1
|
Miller Olson E, Sainani KL, Dyrek P, Bakal D, Miller K, Carlson JL, Fredericson M, Tenforde AS. The association between overuse and musculoskeletal injuries and the female athlete triad in Division I collegiate athletes. PM R 2024. [PMID: 38837318 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the female athlete triad (Triad) has been associated with increased risk of bone-stress injuries (BSIs), limited research among collegiate athletes has addressed the associations between the Triad and non-BSI injuries. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the relationship between Triad and both BSI and non-BSI in female athletes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Primary and tertiary care student athlete clinic. PARTICIPANTS National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes at a single institution. INTERVENTION Participants completed a pre-participation questionnaire and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, which was used to generate a Triad cumulative risk assessment score (Triad score). The number of overuse musculoskeletal injuries that occurred while the athletes were still competing collegiately were identified through chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE BSI and non-BSI were treated as count variables. The association between BSI, non-BSI, and Triad score was measured using Poisson regression to calculate rate ratios. RESULTS Of 239 athletes, 43% of athletes (n = 103) sustained at least one injury. Of those, 40% (n = 95) sustained at least one non-BSI and 10% (n = 24) sustained at least one BSI over an average follow-up 2.5 years. After accounting for sport type (non-lean, runner, other endurance sport, or other lean advantage sport) and baseline age, we found that every additional Triad score risk point was associated with a significant 17% increase in the rate of BSI (rate ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.33; p = .016). However, Triad score was unrelated to non-BSI (1.00, 95% CI 0.91-1.11; p = .99). Compared with athletes in non-lean sports (n = 108), athletes in other lean advantage sports (n = 30) had an increased rate of non-BSI (RR: 2.09, p = .004) whereas distance runners (n = 46) had increased rates of BSI (RR: 7.65, p < .001) and non-BSI (RR: 2.25, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Higher Triad score is associated with an increased risk of BSI but not non-BSI in collegiate athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Miller Olson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kristin L Sainani
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Paige Dyrek
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Bakal
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kenneth Miller
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Jennifer L Carlson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michael Fredericson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Adam S Tenforde
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hayward E, Akam L, Hunter D, Mastana S. Role of the Menstrual Cycle on Performance and Injury Risk: A Survey of Female Professional Rugby Players in the United Kingdom. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:150. [PMID: 38397641 PMCID: PMC10888092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female athletic performance and injury risk is impacted by variations in the menstrual cycle (MC), but the understanding of the impacts and mechanisms influenced by the menstrual cycle on exercise performance are not fully delineated. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Evaluate associations between the menstrual cycle, perceived performance, and injury risk of elite female rugby players using an online survey. METHODS An anonymous online questionnaire was completed by 150 elite female rugby players from two English rugby leagues, the Betfred Women's Super League (BWSL) and the Allianz Premier 15s (AP15s). The collected data were analysed thematically. RESULTS The Chi-square test was used to assess associations between age groups and contraception usage, weight change, and training and playing performance; none of the associations were statistically significant (all p values > 0.05). Thematic analysis of 11,660 words of data revealed four themes: (a) MC impact on training and competition, (b) education and period management plans, (c) openness of conversations and comfort taking time off, and (d) injury risk. The impacted performance areas were physical (83.7%), psychological (85.7%), and nutritional (80.3%); players experienced decreased appetite, nausea, fatigue, strength declines, heighted emotions, and worsened focus. In total, 87.8% of athletes perceived the MC to negatively impact performance, 85.7% of players desired to be educated further to prevent injuries, improve nutrition, and training adaptions, 51.7% of participants perceived risk of injury to be higher during MC, and 86.4% of participants did not feel comfortable taking time off due to the MC, worrying that selection would be affected and about opinions from others. CONCLUSION A clear negative impact on perceived performance and injury risk was reported by survey participants. The interaction of physical, psychological, and nutritional factors, and a lack of awareness and education emphasise the need for further comprehensive studies and interventions, with measures such as MC monitoring and profiling, education, and training adaptions to develop openness, knowledge, and understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarabjit Mastana
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.H.); (L.A.); (D.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klusmann H, Kapp C, Engel S, Schumacher T, Bücklein E, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S. Higher Depressive Symptoms in Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Converging Evidence from Cross-Sectional and Prospective Assessments. Psychopathology 2024; 57:1-8. [PMID: 38194941 PMCID: PMC11326524 DOI: 10.1159/000535565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual cycle regularity is an important marker of reproductive health and associated with physiological and psychological illnesses, as well as experiencing stress. We hypothesized that individuals with irregular menstrual cycles report higher depressive symptom severity, after controlling for stress occurrence. METHODS The hypothesis was examined through two measurement approaches: a cross-sectional and a prospective, longitudinal study. In the cross-sectional study, participants (n = 394) reported depressive symptoms and their overall menstrual cycle regularity. In the longitudinal study, participants (n = 77) completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms and stress during the mid-follicular and periovulatory phase of one menstrual cycle. Depressive symptoms were compared between participants with regular and irregular cycles through a Welch t test and an ANCOVA. RESULTS Participants with irregular menstrual cycles reported more depressive symptoms in the cross-sectional analysis. Similarly, in the longitudinal analysis, the group with a current irregular menstrual cycle reported more depressive symptoms after controlling for stress occurrence. When including only complete data sets without multiple imputation (n = 52), the direction of the effects remained but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate an association between depressive symptoms and menstrual cycle irregularity. Limitations were that although we investigated the menstrual cycle prospectively, it would have been more precise to include two or more cycles and daily sex hormone measurements. Further limitations were the suboptimal statistical power and the data collection during the COVID pandemic. We give recommendations on how to incorporate the association of depressive symptoms and cycle irregularity in future study designs on women's mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Klusmann
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kapp
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sinha Engel
- Department of Experimental Psychopathology, Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Tabea Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Elise Bücklein
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nolan D, McNulty KL, Manninen M, Egan B. The Effect of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Power and Strength Adaptations to Resistance Exercise Training: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024; 54:105-125. [PMID: 37755666 PMCID: PMC10798924 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance exercise training is widely used by general and athletic populations to increase skeletal muscle hypertrophy, power and strength. Endogenous sex hormones influence various bodily functions, including possibly exercise performance, and may influence adaptive changes in response to exercise training. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use modulates the profile of endogenous sex hormones, and therefore, there is increasing interest in the impact, if any, of HC use on adaptive responses to resistance exercise training. OBJECTIVE Our aim is to provide a quantitative synthesis of the effect of HC use on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, power and strength adaptations in response to resistance exercise training. METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted on experimental studies which directly compared skeletal muscle hypertrophy, power and strength adaptations following resistance exercise training in hormonal contraceptive users and non-users conducted before July 2023. The search using the online databases PUBMED, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Embase and other supplementary search strategies yielded 4669 articles, with 8 articles (54 effects and 325 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the "Tool for the assessment of study quality and reporting in exercise". RESULTS All included studies investigated the influence of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), with no study including participants using other forms of HC. The articles were analysed using a meta-analytic multilevel maximum likelihood estimator model. The results indicate that OCP use does not have a significant effect on hypertrophy [0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) [- 0.11, 0.13], t = 0.14, p = 0.90), power (- 0.04, 95% CI [- 0.93, 0.84], t = - 0.29, p = 0.80) or strength (0.10, 95% CI [- 0.08, 0.28], t = 1.48, p = 0.20). DISCUSSION Based on the present analysis, there is no evidence-based rationale to advocate for or against the use of OCPs in females partaking in resistance exercise training to increase hypertrophy, power and/or strength. Rather, an individualised approach considering an individual's response to OCPs, their reasons for use and menstrual cycle history may be more appropriate. REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID number and hyperlink: CRD42022365677).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nolan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kelly L McNulty
- Sport, Health & Exercise (SHE) Research Group, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
- UPMC Sports Medicine and UPMC Institute for Health, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Ireland
| | - Mika Manninen
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Brendan Egan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taim BC, Lye J, Suppiah HT, Chan TW, Chia M, Clarke A. Menstrual cycle characteristics, perceived impact on performance, and barriers to communication: Perspectives of high-performance adolescent athletes in Singapore. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14488. [PMID: 37682006 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the menstrual cycle (MC) characteristics, explore the impact on performance, and identify barriers to and facilitators of MC-related communication among high-performance female adolescent athletes in Singapore. Ninety athletes (15.4 ± 1.8 years) from multiple sports completed an online questionnaire. Eighty-four athletes were postmenarcheal (menarcheal age 11.9 ± 1.3 years), including two who were using an oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Secondary amenorrhea, current or history of, was self-reported in 16% of athletes. Sixty-two percent and 67% of non-OCP athletes perceived that the MC affected their ability to train and compete, respectively. Athletes preferred speaking to a parent (85%) and a female figure (67%) about MC-related concerns. Through thematic analysis, three barriers to communication were constructed: (1) pervasive menstrual stigma, (2) constraints of the training environment, and (3) the low value placed on MC-related conversations. Two facilitators of communication were constructed: (1) respect athletes' individual experiences as menstruating girls and (2) foster a safe space for MC-related conversations. Findings demonstrated that menstrual irregularities are common in adolescent athletes and screening for MC disorders, particularly primary amenorrhea should be undertaken in this population, with clear support pathways for management including symptom mitigation. To support athletes in raising MC-related concerns when needed, structured communication pathways that consider individual preferences and involve a (female) point of contact should be established within the training environment. Improving menstrual health literacy among adolescent athletes before any misinformation or negative perceptions are firmly established may contribute to longevity in their athletic careers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Cherianne Taim
