Components Of Female Athlete Triad Research Articles

Examination of the Prevalence of Female Athlete Triad Components among Competitive Cheerleaders.

The purpose of this study was to examine individual and combined Female Athlete Triad components within collegiate cheerleaders, an at-risk group. Cheerleaders (n = 19; age: 20.3 ± 1.2 years) completed anthropometric measurements, health history questionnaires, resting metabolic rate, the eating disorder inventory-3 and symptom checklist, blood sample, and DXA scan. Participants completed dietary and exercise logs for 7 days and used heart rate monitors to track daily and exercise energy expenditure. Proportions were calculated for low energy availability (LEA) risk, disordered eating risk, and pathogenic behaviors. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the difference between cheerleaders who experience low EA with or without disordered eating risk. All cheerleaders demonstrated LEA for the days they participated in cheerleading practice, 52.6% demonstrated LEA with eating disorder risk and 47.4% demonstrated LEA without eating disorder risk, 52.6% self-reported menstrual dysfunction, 14% experienced menstrual dysfunction via hormonal assessment, and 0% demonstrated low bone mineral density. Overall, 47.7% presented with one Triad component, 52.6% demonstrated two Triad components using self-reported menstrual data, and 10.5% demonstrated two Triad components using hormonal assessments. All cheerleaders displayed LEA. These findings support the need for increased education on the individual components of the Triad and their potential consequences by qualified personal.

Exploring Health Demographics of Female Collegiate Rowers.

Limited information exists about health patterns among female rowers at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the element of weight class (lightweights classified as <130 lb [59 kg]) as a factor in the physical and mental health of female collegiate athletes has not been investigated, despite weight requirements in sport being a risk factor for the female athlete triad. To test the hypotheses that (1) components of the female athlete triad were more prevalent in lightweight than in openweight rowers; (2) perceived stress levels were greater in lightweight than in openweight rowers; and (3) rowers who were unable to row due to injury had greater perceived stress levels than uninjured athletes. Cross-sectional study. Twelve collegiate women's rowing programs consisting of 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I openweight and 6 Intercollegiate Rowing Association-level lightweight teams. A total of 158 female collegiate rowers (78 lightweight, 80 openweight). An electronic survey addressing injury history, diet and eating habits and body image (according to the triad screening questionnaire), stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and athlete identity (Athlete Identity Measurement Scale) was administered. Lightweight rowers reported limiting or carefully controlling foods more frequently than openweight rowers (41.9% to 29.9%, P = .013). A history of an eating disorder was more prevalent among lightweight than openweight rowers (25.7% to 13.0%, P = .048). Prevalences of stress fractures and menstrual irregularities did not differ between weight classes. Lightweight and openweight rowers' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (16.0 ± 9.9 and 17.3 ± 6.4, respectively) were not different. Injured rowers scored higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (19.4 ± 7.2) than did uninjured rowers (16.6 ± 5.72). Weight class did not contribute to differences in the prevalence of female athlete triad components or perceived stress, although lightweight rowers were more likely to have a history of eating disorder. Injury may be a risk factor for increased stress in this population.

Examination of Female Athlete Triad Components in College Softball Athletes

Softball athletes are commonly overlooked when examining the Female Athlete Triad (Triad - low energy availability [LEA], menstrual cycle dysfunction [MCD], and low bone mineral density [BMD]) and eating disorder risk (ED). However, they engage in lengthy practices/games and anecdotally have poor eating habits and weight management issues which in turn may put them at risk. PURPOSE: Estimate the prevalence of Triad components in collegiate softball athletes. A secondary purpose is to examine LEA with or without ED. METHODS: Female NCAA Division I Softball athletes (n = 17; age 19.6 ± 1.1; height 168.6 ± 5.2 cm; weight 72.5 ± 11.23 kg) participated in this cross- sectional study. Participants completed demographic survey (age, academic status, etc.), Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), EDI-3 symptom checklist and menstrual cycle questionnaire. Each participant completed a DXA scan to examine BMD and completed a 7-day online dietary and exercise log. Ainsworth equation calculated exercise energy expenditure (EEE), and energy availability (EA) was calculated by EA= ((EI-EEE)/FFM). RESULTS: All collegiate softball athletes (n=17) were at a high risk for LEA with EA below 30 kcal/kg FFM/day for 6 of 7 days and 70.6% having LEA for 7 of 7 days of the study. Additionally, 82.3% (n = 14) were at risk for LEA with ED behaviors. None of the participants were at risk for low BMD (3.28 + 0.9); however 29.4% (n = 5) of the participants were at risk for amenorrhea and LEA. Energy needs revealed: RMR 1874 ±276.9 kcal, EI was 1338 ± 313.5 kcals and EEE 811 ± 130.5 kcals, and EA 7.8 ± 6.4 kcals-1kg-1FFM. Eating Disorder behaviors consisted of 47.1% dieting, 17.6% binge eating, 5.9% purging, 11.8% diet pills, and 47.1% used exercise to control weight 25-50% of the time. Additionally, 82.3% were at risk for EDs. CONCLUSIONS: Overall softball athletes are indeed at risk for at least 1-2 Triad components, more specifically LEA with ED risk behaviors and LEA with menstrual dysfunction. Education on energy needs specific for their sport demands may be beneficial for long term health and overall performance. Additional prevention and intervention strategies to decrease the risk for EDs is warranted in collegiate softball athletes.:

