Abstract
BackgroundLow energy availability (LEA) is a medical condition observed in athletes, with a higher prevalence in aesthetic sports. For the first time, this study evaluated the relative prevalence of LEA in female elite athletes (ELA) and recreational athletes (REA) in aesthetic sports in China.MethodsFemale athletes from 6 sports (trampolining, rhythmic gymnastics, aerobics, dance sport, cheerleading and dance) were recruited, including ELA (n = 52; age = 20 ± 3) on Chinese national teams and REA (n = 114; Age = 20 ± 2) from Beijing Sport University. Participants completed 2 online questionnaires to assess LEA and eating disorder risk. These included the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), which provided information on injury history, gastrointestinal function and menstrual history, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF). For a sub-group of elite athletes (n = 14), body composition, bone mineral density, and blood serum were also quantified.ResultsA total of 41.6% of participants (n = 69) were at increased risk of LEA, and 57.2% of participants (n = 95) were classified as high in eating disorder risk. For ELA vs. REA, there was a significantly higher prevalence of LEA risk (55.8% vs. 35.1%; p = 0.012) and amenorrhea (53.8% vs. 13.3%; p < 0.001). Elite athletes at increased risk of LEA had significantly lower estradiol (p = 0.021) and whole-body BMD (p = 0.028). Pearson correlations indicated that the whole-body BMD (r = − 0.667, p = 0.009) correlated negatively with LEAF-Q score.ConclusionsResults of this study indicate that there is a risk of LEA in female Chinese athletes within aesthetic sports, and significantly higher prevalence of increased LEA risk observed in ELA than in REA. Chinese coaches and sports medicine staff working elite female athletes in aesthetic sports should develop strategies to reduce the prevalence of LEA.
Highlights
It is essential for athletes to consume sufficient energy, at specific time points to sustain health and performance [1]
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the risk of Low energy availability (LEA) in female Chinese athletes in aesthetic sports, for elite athletes (ELA) and recreational athletes (REA) using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and to assess the risk of an eating disorder, using Eating Disorder Inventory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF)
29 (55.8%) of ELA and 40 (35.1%) of REA were identified as being at increased risk of LEA (LEAF-Q total score ≥ 8) respectively; there was a significant difference between the two groups
Summary
It is essential for athletes to consume sufficient energy, at specific time points (pre, during and post-exercise) to sustain health and performance [1]. It has been proposed that LEA may be the driving factor for menstrual disruptions, and may be a major contributing factor to the Female Athlete Triad [6]. In 2014, the concept of The Female Athlete Triad was expanded to include the multiple performance detriments, and health-related problems experienced by both male and female athletes, in a new model referred to as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which has LEA at its core [7]. The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) was developed, which is a validated screening tool (78% sensitivity and 90% specificity) for the identification of female endurance athletes at increased risk of LEA [8]. Low energy availability (LEA) is a medical condition observed in athletes, with a higher prevalence in aesthetic sports. This study evaluated the relative prevalence of LEA in female elite athletes (ELA) and recreational athletes (REA) in aesthetic sports in China
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