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland
- SHE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland
- National Youth Sports Institute, Singapore
| | - Jamie Lye
- National Youth Sports Institute, Singapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Haresh T Suppiah
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Michael Chia
- Physical Education and Sports Science Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Anthea Clarke
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stevenson NG, Harris R, Montag J, Stay S, K Panagodage Perera N. The development and test-retest reliability of the periodic health evaluation for female athletes (PHE FA) survey. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:615-620. [PMID: 36545815 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2022.2158386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop and assess the test-retest reliability of a survey exploring Australian high-performance female athlete's perspectives toward the periodic health evaluation and their perceived health needs. METHODS A structured three-phase method for survey development was used to develop the periodic health evaluation for female athletes (PHE FA) survey. Initially, a literature review and gap analysis was performed to identify themes and questions (Phase 1). Survey questions were developed covering demographic information (n = 9); sports-related medical screening (n = 19) and health needs and information (n = 7) (Phase 2). Test-retest reliability of the survey was then assessed (Phase 3). The survey was administered to a purposeful sample of seven high-performance level female athletes who completed the survey, on two separate occasions, 3 weeks apart via Checkbox© survey software (Checkbox Technology Inc., San Francisco, CA). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS The mean age of the athletes was 29 years (SD 4 years, range 24-34 years). All were able-bodied athletes and 71% participated in team sports. Eighty-six percent of athletes have competed in world championships and 71% were Olympians. The average ICC of all items was 0.998 (95% CI 0.997-0.998, p = 0.000) demonstrating excellent consistency of measures between the two time points.All the athletes preferred a Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician to conduct their PHE and 86% preferred a female doctor. The key topics of interest were pelvic floor health including incontinence (100%); fertility (86%); pregnancy (71%); and mental and emotional wellbeing (71%). Face-to-face education was the preferred option to receive health information. CONCLUSIONS The PHE FA survey was co-created with an athlete and other key stakeholders. Excellent consistency of measures between the two time points was indicated by the high test-retest reliability of the PHE FA survey. Data collected using the PHE FA survey can contribute to informed evidence-based policies, and processes to support the health and wellbeing of female athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Harris
- Female Performance & Health Initiative, The Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, Australia
| | | | - Sharon Stay
- Performance Health Deptartment, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Areta JL. Physical performance during energy deficiency in humans: An evolutionary perspective. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 284:111473. [PMID: 37406958 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Energy deficiency profoundly disrupts normal endocrinology, metabolism, and physiology, resulting in an orchestrated response for energy preservation. As such, despite energy deficit is typically thought as positive for weight-loss and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases during the current obesity pandemic, in the context of contemporary sports and exercise nutrition, chronic energy deficiency is associated to negative health and athletic performance consequences. However, the evidence of energy deficit negatively affecting physical capacity and sports performance is unclear. While severe energy deficiency can negatively affect physical capacity, humans can also improve aerobic fitness and strength while facing significant energy deficit. Many athletes, also, compete at an elite and world-class level despite showing clear signs of energy deficiency. Maintenance of high physical capacity despite the suppression of energetically demanding physiological traits seems paradoxical when an evolutionary viewpoint is not considered. Humans have evolved facing intermittent periods of food scarcity in their natural habitat and are able to thrive in it. In the current perspective it is argued that when facing limited energy availability, maintenance of locomotion and physical capacity are of high priority given that they are essential for food procurement for survival in the habitat where humans evolved. When energetic resources are limited, energy may be allocated to tasks essential for survival (e.g. locomotion) while minimising energy allocation to traits that are not (e.g. growth and reproduction). The current perspective provides a model of energy allocation during energy scarcity supported by observation of physiological and metabolic responses that are congruent with this paradigm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José L Areta
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Torstveit MK, Ackerman KE, Constantini N, Holtzman B, Koehler K, Mountjoy ML, Sundgot-Borgen J, Melin A. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): a narrative review by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on REDs. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1119-1126. [PMID: 37752004 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is common among female and male athletes representing various sports at different performance levels, and the underlying cause is problematic low energy availability (LEA). It is essential to prevent problematic LEA to decrease the risk of serious health and performance consequences. This narrative review addresses REDs primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies and recommends best practice prevention guidelines targeting the athlete health and performance team, athlete entourage (eg, coaches, parents, managers) and sport organisations. Primary prevention of REDs seeks to minimise exposure to and reduce behaviours associated with problematic LEA. Some of the important strategies are educational initiatives and de-emphasising body weight and leanness, particularly in young and subelite athletes. Secondary prevention encourages the early identification and management of REDs signs or symptoms to facilitate early treatment to prevent development of more serious REDs outcomes. Recommended strategies for identifying athletes at risk are self-reported screening instruments, individual health interviews and/or objective assessment of REDs markers. Tertiary prevention (clinical treatment) seeks to limit short-term and long-term severe health consequences of REDs. The cornerstone of tertiary prevention is identifying the source of and treating problematic LEA. Best practice guidelines to prevent REDs and related consequences include a multipronged approach targeting the athlete health and performance team, the athlete entourage and sport organisations, who all need to ensure a supportive and safe sporting environment, have sufficient REDs knowledge and remain observant for the early signs and symptoms of REDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naama Constantini
- Sport Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bryan Holtzman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Margo L Mountjoy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anna Melin
- Department of Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Vaxjo/Kalmar, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Baumgartner S, Bitterlich N, Geboltsberger S, Neuenschwander M, Matter S, Stute P. Contraception, female cycle disorders and injuries in Swiss female elite athletes-a cross sectional study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1232656. [PMID: 37565143 PMCID: PMC10410265 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1232656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The national Olympic committee of Switzerland has conducted an online survey among female elite athletes with a focus on cycle disorders, contraception, and injuries in 2021. Methods: A total of 1,092 female elite athletes from 107 different sports were asked to answer the questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine location parameters and create frequency tables. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 408 athletes (37.4%) from 92 different sports. 43.4% participated in a lean sport. 57.1% reported no injuries, 32.6% one injury, and 10.2% two or more injuries per year. A considerable proportion reported being affected by primary amenorrhoea (10.8%). Primary amenorrhoea occurred significantly more often in female athletes with a BMI lower than 21.7 kg/m2 (15.2%) than in athletes with a BMI above 21.7 kg/m2 (7.4%, p = 0.021). Considering contraception, 25.8% of female athletes were currently using an oral contraceptive pill. The proportion of female athletes not using contraception at all or using non-hormonal contraceptive methods was high at 54.4%. In lean sports, significantly more athletes used no or non-hormonal contraceptives (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Among top Swiss female athletes, a considerable proportion used non-hormonal or no contraceptives. This trend was more evident in lean sports. Delayed menarche and cycle irregularities were common among female athletes, especially among athletes with high training volumes as well as a BMI below 21.7 kg/m2. This orienting survey underlines the importance of specialized gynecological care for elite female athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Baumgartner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport—BASPO, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vasiliu O. Current trends and perspectives in the exploration of anorexia athletica-clinical challenges and therapeutic considerations. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1214398. [PMID: 37528996 PMCID: PMC10389266 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1214398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Elite athletes are exposed to a considerable amount of physical and psychological stress throughout their entire professional life, but the exploration of the consequences of this stressful regimen on mental health is still in its early stages. Eating disorders (EDs), substance use disorders, and behavioral addictions represent only several domains that are worth more investigation in this vulnerable population, in order to find preventative and therapeutic strategies. The exploration of EDs in athletes is important because this population is very vulnerable to the impact that weight and body shape may have on their professional performances, and epidemiological studies support this concern, i.e., the prevalence of EDs in athletes is significantly higher than in the general population. This article is dedicated to the synthesis of available data regarding a specific pathology reported in elite athletes, i.e., anorexia athletica (AA), based on a narrative reviewing methodology. The information about risk factors, pathophysiology, positive and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, structured evaluation, and treatment of AA have been summarized and future research directions have been highlighted. While tentative diagnostic criteria for AA and a self-administered questionnaire exist, its pathophysiology is still insufficiently explored, and the treatment is not based on good-quality trials. According to the retrieved data, more research targeting the physical and mental health of elite athletes, especially those practicing esthetic sports, is needed, in order to implement adequate screening and early intervention programs. Future studies targeting various sub-populations of elite athletes, i.e., esthetic vs. non-esthetic sports, individuals presenting a history of ED vs. those without such a history, and those practicing individual sports vs. team sports are needed to reach the objective of improving the quality of life in this population.
