences of injuries (p < 0.022) and lower DXA measured Z-scores (p < 0.063) than those not at risk for RED-S. Conclusion: Long distance runners at risk for RED-S may have higher occurrences of injuries and lower bone mineral density, which can be easily measured using available screeners and DXA technology. What are the new findings: · Long distance runners at risk for RED-S may have higher occurrences of injuries and lower bone mineral density then age- and sex-matched individuals. How might it impact on clinical practice in the near future: · This is important for future clinical practice to be aware of the potential negative impacts on the bone development in young adults; · Particularly long-distance runners or athletes in leanness focused sports should be screened for energy availability which can impact performance, and future bone density.
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to investigate relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in collegiate long-distance runners and determine associations with bone health
North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND, USA) female and male competitive long-distance runners who agreed to participate during fall semester, 2019, completed an electronic survey containing the low energy availability in female’s questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and EAT-26 surveys and completed a DXA scan, to screen for low energy availability and relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S), disordered eating/eating disorders, and bone health, respectively
Correlations using the participants EAT-26 score, energy availability levels (p < 0.508), and whether they were at risk for RED-S (p < 0.208) or not were non-significant for all comparisons, there was a moderate positive correlation between EAT-26 and RED-S risk (R = 0.454)
Summary
The purpose of this study was to investigate relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in collegiate long-distance runners and determine associations with bone health. RED-S, defined as a syndrome that impairs physiological function, and includes but is not limited to impairments of metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health is a condition in which low energy availability (LEA) results in negative effects on health and performance in both females and males [1]. The etiology of RED-S was identified and defined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2014 to serve as a more comprehensive explanation for all individuals who were experiencing symptoms similar to that of the Female. The Triad is known as a condition influencing three components of female athlete health including energy availability, menstrual function, and bone health [3]. Energy deficiency is the etiological factor at the base of the Triad; causing the identified physiological symptoms [1]
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