Examination of Female Athlete Triad Components in a College Dance Company

Examination of Female Athlete Triad Components in a College Dance Company

Examination of Female Athlete Triad Components in Collegiate Equestrian Athletes

Examination of Female Athlete Triad Components in Collegiate Equestrian Athletes

An Analysis of Female Athlete Triad Components in Elite Para-Athletes

An Analysis of Female Athlete Triad Components in Elite Para-Athletes

An Analysis of Female Athlete Triad Components in Elite Para-Athletes

The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is a syndrome defined as the interaction of three interrelated conditions: low energy availability with or without disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). The Triad may also impact males, and may have long term health consequences if unaddressed. Although participation in elite para-sport is rapidly growing, no studies have assessed the prevalence of Triad risk factors in this population. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of Triad risk factors in an elite para-athlete population and association to sex and para-sport type. METHODS: Subjects were United States para-sport athletes who were training to qualify for the 2016 Summer or the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. Participants completed an online questionnaire characterizing nutrition, menstrual status (if female), bone health, and awareness of the triad. Responses were analyzed to determine overall prevalence of Triad components, and significant differences based on sex and sport type (leanness vs. non-leanness). RESULTS: A total of 248 (144 male, 104 female) athletes completed the survey. Of these, 137 athletes competed in leanness sports and 109 athletes in non-leanness sports. Of the cohort, 40% (53 male, 45 female) of athletes indicated that they were currently trying to lose weight, and 61% (n = 151; 90 male, 61 female) indicated they were attempting to change their body composition to improve sport performance. Only 3% (1 male, 6 female) of athletes indicated that they had been previously diagnosed with an eating disorder. For pre-menopausal women, 32% (n = 29) reported less than 9 menstrual cycles in the past year. A total of 21% (27 male, 25 female) of athletes reported a history of a bone stress injury, yet 9% (8 male, 13 female) reported a diagnosis of low BMD based on DXA scan. There were no differences in risk factor prevalence between sexes or those competing in leanness versus non-leanness sports. Only 9% of athletes were aware of the Triad. CONCLUSIONS: Elite para-sport athletes have high prevalence of Triad components, regardless of sex or sport type. Awareness of the Triad in athletes is low. While consequences of the Triad in a para-athlete population are poorly understood, screening tools and education to increase awareness are required to optimize overall health of this population.

Perceptions, awareness and knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad amongst coaches – Are we meeting the expectations for athlete safety?

Female Athlete Triad (FATr) is a condition with the potential of long-term adverse effects on health and sports performance in female athletes. Coaches’ awareness and knowledge can play a critical role for primary prevention, early detection, and management of the triad. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the awareness, knowledge and perceptions of Singaporean coaches on Female Athlete Triad. The study was a cross-sectional survey with 106 participant coaches (81 males; 25 females) from the Singapore National Registry of Coaches. A 31-item questionnaire was developed to determine the perceptions, awareness, and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The coaches’ responses were obtained in the presence of the research team. Data analyzed included demographic and coaching practice information, awareness and knowledge levels, gender differences in knowledge and differences in awareness, and knowledge between participants with different levels of coaching qualification. A 100% response rate was achieved. The knowledge levels were found to be low with 85% coaches not having heard of the Female Athlete Triad, 89% coaches not able to identify at least one component of the triad, and only two coaches being able to correctly identify the three components of Female Athlete Triad. A significant proportion of coaches had misperceptions related to low body fat, leanness, menstrual irregularity, and bone health in female athletes. There was no significant difference in knowledge based on gender, level of coaching qualification, and years of coaching experience. Coaches have low levels of awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad. The misperceptions and knowledge gaps need to be addressed through multifaceted coach education programs developing the awareness and knowledge on Female Athlete Triad, skills for early recognition of warning signs, early athlete referral to health professionals and attitudes and skills for regular communication with the athletes on nutrition, menstrual history, and bone health.