Collapse
|
11
|
Grønhaug G, Joubert LM, Saeterbakken AH, Drum SN, Nelson MC. Top of the podium, at what cost? injuries in female international elite climbers. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1121831. [PMID: 37398555 PMCID: PMC10312002 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1121831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Competitive sport climbing has made its way to the Olympic stage. This prestige has brought about route setting and training alterations which presumably affect injury epidemiology. Most of the climbing injury literature contains male climbers and lacks high performing athletes. Studies with both female and male climbers, rarely included separate analyses for performance level or sex. Therefore, injury concerns for elite female competitive climbers are impossible to discern. A former study examined the prevalence of amenorrhea in elite international female climbers (n = 114) and reported that 53.5% had at least one injury in the past 12 months, but injury details were excluded. This study's aim was to report these injury details and their associations with BMI, menstrual status and eating disorders of the cohort. Methods Online survey was emailed to competitive female climbers recruited through the IFSC database between June and August 2021. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, χ2 and logistic regression. Results 229 registered IFSC climbers opened the questionnaire and 114 (49.7%) provided valid responses. Respondents (mean ± SD; age = 22.9 ± 5 year) represented 30 different countries and more than half (53.5%, n = 61) reported an injury in the prior 12 months with the majority in shoulders (37.7%, n = 23) and fingers (34.4%, n = 21). Injury prevalence in climbers with amenorrhea was 55.6% (n = 10). BMI was not a significant predictor of injury risk (OR = 1.082, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.3; p = 0.440) while accounting for current ED over the past 12 months. However, the odds ratio for having an injury was doubled for those with an ED (OR = 2.129, 95% CI: 0.905, 5.010; p = 0.08). Conclusion With over half reporting recent injuries (<12 months) mostly to shoulders and fingers, development of new strategies for injury prevention in competitive female climbers are warranted. In addition, climbers with disordered eating behaviors and/or menstrual disturbances might be more prone to injury. More research in this population is required. Suitable screening to prevent these health issues and proper monitoring of these athletes are paramount to long-term athlete success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Grønhaug
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus, Sogndal, SFC, United States
| | - L. M. Joubert
- School of Health and Human Performance, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, United States
| | - A. H. Saeterbakken
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus, Sogndal, SFC, United States
| | - S. N. Drum
- Student-Athlete High Performance Center and Sims-Treharne Collaborative Research Laboratory; Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ,United States
| | - M. C. Nelson
- School of Health and Human Performance, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fryar C, Howell DR, Seehusen CN, Tilley D, Casey E, Sweeney EA. Link Between the Female Athlete Triad and Gymnastics-Related Injury in Retired Collegiate Gymnasts. Clin J Sport Med 2023:00042752-990000000-00117. [PMID: 37185819 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare gymnastics-related injuries between former collegiate gymnasts who did and did not report components of the female athlete triad (Triad) during college, including disordered eating or menstrual irregularity. We hypothesized that athletes reporting these 2 triad symptoms would have higher rates of time loss injury and injuries requiring surgery. DESIGN Retrospective case-control. SETTING Online survey. PATIENTS Four hundred seventy former collegiate gymnasts. INTERVENTIONS Athletes completed online survey distributed through social media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were grouped based on self-reported menstrual irregularity and disordered eating during college. We compared time loss injuries, injuries resulting in surgery, and injury locations between the groups using χ2 analyses. RESULTS Seventy percent (n = 328) of participants in this study reported a time loss college injury without surgery, and 42% (n = 199) reported an injury during college that required surgical treatment. A significantly greater proportion of gymnasts with only disordered eating reported a time loss gymnastics injury (without surgery) compared with those who reported only menstrual irregularity during college (79% vs 64%; P =0 .03). A significantly greater proportion of the disordered eating-only group reported a spine injury compared with the menstrual irregularity-only group (P = 0.007) and the group who reported neither menstrual irregularity nor disordered eating (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS College gymnasts who experienced disordered eating were more likely to experience a nonsurgical time loss injury while in college, as well as spine injury compared with those with menstrual irregularity. Sports medicine providers should be aware of the association between injuries and individual components of Triad in gymnasts beyond bone stress injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fryar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - David R Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - David Tilley
- Champion Physical Therapy & Performance, Watham, Massachusetts; and
| | - Ellen Casey
- Department of Physiatry, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Emily A Sweeney
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Han C, Li X, Wang S, Hong R, Ji J, Chen J, Zhu H, Morrison ER, Lei X. The picky men: Men's preference for women's body differed among attractiveness, health, and fertility conditions. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
14
|
Bruinvels G, Blagrove RC, Goldsmith E, Shaw L, Martin D, Piasecki J. How Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic Affected the Pattern and Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13622. [PMID: 36294200 PMCID: PMC9602509 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the menstrual cycle and any contributing factors to these changes. A questionnaire was completed by 559 eumenorrheic participants, capturing detail on menstrual cycle symptoms and characteristics prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Over half of all participants reported to have experienced lack of motivation (61.5%), focus (54.7%) and concentration (57.8%). 52.8% of participants reported an increase in cycle length. Specifically, there was an increase in the median cycle length reported of 5 days (minimum 2 days, maximum 32 days), with a median decrease of 3 days (minimum 2 days and maximum 17 days). A lack of focus was significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length (p = 0.038) reported to have increased by 61% of participants. Changes to eating patterns of white meat (increase p = 0.035, decrease p = 0.003) and processed meat (increase p = 0.002 and decrease p = 0.001) were significantly associated with a change in menstrual cycle length. It is important that females and practitioners become aware of implications of environmental stressors and the possible long-term effects on fertility. Future research should continue to investigate any long-lasting changes in symptoms, as well as providing education and support for females undergoing any life stressors that may implicate their menstrual cycle and/or symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Bruinvels
- Orreco, Ltd., London TW1 3DY, UK
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Richard C. Blagrove
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | | | - Laurence Shaw
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Daniel Martin
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7GA, UK
| | - Jessica Piasecki
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
von Rosen P, Ekenros L, Solli GS, Sandbakk Ø, Holmberg HC, Hirschberg AL, Fridén C. Offered Support and Knowledge about the Menstrual Cycle in the Athletic Community: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1086 Female Athletes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11932. [PMID: 36231231 PMCID: PMC9564720 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many female athletes perceive that symptoms related to the menstrual cycle such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual symptoms, amenorrhea or side-effects of hormonal contraceptives negatively impact their training, performance, and general well-being. Knowledge and communication about female athletes' health is therefore important in the sport community. The aims of this study were to explore the level of knowledge and communication about menstrual cycle issues and use of hormonal contraceptives in the athletic community and to describe the kinds of medical support offered to female athletes. A total of 1086 Swedish and Norwegian athletes from 57 different sports responded to a web-based questionnaire. Of these, 58% (n = 627) practiced team sports and 42% (n = 459) individual sports. Twenty-six percent (n = 278) of the athletes perceived their knowledge about female athlete health to be poor/very poor and the knowledge was most often acquired from medical staff. Fifty-three percent (n = 572) of the athletes perceived the knowledge acquired of their coaches as poor/very poor, even though a significantly (p < 0.001) higher proportion of athletes with a female coach (30%, n = 31) rated their coach's knowledge as very good/good, compared to athletes with a male coach (5%, n = 31). Only 11% (n = 116) of the athletes discussed female health issues with their coach. The majority (81%, n = 842) of the athletes partly to strongly agreed that female athlete health is considered a taboo topic in the athletic community. Forty-seven percent (n = 510) of the athletes had access to a physiotherapist, while only three percent (n = 29) had access to a gynecologist. Low perceived knowledge, lack of communication and support demonstrate the need for a multi-professional medical team and enhanced educational efforts focused on female athlete health in the athletic community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Linda Ekenros
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsoe, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, 8026 Bodø, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsoe, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Lulea University of Technology, 971 87 Lulea, Sweden or
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum C5, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden or
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fridén
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden or
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ekenros L, von Rosen P, Solli GS, Sandbakk Ø, Holmberg HC, Hirschberg AL, Fridén C. Perceived impact of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on physical exercise and performance in 1,086 athletes from 57 sports. Front Physiol 2022; 13:954760. [PMID: 36111164 PMCID: PMC9468598 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.954760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Female athletes train and compete under the potential influence of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or during use of various hormonal contraceptives. Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms are common in the general population, as well as side effects of hormonal contraceptives. More detailed knowledge concerning prevalence and perceived impact of these symptoms on training and performance in different sports is required. The aim of the study was to 1) characterize perceptions of training and performance during the menstrual cycle phases and by hormonal contraceptive use in a large population of female athletes; 2) explore whether symptoms experienced are related to perceived performance; and 3) examine potential differences in these factors between athletes at different levels of performance. The study was based on self-reported data from 1,086 athletes from 57 sports at different performance levels via a web-based questionnaire. Thirty-seven percent (n = 407) of the athletes did not use hormonal contraceptives. In this group, menstrual cycle related symptoms were common across all athlete levels, particularly dysmenorrhea (74%, n = 300) and premenstrual symptoms (78%, n = 318), which also influenced perceived performance of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, mental sharpness, balance, and sleep quality. Sixty-three percent (n = 679) of the athletes used various hormonal contraceptives and 40% (n = 272) perceived a variety of side-effects. Physical performance was experienced equally independent of time-point of the pill-chart except for the period of inactive pills, which was associated with more negative impact. Nonetheless, only 18% (n = 191) of the athletes considered menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive issues when planning their training or competitions. These results indicate that greater focus is needed to identify and effectively treat different menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive related symptoms on an individual level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ekenros
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT, the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans-Christer Holmberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum C5, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fridén
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Smith ES, McKay AKA, Kuikman M, Ackerman KE, Harris R, Elliott-Sale KJ, Stellingwerff T, Burke LM. Managing Female Athlete Health: Auditing the Representation of Female versus Male Participants among Research in Supplements to Manage Diagnosed Micronutrient Issues. Nutrients 2022; 14:3372. [PMID: 36014878 PMCID: PMC9412577 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies and sub-optimal intakes among female athletes are a concern and are commonly prevented or treated with medical supplements. However, it is unclear how well women have been considered in the research underpinning current supplementation practices. We conducted an audit of the literature supporting the use of calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Of the 299 studies, including 25,171 participants, the majority (71%) of participants were women. Studies with exclusively female cohorts (37%) were also more prevalent than those examining males in isolation (31%). However, study designs considering divergent responses between sexes were sparse, accounting for 7% of the literature. Moreover, despite the abundance of female participants, the quality and quantity of the literature specific to female athletes was poor. Just 32% of studies including women defined menstrual status, while none implemented best-practice methodologies regarding ovarian hormonal control. Additionally, only 10% of studies included highly trained female athletes. Investigations of calcium supplementation were particularly lacking, with just two studies conducted in highly trained women. New research should focus on high-quality investigations specific to female athletes, alongside evaluating sex-based differences in the response to calcium, iron, and vitamin D, thus ensuring the specific needs of women have been considered in current protocols involving medical supplements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella S. Smith
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Alannah K. A. McKay
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Megan Kuikman
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kathryn E. Ackerman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel Harris
- Female Athlete Performance and Health Initiative, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
- Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Institute, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia
| | | | - Trent Stellingwerff
- Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific, Institute for Sport Excellence, 4371 Interurban Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2C5, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Louise M. Burke
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Joubert L, Warme A, Larson A, Grønhaug G, Michael M, Schöffl V, Burtscher E, Meyer N. Prevalence of amenorrhea in elite female competitive climbers. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:895588. [PMID: 36032265 PMCID: PMC9400828 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.895588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite competitive sport climbers exhibit a high strength-to-weight ratio and are reported in the literature to be lighter and leaner than their athletic counterparts. Current research regarding nutrition among climbers is sparse but suggests that they may be at high risk for low energy availability and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). The prevalence of amenorrhea, one of the primary indicators of RED-S, is unknown in this athletic population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of current (previous 12 months) amenorrhea among elite level competitive sport climbers.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was distributed via email to 1,500 female climbers registered as competitors within the International Federation of Sport Climbing to assess the prevalence of amenorrhea over the past 12 months.ResultsA total of 114 female sport climbers answered all survey questions regarding menstrual function and 18 athletes (15.8%) presented with current amenorrhea. The majority of the athletes (72%; n = 82) were categorized with eumenorrhea. An additional 14 athletes (12.3%) provided information that indicated irregular cycles, but answers to all menstrual cycle questions were not congruent to elicit a classification of amenorrhea and these athletes were categorized with a menstrual status of unsure. The average BMI for climbers with eumenorrhea was 20.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2 and 19.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2 for those with amenorrhea. A higher percentage of climbers with amenorrhea revealed they currently struggle with an eating disorder compared to those without amenorrhea (13.5 vs. 22.2%, respectively).ConclusionThis study indicates that some female climbers competing at the World Cup level do have menstrual disturbances with relatively normal BMIs and some currently struggle with one or more eating disorders. Even though World Cup competitions use BMI critical margins to screen competitors, this research highlights the need for more medical supervision of competitive elite female sport climbers in order to protect their overall health, including menstrual function. Further research is required to clarify how many climbers suffer from endocrine abnormalities related to RED-S. With more scientific evidence in this area practitioners will be better equipped to educate the athlete and coach with evidence-based nutrition recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanae Joubert
- School of Health and Human Performance, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lanae Joubert
| | - Amity Warme
- Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Abigail Larson
- Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT, United States
| | - Gudmund Grønhaug
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, Norway
| | | | - Volker Schöffl
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Becket University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Section of Wilderness Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Medical Commission of the International Federation of Sport Climbing, Turino, Italy
| | - Eugen Burtscher
- Medical Commission of the International Federation of Sport Climbing, Turino, Italy
| | - Nanna Meyer
- Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Freire Ribeiro AB, Bruininks BD, Street GM, Smock AJ, Scibora LM. Comparison of Tibial Geometry, Density, and Strength in College-Aged Female Eumenorrheic Dancers, Gymnasts, and Runners: A Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Study. J Dance Med Sci 2022; 26:165-172. [PMID: 35697494 DOI: 10.12678/1089-313x.091522c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weightbearing activities such as gymnastics, soccer, weightlifting, and running have often been used as benchmarks in skeletal research since they have been shown to promote densitometric and geometric benefits. In comparison with other sports, there is a paucity of information in relation to dance and its osteogenic potential. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare tibial geometry, density, and strength in college-aged dancers versus gymnasts and runners. METHODS A total of 60 trained eumenorrheic collegiate-aged female dancers (n = 11), gymnasts (n = 11), runners (n = 19), and sedentary controls (n = 19) were included in the study. Bone measurements, including total area (ToA), volumetric (total vBMD) and cortical density (CoD), compressive bone strength (BSI), and polar strength stress index (SSIp) of the dominant limb, were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the distal and proximal tibia (4% and 66% of limb length). RESULTS No significant differences in ToA, CoD, CoA, and total vBMD were found between dancers and the comparison athletes at the measured sites. In addition, strength indices (BSI and SSIp) at the distal and proximal sites were similar between the dancing and both athlete groups. CONCLUSION Results suggest dance elicits similar structural adaptations at the tibia compared to benchmark high-impact and repetitive impact sports; thus, indicating dance, in its various forms, can have a positive effect on important bone variables that influence density and strength. These adaptations may potentially delay or prevent bone fragility later in life. Future studies should compare individual styles of dance separately, longitudinally, and include other important lower (e.g., hip) and upper body (e.g., radius) sites to further identify which forms provide the greatest osteogenic benefits.
Collapse
|
20
|
Dietary Iron and the Elite Dancer. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091936. [PMID: 35565904 PMCID: PMC9105128 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dancers are an athlete population at high risk of developing iron deficiency (ID). The aesthetic nature of the discipline means dancers potentially utilise dietary restriction to meet physique goals. In combination with high training demands, this means dancers are susceptible to problems related to low energy availability (LEA), which impacts nutrient intake. In the presence of LEA, ID is common because of a reduced mineral content within the low energy diet. Left untreated, ID becomes an issue that results in fatigue, reduced aerobic work capacity, and ultimately, iron deficient anaemia (IDA). Such progression can be detrimental to a dancer’s capacity given the physically demanding nature of training, rehearsal, and performances. Previous literature has focused on the manifestation and treatment of ID primarily in the context of endurance athletes; however, a dance-specific context addressing the interplay between dance training and performance, LEA and ID is essential for practitioners working in this space. By consolidating findings from identified studies of dancers and other relevant athlete groups, this review explores causal factors of ID and potential treatment strategies for dancers to optimise absorption from an oral iron supplementation regime to adequately support health and performance.
Collapse
|
21
|
Jain V, Chodankar RR, Maybin JA, Critchley HOD. Uterine bleeding: how understanding endometrial physiology underpins menstrual health. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:290-308. [PMID: 35136207 PMCID: PMC9098793 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00629-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Menstruation is a physiological process that is typically uncomplicated. However, up to one third of women globally will be affected by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) at some point in their reproductive years. Menstruation (that is, endometrial shedding) is a fine balance between proliferation, decidualization, inflammation, hypoxia, apoptosis, haemostasis, vasoconstriction and, finally, repair and regeneration. An imbalance in any one of these processes can lead to the abnormal endometrial phenotype of AUB. Poor menstrual health has a negative impact on a person's physical, mental, social, emotional and financial well-being. On a global scale, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are closely linked with AUB, and are often under-reported and under-recognized. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics have produced standardized terminology and a classification system for the causes of AUB. This standardization will facilitate future research endeavours, diagnosis and clinical management. In a field where no new medications have been developed for over 20 years, emerging technologies are paving the way for a deeper understanding of the biology of the endometrium in health and disease, as well as opening up novel diagnostic and management avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rohan R Chodankar
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Holtzman B, Popp KL, Tenforde AS, Parziale AL, Taylor K, Ackerman KE. Low energy availability surrogates associated with lower bone mineral density and bone stress injury site. PM R 2022; 14:587-596. [PMID: 35460534 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise is an osteogenic stimulus that should increase bone mineral density (BMD) and protect against injury. However, some female athletes have lower BMD and increased bone stress injury (BSI) risk. Impaired bone health seen in athletes may be explained by low energy availability as described by concepts of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Female Athlete Triad (Triad). OBJECTIVE To elucidate the relationship between RED-S/Triad risk factors and BSI to high-risk (femoral neck, sacrum) and low-risk (other) bones. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey and retrospective chart review. SETTING Tertiary care academic center. PATIENTS Female athletes aged 15-30 years participating in ≥4 h/week of exercise presenting to sports medicine/orthopedics clinic who had a self-reported BSI and available dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of BMD. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Location of BSI. RESULTS In 127 athletes, high-risk BSI was associated with surrogates of low energy availability (p = .032) and having a DXA Z-score < -1 (p = .035) but not a current/past history of menstrual dysfunction (p = .348). Accumulating RED-S/Triad risk factors increase the odds of incurring a high-risk BSI (p = .048). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent/young female athletes who sustain BSI at high-risk sites (femoral neck, sacrum) may have underlying risk factors (eg, low energy availability, poor overall bone health) that should prompt further workup and referral to optimize health in these athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Holtzman
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kristin L Popp
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States.,Endocrine Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Adam S Tenforde
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Allyson L Parziale
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kathryn Taylor
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Endocrine Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Auditing the Representation of Female Versus Male Athletes in Sports Science and Sports Medicine Research: Evidence-Based Performance Supplements. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14050953. [PMID: 35267928 PMCID: PMC8912470 DOI: 10.3390/nu14050953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sports nutrition guidelines promote evidence-based practice, it is unclear whether women have been adequately included in the underpinning research. In view of the high usage rates of performance supplements by female athletes, we conducted a standardised audit of the literature supporting evidence-based products: β-alanine, caffeine, creatine, glycerol, nitrate/beetroot juice and sodium bicarbonate. Within 1826 studies totalling 34,889 participants, just 23% of participants were women, although 34% of studies included at least one woman. Across different supplements, 0–8% of studies investigated women exclusively, while fewer (0–2%) were specifically designed to compare sex-based responses. The annual publication of female-specific studies was ~8 times fewer than those investigating exclusively male cohorts. Interestingly, 15% of the female participants were classified as international/world-class athletes, compared with 7% of men. Most studies investigated performance outcomes but displayed poorer representation of women (16% of participants), whereas health-focussed studies had the greatest proportion of female participants (35%). Only 14% of studies including women attempted to define menstrual status, with only three studies (~0.5%) implementing best practice methodologies to assess menstrual status. New research should target the efficacy of performance supplements in female athletes, and future sports nutrition recommendations should specifically consider how well female athletes have contributed to the evidence-base.