The prevalence of disordered eating and possible health consequences in adolescent female tennis players from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating and possible health consequences in adolescent female tennis players. This cross-sectional controlled study investigated the pubertal development (Tanner stages); body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry-DXA); dietary intake (food record); presence of disordered eating (EAT-26, BITE and BSQ); menstrual status (questionnaire) and bone mineral density (DXA). The Female Athlete Triad (FAT) was divided into two severity stages. The study included 45 adolescents (24 athletes and 21 controls) at some pubertal developmental stage. The athletes exhibited better body composition profiles. We found that 91.7%, 33.3% and 25% of athletes and 71.4%, 9.5% and 33.3% of controls met criteria for disordered eating and/or low energy availability, menstrual irregularities and low bone mass, respectively. A greater percentage of athletes than controls presented with 1 and 2 FAT components (stage I), and 4.2% presented with the full syndrome. In conclusion, tennis players appear to present with more severe disorders than controls and should be monitored to avoid damage to their performance and health.

The female athlete triad in student track and field athletes

Objectives: To explore the female athlete triad components in university track and field athletes, as well as calculate estimated energy availability.Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study design.Setting and subjects: Sixteen volunteer, white, female track and field athletes were recruited from North-West University.Outcome measures: Athletes completed a demographic, health and sport questionnaire; pathogenic body weight control questionnaire; menstrual history questionnaire; four 24-hour dietary recalls and one three-day diet and exercise record form. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The bulimia, drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory, and the cognitive dietary restraint subscale of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, was used to measure disordered eating behaviour. Estimated energy availability was calculated using a three-day dietary and exercise record form completed by the athlete on three heavy training days.Results: In the total group, 25% had menstrual pattern changes, 62.5% disordered eating behaviour, 73.3% (11/15) low estimated energy availability, and 12.5% reported stress fractures during the past two years. The average estimated energy availability was 18.5 (14.1-40.9) kcal/kg fat-free mass/day. Diet or fat-burning pills were the most popular pathogenic weight-control measures used by 37.5% athletes. Athletes with menstrual pattern changes had lower spine [1.043 (0.975-1.059) vs. 1.166 (1.090-1.234) g/cm2, p-value = 0.043] and femoral neck [0.905 ± 0.045 vs. 1.025 ± 0.027 g/cm2, p-value = 0.042) BMD. Altogether, 87.5% athletes presented with various components of .Conclusion: More than two thirds of this group of student track and field athletes had low estimated energy availability and more than three quarters were classified with various combinations of the components of the female athlete triad.

Internistische sportmedizinische Charakteristika des Frauenfußballs

Summary Women‘s football is becoming increasingly popular both national and international. Exercise physiology characteristics describe increasingly conditional requirements. According to the amount of training and training intensity, cardiac adaptations can be observed. If higher workload is performed by top-class football players in additional international games, changes in the immune system are observed too. Due to this, adequate recovery time must be assured. In clinical daily routine the assessment of the iron metabolism is of great importance. Although the female athlete triad components (eating disorder, menstrual dysfunction and osteoporosis) occur less compared to other sports, attention should be paid to these characteristics in sports medicine examination.