Collapse
|
24
|
Nolan D, Elliott-Sale KJ, Egan B. Prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifting and rugby. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2022; 51:217-222. [PMID: 34991413 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.2024774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and the associated symptomology of use or nonuse are under-studied in athletic populations, and in particular, in strength and collision sports. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifters and rugby players. METHODS Competitive female powerlifters and rugby players (aged ≥18 y), representing a strength and a collision sport respectively, completed an anonymous online questionnaire for the purpose of assessing self-reported prevalence of HC use, and symptoms of the menstrual cycle and HC use. Athletes were categorized by sport (powerlifters, n = 149; rugby players, n = 135) in order to conduct a stratified analysis. For open-ended questions, a content analysis was conducted to categorize responses, and frequency analyses were performed. RESULTS Current HC use was reported by 51.1% of athletes, with similar prevalence for the two sports (powerlifting, 48.3% vs. rugby, 54.1%, P = 0.34). Side effects of the menstrual cycle were reported in 83.5% of non-HC users, with the most common being unspecified cramping (42.4%), headache/migraine (24.5%), and fatigue (24.5%). Side effects were reported in 40.0% of HC users, with the most common being mood changes (17.9%), stomach pain (8.3%) and headaches/migraines (6.9%). CONCLUSION A large proportion of HC users and nonusers in this study experience negative side effects of HC use and the menstrual cycle, respectively. The symptoms experienced by both groups are wide-ranging, with a high degree of variation between individuals. The negative side-effects experienced by HC users and nonusers may have an influence on athletic performance, and this requires future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nolan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Brendan Egan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Indian Endurance Athletes’ Menstrual Cycle: Practices, Knowledge, Communication, Health, and Changes in Perceptions Across the Phases. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1706-1715. [DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To describe menstrual cycle (MC)-related practices, knowledge, communication, and health in Indian endurance athletes and to investigate the changes in their perception of sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance across the MC. Methods: Data on female Indian athletes (N = 96, age 22 [3] y) competing in 7 endurance sports at (inter)national and state level were collected using an online questionnaire. A Friedman rank sum test was used to assess changes in sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance across MC phases (ie, during, immediately after, and just before the bleeding phase). Results: Most of the athletes showed poor MC-related practices and suboptimal knowledge and communication about the MC. Despite no clear signs of serious health conditions, many athletes (63.5%) experienced irregular bleeding phases, particularly during periods with high exercise intensity or high training volume (54.4%). Perceived sleep quality, readiness to train, fitness, performance, and the quality of high-intensity and strength training changed significantly throughout the MC (P < .001), with a higher prevalence of a positive perception immediately after the bleeding phase. The perceived quality of low-intensity training did not change significantly throughout the MC (P = .244). Conclusions: Knowledge and communication about the MC were found to be poor in Indian endurance athletes, who reported that the MC significantly influenced their sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance.
Collapse
|
26
|
Holtzman B, H M O'Brien K, Reece LM, Ackerman KE. Menstrual Dysfunction and Athletic Performance in a Transgender Runner: A Case Study. Curr Sports Med Rep 2021; 20:588-590. [PMID: 34752432 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 16.5-year-old, distance runner, female gender-assigned at birth, who identifies as male, presented with menstrual dysfunction and impaired athletic performance. The cause of the menstrual dysfunction and decreased athletic performance was identified as inadequate energy availability, largely motivated by a desired avoidance of menstruation and further development of secondary sex characteristics. The patient achieved significant weight gain (4.75 kg) in the year after presentation and resumed normal menses. When evaluating and treating transgender athletes for menstrual dysfunction and inadequate energy availability, psychological motivators related to the complex interplay between gender identity, disordered eating, and athletic performance must be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura M Reece
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ravi S, Ihalainen JK, Taipale-Mikkonen RS, Kujala UM, Waller B, Mierlahti L, Lehto J, Valtonen M. Self-Reported Restrictive Eating, Eating Disorders, Menstrual Dysfunction, and Injuries in Athletes Competing at Different Levels and Sports. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093275. [PMID: 34579154 PMCID: PMC8470308 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported restrictive eating, current or past eating disorder, and menstrual dysfunction and their relationships with injuries. Furthermore, we aimed to compare these prevalences and associations between younger (aged 15–24) and older (aged 25–45) athletes, between elite and non-elite athletes, and between athletes competing in lean and non-lean sports. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire. Participants were 846 female athletes representing 67 different sports. Results showed that 25%, 18%, and 32% of the athletes reported restrictive eating, eating disorders, and menstrual dysfunction, respectively. Higher rates of lean sport athletes compared with non-lean sport athletes reported these symptoms, while no differences were found between elite and non-elite athletes. Younger athletes reported higher rates of menstrual dysfunction and lower lifetime prevalence of eating disorders. Both restrictive eating (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02–1.94) and eating disorders (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.31–2.73) were associated with injuries, while menstrual dysfunction was associated with more missed participation days compared with a regular menstrual cycle (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.05–3.07). Our findings indicate that eating disorder symptoms and menstrual dysfunction are common problems in athletes that should be managed properly as they are linked to injuries and missed training/competition days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ravi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-406707282
| | - Johanna K. Ihalainen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland;
| | - Ritva S. Taipale-Mikkonen
- Sports Technology Unit, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 88610 Vuokatti, Finland;
| | - Urho M. Kujala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland;
| | - Benjamin Waller
- Sport and Health Research Centre, Sports Science Department, School of Social Sciences, Physical Activity, Physical Education, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Laura Mierlahti
- Paavo Nurmi Centre & Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Johanna Lehto
- Research Institute for Olympic Sports, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; (J.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Maarit Valtonen
- Research Institute for Olympic Sports, 40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; (J.L.); (M.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Holtzman B, Ackerman KE. Recommendations and Nutritional Considerations for Female Athletes: Health and Performance. Sports Med 2021; 51:43-57. [PMID: 34515972 PMCID: PMC8566643 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Optimal nutrition is an important aspect of an athlete’s preparation to achieve optimal health and performance. While general concepts about micro- and macronutrients and timing of food and fluids are addressed in sports science, rarely are the specific effects of women’s physiology on energy and fluid needs highly considered in research or clinical practice. Women differ from men not only in size, but in body composition and hormonal milieu, and also differ from one another. Their monthly hormonal cycles, with fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, have varying effects on metabolism and fluid retention. Such cycles can change from month to month, can be suppressed with exogenous hormones, and may even be manipulated to capitalize on ideal timing for performance. But before such physiology can be manipulated, its relationship with nutrition and performance must be understood. This review will address general concepts regarding substrate metabolism in women versus men, common menstrual patterns of female athletes, nutrient and hydration needs during different phases of the menstrual cycle, and health and performance issues related to menstrual cycle disruption. We will discuss up-to-date recommendations for fueling female athletes, describe areas that require further exploration, and address methodological considerations to inform future work in this important area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Holtzman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Whitney KE, Holtzman B, Cook D, Bauer S, Maffazioli GDN, Parziale AL, Ackerman KE. Low energy availability and impact sport participation as risk factors for urinary incontinence in female athletes. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:290.e1-290.e7. [PMID: 33622629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a clinical syndrome that includes the many complex health and performance consequences of low energy availability (EA) in athletes, when there is insufficient caloric intake to meet exercise-related energy expenditure and to support basic physiologic functions. There is a high prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes and it is more common in female athletes than non-athletes. The objective of this study was to determine if low EA is associated with UI in a population of adolescent and young adult female athletes and to evaluate for an association between sport categories and UI. MATERIAL AND METHODS 1000 nulliparous female patients, ages 15-30 years, presenting to a sports medicine subspecialty clinic, provided informed consent/assent to participate in a cross-sectional study involving a comprehensive survey, anthropomorphic measurements, and medical record review. Low EA was defined as meeting ≥1 criterion: self-reported history of eating disorder/disordered eating (ED/DE), and/or a high score on the Brief Eating Disorder in Athletes Questionnaire (BEDA-Q), and/or a high score on the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP). UI was assessed using questions adapted from the International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), questions regarding timing of UI onset/duration, and a binary question regarding UI during sport activities. A total of 36 sport types were included in the survey and sub-divided into categories. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of the 1000 female athletes surveyed, 165 (16.5%) reported a history of experiencing UI during athletic activities. ICIQ- UI-SF responses indicated that 14% (137/1000) of the cohort experienced slight incontinence, 4% (35/1000) moderate incontinence, and 2 athletes experienced severe incontinence. There was a significant difference between UI categories in age (p = 0.01), low EA (p < 0.001), and sport category (p < 0.001). Females who had low EA had twice the likelihood (OR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.39 to 2.81; p < 0.001) of UI compared to those with adequate EA, controlling for sports category and menstrual dysfunction. Females who participated in high impact sports were 4.5 times more likely (OR = 4.47; 95% CI = 2.29 to 8.74; p < 0.001) to have had UI compared to females who participated in ball sports, controlling for EA and menstrual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS UI during athletic activities is a common problem among nulliparous adolescent and young adult female athletes, occurring in 16.5% of female athletes surveyed. UI was significantly associated with low EA across all sport categories. Sport type was significantly associated with UI, with the highest impact sport group demonstrating a higher prevalence and symptom severity compared to other sport categories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Whitney
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 319 Longwood Avenue, Ste 6, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Bryan Holtzman
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 319 Longwood Avenue, Ste 6, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Danielle Cook
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 319 Longwood Avenue, Ste 6, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Stuart Bauer
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Giovana D N Maffazioli
- Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital Das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua, Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil.
| | - Allyson L Parziale
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 319 Longwood Avenue, Ste 6, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing 525 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, 319 Longwood Avenue, Ste 6, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, 457B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Adolescent Sport Participation and Age at Menarche in Relation to Midlife Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, Fitness, and Physical Activity. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123797. [PMID: 33255351 PMCID: PMC7760316 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations of competitive sport participation in adolescence and age at menarche (AAM) with body composition, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), physical performance, and physical activity (PA) in middle-aged women. 1098 women aged 47–55 years formed the sample of this retrospective study. Participants self-reported their PA level at age 13–16 years and AAM. The protocol also included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical performance tests, and accelerometer-measured PA. Participants were divided into three groups according to their PA level at the age of 13–16 (no exercise, regular PA, and competitive sport) and according to their AAM (≤12, 13, and ≥14 years). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, participation in competitive sport at age 13–16 was associated with higher midlife lean mass and BMD, and better physical performance compared to groups with no exercise or regular PA. Individuals with AAM ≥ 14 years had lower midlife BMI and fat mass than participants in the other AAM groups and pre- and perimenopausal women with AAM ≥ 14 years had lower BMD than those with AAM ≤ 12. The findings indicate that participation in competitive sport in adolescence is associated with healthier body composition, higher BMD, and better physical performance in midlife, but BMD might be impaired if menarche occurs late.
Collapse
|
31
|
Bruinvels G, Goldsmith E, Blagrove R, Simpkin A, Lewis N, Morton K, Suppiah A, Rogers JP, Ackerman KE, Newell J, Pedlar C. Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with availability to train and compete: a study of 6812 exercising women recruited using the Strava exercise app. Br J Sports Med 2020; 55:438-443. [PMID: 33199360 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The menstrual cycle can affect sports participation and exercise performance. There are very few data on specific menstrual cycle symptoms (symptoms during various phases of the cycle, not only during menstruation) experienced by exercising women. We aimed to characterise the most common symptoms, as well as the number and frequency of symptoms, and evaluate whether menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with sporting outcomes. METHODS 6812 adult women of reproductive age (mean age: 38.3 (8.7) years) who were not using combined hormonal contraception were recruited via the Strava exercise app user database and completed a 39-part survey. Respondents were from seven geographical areas, and the questions were translated and localised to each region (Brazil, n=892; France, n=1355; Germany, n=839; Spain, n=834; UK and Ireland, n=1350; and USA, n=1542). The survey captured exercise behaviours, current menstrual status, presence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms, medication use for symptoms, perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise and work behaviours, and history of hormonal contraception use. We propose a novel Menstrual Symptom index (MSi) based on the presence and frequency of 18 commonly reported symptoms (range 0-54, where 54 would correspond to all 18 symptoms each occurring very frequently). RESULTS The most prevalent menstrual cycle symptoms were mood changes/anxiety (90.6%), tiredness/fatigue (86.2%), stomach cramps (84.2%) and breast pain/tenderness (83.1%). After controlling for body mass index, training volume and age, the MSi was associated with a greater likelihood of missing or changing training (OR=1.09 (CI 1.08 to 1.10); p≤0.05), missing a sporting event/competition (OR=1.07 (CI 1.06 to 1.08); p≤0.05), absenteeism from work/academia (OR=1.08 (CI 1.07 to 1.09); p≤0.05) and use of pain medication (OR=1.09 (CI 1.08 to 1.09); p≤0.05). CONCLUSION Menstrual cycle symptoms are very common in exercising women, and women report that these symptoms compromise their exercise participation and work capacity. The MSi needs to be formally validated (psychometrics); at present, it provides an easy way to quantify the frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Bruinvels
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, Twickenham, London, UK
- Orreco, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Richard Blagrove
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Andrew Simpkin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nathan Lewis
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, Twickenham, London, UK
- Orreco, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Ara Suppiah
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - John P Rogers
- Sports Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
- Manchester Institute of High Performance, Manchester, UK
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Newell
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Charles Pedlar
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, Twickenham, London, UK
- Orreco, Galway, Ireland
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Blom AA, Schats R, Hoogland MLP, Waters-Rist A. Coming of age in the Netherlands: An osteological assessment of puberty in a rural Dutch post-medieval community. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:463-478. [PMID: 33105032 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to apply pubertal stage estimation methods to a sample from a rural community: the post-medieval Dutch skeletal collection from Middenbeemster. Puberty is a key developmental period involving transition to physical adulthood with broad societal relevance through its impact on fertility, morbidity, and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Individuals (n = 55), including 27 of known sex and age-at-death, between the ages of 8 and 25 years were assessed for six skeletal markers indicative of pubertal growth spurt. Recent novel osteoarchaeological methods from Shapland and Lewis are used to reconstruct the timing and duration of pubertal stages. RESULTS Pubertal acceleration occurred earlier in females (10.38 years, n = 8) than males (13.30 years, n = 6), whereas maturation occurred later in males (21.36 years, n = 11) than females (19.30 years, n = 5). Onset appears earlier and completion later compared to other archaeological skeletal samples with osteoarchaeological evidence of puberty. Age shortly after menarche was reconstructed at 20.45 years, substantially later than historic records and bioarchaeological research reports suggest. CONCLUSION This early onset and late completion caused a "stretch" of the overall duration of puberty compared to other collections, especially of the last three stages. This prolonged development is reflected in historically known social expectations for the Netherlands, for example, that marriage and children should not occur before about 22-23 years of age. Increasing the range of past peoples with puberty stage reconstruction will permit more insightful interpretations of the biological and cultural patterns of this important life stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alette Anne Blom
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Schats
- Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Menno L P Hoogland
- Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Waters-Rist
- Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Anthropology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Solli GS, Sandbakk SB, Noordhof DA, Ihalainen JK, Sandbakk Ø. Changes in Self-Reported Physical Fitness, Performance, and Side Effects Across the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Among Competitive Endurance Athletes. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020; 15:1324-1333. [PMID: 32957079 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate changes in self-reported physical fitness, performance, and side effects across the menstrual cycle (MC) phases among competitive endurance athletes and to describe their knowledge and communication with coaches about the MC. METHODS The responses of 140 participants (older than 18 y) competing in biathlon or cross-country skiing at the (inter)national level were analyzed. Data were collected via an online questionnaire addressing participants' competitive level, training volume, MC history, physical fitness, and performance during the MC, MC-related side effects, and knowledge and communication with coaches about the MC and its effects on training and performance. RESULTS About 50% and 71% of participants reported improved and reduced fitness, respectively, during specific MC phases, while 42% and 49% reported improved and reduced performance, respectively. Most athletes reported their worst fitness (47%) and performance (30%) and the highest number of side effects during bleeding (P < .01; compared with all other phases). The phase following bleeding was considered the best phase for perceived fitness (24%, P < .01) and performance (18%, P < .01). Only 8% of participants reported having sufficient knowledge about the MC in relation to training, and 27% of participants communicated about it with their coach. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of athletes perceived distinct changes in fitness, performance, and side effects across the MC phases, with their worst perceived fitness and performance during the bleeding phase. Because most athletes indicate a lack of knowledge about the MC's effect on training and performance and few communicate with coaches on the topic, the authors recommend that more time be devoted to educating athletes and coaches.
Collapse
|
34
|
Ravi S, Waller B, Valtonen M, Villberg J, Vasankari T, Parkkari J, Heinonen OJ, Alanko L, Savonen K, Vanhala M, Selänne H, Kokko S, Kujala UM. Menstrual dysfunction and body weight dissatisfaction among Finnish young athletes and non-athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:405-417. [PMID: 32979879 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of menstrual dysfunction (MD; ie, oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea) and attitudes toward body weight among athletes and non-athletes, we studied a cohort of athletes and non-athletes, in adolescence (14-16 years) and subsequently in young adulthood (18-20 years). We further studied the differences between athletes reporting MD and eumenorrheic athletes at both time periods and identified physical and behavioral characteristics that might predict MD in young adulthood. Data were collected using questionnaires, accelerometers, and a pre-participation screening. In adolescence, the athletes reported current primary amenorrhea more often than the non-athletes (4.7% vs 0%, P = .03). In young adulthood, athletes reported MD more frequently than non-athletes (38.7% vs 5.6%, P < .001). Athletes had less desire than non-athletes to lose weight at both time points, and in adolescence, athletes were more satisfied with their weight. However, about one fifth of the athletes and about 40% of the non-athletes experienced body weight dissatisfaction at both time points. In adolescence, athletes reporting MD had lower BMI than eumenorrheic athletes. In young adulthood, athletes with MD were more physically active than eumenorrheic athletes. The only longitudinal predictor of MD in young adulthood was MD in adolescence. Our findings indicate that MD is relatively frequent among young Finnish athletes. However, athletes appear to have a smaller tendency to experience body weight dissatisfaction than their non-athletic peers. MD seems to track from adolescence to adulthood, suggesting that there is a need to focus on possible causes at the earliest feasible phase of an athlete's career.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Ravi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Benjamin Waller
- Sports Science Department, School of Social Sciences, Physical Activity, Physical Education, Sport and Health Research Centre, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Jari Villberg
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tommi Vasankari
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli J Heinonen
- Paavo Nurmi Centre &Unit for Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Alanko
- Sports Medicine Clinic, Foundation for Sports and Exercise Clinic, Helsinki, Finland.,Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kai Savonen
- Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marja Vanhala
- Department of Sports and Exercise Clinic, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr, Oulu, Finland.,Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and University Hospital of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Harri Selänne
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sami Kokko
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Urho M Kujala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hormonal Contraceptive Use, Menstrual Dysfunctions, and Self-Reported Side Effects in Elite Athletes in Denmark. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2020; 15:1377-1384. [PMID: 32957078 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of hormonal contraceptive (HC) use, menstrual cycle disturbances, and self-perceived physical and emotional symptoms related to the menstrual cycle/pill cycle in elite female athletes. METHODS One hundred eighty-six Danish elite female athletes completed an online questionnaire to assess menstrual status and history, use of HCs, and self-perceived physical and emotional symptoms related to the menstrual cycle or HC use. RESULTS Fifty-seven percent of elite female athletes in Denmark use HC, with 74% using combined HCs and 26% using progestin only. Sixty percent of oral contraceptive users reported having manipulated their menstrual cycle by continuous oral contraceptive use. Forty-nine percent of non-HC users had a regular menstrual cycle, while 51% experienced menstrual disturbances, with 1 athlete being primary amenorrheic and 13 athletes having secondary amenorrhea. Menstrual disturbances were experienced by a larger proportion of endurance athletes (69%) compared with athletes performing power and technical disciplines. In endurance athletes amenorrhea was associated with a higher cardiovascular training volume (P < .001). Negative symptoms related to the menstrual/pill cycle were reported by both HC and non-HC users, whereas positive physical symptoms were experienced more often among the non-HC (14%) versus HC users (2%) (P < .01). Notably, 13% of the athletes reported that negative symptoms sometimes/always caused them to not participate in or complete the scheduled training. CONCLUSION HC use is common among elite athletes, and continuation of HC is used to manipulate the menstrual cycle in relation to sport competitions. HC use does not abolish dysmenorrhea, but it may reduce emotional-related side effects. Menstrual disturbances are frequent in endurance athletes and are associated with cardiovascular training volume.
Collapse
|
36
|
Dalgaard LB, Jørgensen EB, Oxfeldt M, Dalgaard EB, Johansen FT, Karlsson M, Ringgaard S, Hansen M. Influence of Second Generation Oral Contraceptive Use on Adaptations to Resistance Training in Young Untrained Women. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 36:1801-1809. [PMID: 32694286 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dalgaard, LB, Jørgensen, EB, Oxfeldt, M, Dalgaard, EB, Johansen, FT, Karlsson, M, Ringgaard, S, and Hansen, M. Influence of second generation oral contraceptive use on adaptations to resistance training in young untrained women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The study purpose was to determine effects of using second generation oral contraceptives (OC) on muscle adaptations to resistance training in young untrained women. Twenty users and 18 nonusers of OC completed a 10-week supervised progressive resistance training program. Before and after the intervention, muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the quadriceps was measured using magnetic resonance imaging and muscle fiber CSA (fCSA) was determined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, body composition (DXA, fat mass/fat-free mass), maximal isometric muscle strength (dynamometry), 5 repetition maximum (5RM) leg press strength, counter movement jump (CMJ) height, and average power using a modified Wingate test were determined. Serum hormone analysis ensured OC compliance and 4-day food records documented dietary intake. After the training period, quadriceps mCSA (OC: 11.0 ± 6.0% vs. non-OC: 9.2 ± 5.0%, p = 0.001), type II fCSA (OC: 19.9 ± 7.9% vs. non-OC: 16.6 ± 7.2%, p = 0.05), muscle strength (knee extension, knee flexion and 5RM, p < 0.001), and functional power (CMJ, AP, p < 0.001) were significantly increased with no significant difference between the groups. However, a tendency toward a greater increase in fat-free mass (FFM) in the OC group was observed (OC: 3.7 ± 3.8% vs. non-OC: 2.7 ± 3.5%, p = 0.08). Collectively, use of second generation OCs in young untrained women did not significantly improve adaptations to 10 weeks of resistance training compared with nonusers. The trend toward greater gains in FFM in the OC group warrant future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Line B Dalgaard
- 1Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; 2Department of Clinical Medicine, Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark; 3Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; and 4The MR Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mena GP, Mielke GI, Brown WJ. The effect of physical activity on reproductive health outcomes in young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:541-563. [PMID: 31304974 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of increasing rates of overweight and obesity in young adult women, and the increasing numbers of women seeking help for fertility problems, it is important to understand whether physical activity (PA) could help with management of reproductive health problems, with or without weight loss. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of PA on selected reproductive health outcomes in young adult women, in order to inform best practice advice for women in terms of promoting fertility and reproductive health in young adulthood. SEARCH METHODS An electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Cochrane was performed for studies published between January 2000 and May 2018. Keywords and Medical Subject Headings terms related to PA, reproductive health, and weight gain were used. Studies were selected if they were intervention studies, if PA was delivered as part of an intervention to pre-menopausal women, and if any reproductive health outcome was reported. Quality analysis was performed using the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise. OUTCOMES Eighteen studies, with a mix of four types of study design (4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 11 randomized comparison trials, 2 non-randomized comparison trials, and 1 single-arm clinical trial), were identified. Comparisons included fertility treatment (four studies) and common treatments for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms (nine studies). Pooled analysis of data from three of the four studies with a control group showed higher pregnancy [risk ratio (RR) 2.10, 95% CI (1.32, 3.35); three studies] and live birth [RR 2.11, 95% CI (1.02, 4.39); two studies] rates in the intervention groups compared with non-therapy controls. Aggregated data from the fertility treatment comparative studies (i.e. those that compared PA with standard fertility treatment such as clomiphene, gonadotrophins, and/or IVF) showed no significant intervention differences: RR 1.46, 95% CI (0.87, 2.45) for clinical pregnancy (four studies) and RR 1.09, 95% CI (0.56, 2.12) for live births (two studies). Pooled analysis from the comparison trials that used pharmaceutical or dietary treatment for PCOS as comparison showed higher pregnancy rates [RR 1.59, 95% CI (1.06, 2.38); five studies] and live birth rates [RR 2.45, 95% CI (1.24, 4.83); two observations] in the PA intervention groups than in the comparison groups. Analysis of other outcomes, such as ovulation rates, menstrual regularity, and conception rates, showed no differences between the PA intervention and comparison groups. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is emerging evidence from RCT that PA may improve pregnancy rates in women with reproductive health problems. Comparative studies indicate that PA intervention may be as effective as other commonly used clinical intervention strategies for improving reproductive health outcomes. While the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of optimal PA intervention, and the role of PA independent of weight loss, remain unclear, these preliminary findings suggest that PA may be an affordable and feasible alternative or complementary therapy to fertility treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela P Mena
- Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregore I Mielke
- Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Wendy J Brown
- Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Characterizing the resting metabolic rate ratio in ovulatory exercising women over 12 months. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1337-1347. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
39
|
Resistance Training and Skeletal Muscle Protein Metabolism in Eumenorrheic Females: Implications for Researchers and Practitioners. Sports Med 2020; 49:1637-1650. [PMID: 31190324 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Resistance training is essential for health and performance and confers many benefits such as increasing skeletal muscle mass, increasing strength and power output, and improving metabolic health. Resistance training is a major component of the physical activity guidelines, yet research in female populations is limited. Recent increases in the promotion of, and the participation by, females in sport and exercise, highlight the need for an increase in understanding of evidence-based best practice exercise prescription for females. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current research regarding resistance training performance and skeletal muscle adaptation in females, with a focus on the hormonal variables that may influence resistance training outcomes. Findings suggest that the menstrual cycle phase may impact strength, but not skeletal muscle protein metabolism. In comparison, oral contraception use in females may reduce skeletal muscle protein synthesis, but not strength outcomes, when compared to non-users. Future research should investigate the role of resistance training in the maintenance of skeletal muscle protein metabolism during pregnancy, menopause and in athletes experiencing relative energy deficiency in sport. The review concludes with recommendations for researchers to assist them in the inclusion of female participants in resistance training research specifically, with commentary on the most appropriate methods of controlling for, or understanding the implications of, hormonal fluctuations. For practitioners, the current evidence suggests possible resistance training practices that could optimise performance outcomes in females, although further research is warranted.
Collapse
|
40
|
Case Study: Resumption of Eumenorrhea in Parallel With High Training Load After 4 Years of Menstrual Dysfunction: A 5-Year Follow-Up of an Elite Female Cyclist. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2020; 30:229–234. [DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The female athlete triad is a condition where low energy availability is typically observed together with menstrual dysfunction and/or low bone mineral density. How this condition affects maximal work capacity in endurance athletes is not clear, and the recovery time course of menses with increased energy availability with concomitant high training load is unknown. This case study of an amenorrheic elite road cyclist reports resumption of normal menstrual function after weight gain during a 5-year period (2014–2019), while engaged in high training load and competition. The athlete ( 3.54 L/min, 64 ml·min−1·kg−1, aerobic peak power output 300 W, 5.4 W/kg) reported amenorrhea (2013–2015) and oligomenorrhea (2015–2018). Training load increased from 2014 to 2019 (584–818 hr/year and 26,707–41,945 training stress score/year). Regular menses (every 23–35 days) resumed in June 2018, ∼5–6 months after a weight gain episode. During the period of menstrual dysfunction, body mass was 51.3 ± 2.25 kg (mean ± 95% confidence limit) and fat percentage was 19% (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 2016), and after weight gain, body mass was 56.8 ± 2.63 kg and fat percentage was 25% (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 2019). Crank-based power meter data showed absolute mean maximal power (in watts) improvement over the 5 s to 4 hr range through the 2014–2019 period, while relative mean maximal power (in watts per kilogram) likely peaked in the 2015–2016 season for 5 min, 20 min, and 30 min, but remained mostly unchanged across seasons. Results suggest that (a) the best relative power output associated with aerobic capacity (5 min to 1 hr) can be achieved during menstrual dysfunction, (b) high performance achieved despite an increase in body mass, and (c) resumption of menses is achievable while maintaining high training loads when coupled with high energy availability.
Collapse
|
41
|
Nose-Ogura S, Yoshino O, Kanatani M, Dohi M, Tabei K, Harada M, Hiraike O, Kawahara T, Osuga Y, Fujii T. Effect of transdermal estradiol therapy on bone mineral density of amenorrheic female athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1379-1386. [PMID: 32285553 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of transdermal estradiol treatment (HT) in amenorrheic athletes (AA) with low body weight (BW) and low bone mineral density (BMD) are unknown. PURPOSE To investigate whether HT increases BMD in AA with low BW and to compare the results with levels in AA who have recovered spontaneous menstruation (SM). METHODS Female athletes (n = 151) were recruited at the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences and the University of Tokyo. All participants were divided into four groups: an AA group (untreated group) (n = 36), a HT group (n = 55), a SM group (n = 21), and an eumenorrheic athletes (EA) group (n = 39). Height, body weight, blood tests, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured at baseline and after 12 months. The HT group was treated daily for 12 months with transdermal estrogen therapy. In addition, participants received oral progestin for 7 days once every 3 months. RESULTS After 12 months, BMD in the AA group was significantly lower than at baseline; however, BMD in the other three groups was significantly higher than at baseline. The ratio of the change in BMD values before and after 12 months was -1.6 ± 3.2% for the AA group, 5.3 ± 8.7% for the HT group, 11.1 ± 8.9% for the SM group, and 2.3 ± 5.7% for the EA group. The rate of change in BMD values in the SM group was greater than that in the HT group. CONCLUSION HT increased BMD in AA with low BW, and the increase in those with SM was greater than that in those treated with HT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Nose-Ogura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Sports Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mayuko Kanatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiko Dohi
- Sports Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Tabei
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kawahara
- Sports Medical Center, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prevalence and Anatomical Distribution of Bone Stress Injuries in the Elite Para Athlete. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 98:1036-1040. [PMID: 31369404 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bone stress injury is a common overuse injury in athletes. Risk factors for bone stress injury in athletes include the female athlete triad (triad); this has not been evaluated in para athletes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors, prevalence, and anatomical distribution of bone stress injury in para athletes. A cross-sectional online survey on health characteristics and previous fractures including bone stress injury was completed by para athletes training for the 2016 or 2018 Paralympic Games. Two hundred sixty para athletes completed the survey (659 invited, response rate = 40%). Half reported previous fracture, and bone stress injury was reported in 9.2% of all athletes. Twenty-four athletes (11 men and 13 women) sustained one or more bone stress injury, including 13 athletes with two bone stress injuries. No risk factors of the triad, disability type, or duration of disability were associated with bone stress injury. Injuries were most common in the metatarsals (n = 8) and hand/wrist (n = 7). In an elite para athlete population, locations for bone stress injury included both the upper and lower limbs. Clinically, para athletes presenting with pain localized to bone require further workup to evaluate for bone stress injury particularly for pain in both upper and lower limbs. Further research is required to identify risk factors for bone stress injury in para athletes.
Collapse
|
43
|
Practice does not make perfect: A brief view of athletes' knowledge on the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 23:690-694. [PMID: 32089432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the knowledge of Australian elite female athletes surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. DESIGN Cross sectional survey. METHODS Australian female athletes (n=189) representing their state and/or country in their respective sport completed a questionnaire comprising questions (multiple choice and short answer) relating to the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives. A knowledge 'score' was calculated by allocating one point for each correct answer; the highest knowledge score that could be achieved was 14. Linear regression analysis was used to identify variables that were independently associated with menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive knowledge. RESULTS Almost half (47.1 %) of the athletes surveyed were currently using hormonal contraception, the majority (75.3 %) of which used an oral contraceptive pill. Nevertheless, the mean knowledge score achieved by athletes on the questionnaire was 5.03±3.06, with only 8.5 % of athletes achieving a knowledge score of 10 or above. Hormonal contraceptive use and 'identifying as an individual athlete' were two factors that were significantly associated with overall knowledge score (p≤0.004), with current hormonal contraceptive users and individual athletes scoring 1.79 and 1.66 points on average higher than non-users and team sport athletes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that knowledge surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives was low in most elite athletes. Further education is warranted to enable athletes to make informed decisions regarding hormonal contraception, and any educational interventions should be implemented across all athlete groups.
Collapse
|
44
|
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kraus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (E.K.) and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics (L.K.B. and M.G.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Drive for Thinness Predicts Musculoskeletal Injuries in Division II NCAA Female Athletes. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2019; 4:jfmk4030052. [PMID: 33467367 PMCID: PMC7739236 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk4030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The female athlete triad is the interrelation of low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Previously, the components of the female athlete triad have been linked to bone stress injuries. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between drive for thinness, a proxy indicator of low energy availability, and musculoskeletal injuries. Fifty-seven female athletes, from an NCAA Division II college, were followed throughout their respective sport season for musculoskeletal injuries. Women were grouped based on a median split of the drive for thinness score (high drive for thinness (DT) vs. low DT). At the end of each sport season, injury data were compiled using an electronic medical record database. Forty-seven of the 57 women (82%) incurred 90 musculoskeletal injuries. The most prevalent injuries included: Low back pain/spasm/strain (n = 12), followed by shin splints/medial tibial stress syndrome (n = 9), general knee pain (n = 7), quadriceps strain (n = 6), and knee sprain (anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament sprains; n = 5). The number of in-season injuries in the High DT group (2.0 ± 0.3) was significantly higher than the Low DT group (1.2 ± 0.2, p = 0.026). A high drive for thinness is associated with an increased number of injuries during the competitive season.
Collapse
|
46
|
Calthorpe L, Brage S, Ong KK. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between childhood physical activity and age at menarche. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1008-1015. [PMID: 30588652 PMCID: PMC6563453 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM To systematically appraise and summarise published evidence on the association between childhood physical activity (PA) and subsequent age at menarche (AAM). METHODS We searched PubMed (1990-2018) for studies that reported the relationship between childhood PA and AAM. We performed tabular synthesis of population-based studies and a random-effects meta-analysis of results of athlete/nonathlete studies. RESULTS One randomised controlled trial was identified, in which an intervention to prevent obesity reduced the likelihood of menarche during the two-year study period (relative risk: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66-0.87; n = 422 girls). One of five prospective cohort studies (total n = 4492) reported a significant association between self-reported PA duration and subsequent menarche timing. Four of five historical cohort studies (total n = 89 470) reported significant associations between recalled premenarcheal PA and later AAM. Meta-analysis across 12 athlete/nonathlete studies showed that menarche occurred 1.13 years later (95% CI: 0.80-1.47) in athletes compared to nonathletes. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that AAM is a behaviourally modifiable trait. However, the quality of reported population-based study evidence is low and estimation of the true relationship between childhood PA and AAM is likely confounded by concomitant changes in diet and lifestyle behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Calthorpe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- School of Medicine University of California at San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Soren Brage
- MRC Epidemiology Unit Institute of Metabolic Science University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Ken K. Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit Institute of Metabolic Science University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Department of Paediatrics University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nutritional Intake in Elite Cross-Country Skiers During Two Days of Training and Competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019; 29:273-281. [DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
48
|
Holtzman B, Ackerman KE. Measurement, Determinants, and Implications of Energy Intake in Athletes. Nutrients 2019; 11:E665. [PMID: 30893893 PMCID: PMC6472042 DOI: 10.3390/nu11030665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate energy intake is important for the health and performance of athletes. When an athlete's energy intake is not concordant with energy expenditure, short- and long-term performance can be compromised and negative health effects may arise. The energy intake patterns of athletes are subject to numerous effectors, including exercise response, time, and availability of food. To assess different determinants of energy intake in athletes, we reviewed recent literature regarding the response of appetite-regulating hormones to exercise, appetite perceptions following exercise, chronic exercise-induced adaptations regarding appetite, and social factors regarding energy intake. Additionally, we discussed consequences of aberrant energy intake. The purpose of this review is to clarify understanding about energy intake in athletes and provide insights into methods toward maintaining proper energy intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Holtzman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine and Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine and Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sawai A, Mathis BJ, Natsui H, Zaboronok A, Mitsuhashi R, Warashina Y, Mesaki N, Shiraki H, Watanabe K. Risk of female athlete triad development in Japanese collegiate athletes is related to sport type and competitive level. Int J Womens Health 2018; 10:671-687. [PMID: 30464644 PMCID: PMC6214308 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s175446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Menstrual dysfunction, musculoskeletal injury, and poor nutrition combine to form the female athlete triad (FAT), which results in serious health consequences for affected athletes. To this point, the risk factors of this phenomenon have not been fully explored in Japanese female college athletes. Additionally, the effect of competitive level on FAT risk factors has also not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to examine FAT risk factors in Japanese female athletes of various sports as well as examine the impact of competitive level on FAT. Methods A Japanese-language survey was completed by 531 athletes and 20 nonathletes at two Japanese universities and answers with regard to menstrual status, musculoskeletal injury, nutrition, and other variables were analyzed based on classification of the sports into nine distinct groups based on activity type. Sport intensity, training volume, and competitive levels were used to further classify each sport. One-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test using SPSS were carried out to analyze significance for relationships between sport intensity and FAT risk factors. Additionally, the relationship between competitive level and FAT risk factors was analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results Sport intensity was positively correlated with a delay in menarche as well as dysmenorrhea and poor nutrition while musculoskeletal injury was correlated with repetitive, high-training volume sports. Lower competitive levels increased dysmenorrhea but did not impact injury status or nutrition. Conclusion Sport intensity and training volume, but not competitive level, are the critical factors affecting FAT risk in Japanese female college athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Sawai
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Bryan J Mathis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Natsui
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Japan Women's College of Physical Education, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Risa Mitsuhashi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuki Warashina
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan,
| | - Noboru Mesaki
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan,
| | - Hitoshi Shiraki
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan,
| | - Koichi Watanabe
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan,
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Prevalence of Indicators of Low Energy Availability in Elite Female Sprinters. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2018; 28:490-496. [PMID: 29757049 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Low energy availability (LEA), and subsequent relative energy deficiency in sport, has been observed in endurance, aesthetic, and team sport athletes, with limited data on prevalence in athletes in short-burst activities such as sprinting. We examined prevalence of signs and symptoms of LEA in elite female sprinters at the start of the training season (PRE), and at the end of a 5-month indoor training period (POST). Four of 13 female sprinters (31%) presented at PRE testing with at least one primary (amenorrhea, low bone mineral density, low follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or estradiol, resting metabolic rate ≤29 kcal/kg fat-free mass, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score ≥8) and one secondary indicator of LEA (fasting blood glucose <4 mmol/L, free triiodothyronine <3.5 pmol/L, ferritin <25 μg/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3.0 mmol/L, fasting insulin <20 pmol/L, low insulin-like growth factor-1, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg). At POST, seven out of 13 athletes (54%) presented with at least one primary and one secondary indicator of LEA, three of whom had also presented with indicators of LEA at PRE. Five out of 13 (39%) athletes had previous stress fracture history, though this was not associated with current indicators of LEA (PRE: r = .52, p = .07; POST: r = -.07, p = .82). In conclusion, elite female sprinters may present with signs and symptoms of LEA, even after off-season rest. Medical and coaching staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of LEA and relative energy deficiency in sport and should include appropriate screening and intervention strategies when working with sprinters.
Collapse
|