Assessment of nutritional knowledge in female athletes susceptible to the Female Athlete Triad syndrome

BackgroundThe study aimed to i) assess nutritional knowledge in female athletes susceptible to the Female Athlete Triad (FAT) syndrome and to compare with controls; and ii) to compare nutritional knowledge of those who were classified as being 'at risk' for developing FAT syndrome and those who are 'not at risk'.MethodsIn this study, participants completed General Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and survey measures of training/physical activity, menstrual and skeletal injury history. The sample consisted of 48 regional endurance athletes, 11 trampoline gymnasts and 32 untrained controls. Based on proxy measures for the FAT components, participants were classified being 'at risk' or 'not at risk' and nutrition knowledge scores were compared for the two groups. Formal education related to nutrition was considered.ResultsA considerably higher percentage of athletes were classified 'at risk' of menstrual dysfunction than controls (28.8% and 9.4%, respectively) and a higher percentage scored at or above the cutoff value of 20 on the EAT-26 test among athletes than controls (10.2% and 3.1%, respectively). 8.5% of athletes were classified 'at risk' for bone mineral density in contrast to none from the control group. Nutrition knowledge and eating attitude appeared to be independent for both athletes and controls. GNKQ scores of athletes were higher than controls but the differences between the knowledge of 'at risk' and 'not at risk' athletes and controls were inconsequential. Formal education in nutrition or closely related subjects does not have an influence on nutrition knowledge or on being classified as 'at risk' or 'not at risk'.ConclusionThe lack of difference in nutrition knowledge between 'at risk' and 'not at risk' athletes suggests that lack of information is not accountable for restricted eating associated with the Female Athlete Triad.

IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS FOUND IN RECREATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE FEMALE ATHLETES

The identification of Female Athlete Triad was first classified in 1992 as a syndrome that affected high level female athletes suffering from disordered eating, ammenorhea and osteoporosis. Through case study and literature searches, it is now becoming evident that many female athletes involved in recreational sport may also be at risk for developing one or more elements of Female Athlete Triad. As the burden of health becomes evident we must begin to examine the relevance and impact of risk factors that will assist us in early identification, evidence-based treatment and prevention programs. PURPOSE To examine and analyze the multiple risk factors related to the development and diagnosis of Female Athlete Triad as captured in a multi-disciplinary sport medicine clinic. This is a feasibility trial to establish parameters for a larger multi-centered study. METHODS This is a retrospective descriptive chart review on 21 patients who attended a sport medicine program and were identified as requiring multi-disciplinary treatment for one or more components of the Female Athlete Triad. Telephone verification interviews were conducted. Ethics approval was applied and received. Analysis on outcome measures included; demographics, injury history, BMI (body mass index), hours of training, social history, treatment interventions and body image perceptions among others. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: The prevalence of the three components of female athlete triad was not homogenous across the population: DSM-IV Eating Disorder(30%), Ammenorrhea (20%) and Decreased Bone Mineral Density or Stress Fracture(40%). An increased relative prevalence of all three disorders was associated with recreational exercise and running. Relevant risk factors for development of triad symptomotolgy included a BMI of <20 and hours of training of >20 hrs/week. The presence of injury was noted as a strong risk factor for development of disordered eating behaviours. CONCLUSION The strong presence of stress fracture without ammenorrhea or DSM-IV Eating Disorder may be a variation of Female Athlete Triad Syndrome that does not progress to involve the other components if identified and treated early. The correlation of the “20 factor” being a BMI of under 20 and over 20 hours of training per week in either recreational or competitive sport may be a “red flag” indicating further intervention and assessment is warranted. The continued support for a multifactorial etiology of Female Athlete Triad was confirmed. Further studies with larger population samples and greater sport diversity are recommended.

Female athlete triad

Objective To describe the components of female athlete triad, the proposed mechanisms that may relate to its causation, and some screening and treatment options that may be used by the clinician who encounters this clinical entity in patients. Data Sources A qualitative review of the literature was performed. Results This article provides the clinician with current information relevant to understanding and recognizing female athlete triad in at-risk patients. The components of the triad—amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis—are interrelated in multifactorial etiology, pathogenesis, and consequences. Proposed causal factors include inadequate nutrition, menstrual status, training intensity and frequency, body size and composition, and psychological and physiological stress. There should be a high index of suspicion in all females athletes for the presence of and/or increased risk for female athlete triad. An increased awareness of the existence of the problem and its presenting signs and symptoms is the key to screening for this syndrome. The most efficacious treatment lies in its prevention. Conclusions Female athlete triad is an interrelated, multifactorial syndrome comprised of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. It is a common entity among female athletes. Prevention, early detection, and early treatment are absolutely essential to maintain the athletes health into maturity and to prevent the serious consequences of this triad. The long-term effects of some triad components are still unknown.

THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD

THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD