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Kenger EB, Karahan TO. Body Appreciation is Associated with Emotional Eating in Turkish Female Athletes. Int J Sports Med 2024. [PMID: 38885661 DOI: 10.1055/a-2328-3921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
It is known that female athletes are at risk for eating disorders. It is thought that factors such as pressure and stress experienced by professional athletes may affect emotional eating and body appreciation. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional eating and body appreciation of professional Turkish female athletes. A total of 265 professional female athletes were categorized according to their sport types and nationality. Emotional eating was found to be higher and body appreciation to be lower in athletes competing at the national level. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis, which included variables such as age, body mass index, professional sports background, national level, and sport type show that the most effective factor in explaining emotional eating in professional female athletes is body appreciation. The present study findings support that professional female athletes are at risk in terms of emotional eating and body appreciation. In addition, emotional eating scores were found to be higher and body appreciation scores were lower in national athletes. Psychological factors such as intense stress and pressure have an impact on the eating behavior and body appreciation of national athletes. These results suggest that athletes should be evaluated by nutritionists, doctors, and psychologists from a multidisciplinary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Batuhan Kenger
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Bilgi Universitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugce Ozlu Karahan
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Bilgi Universitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ghazzawi HA, Nimer LS, Haddad AJ, Alhaj OA, Amawi AT, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trabelsi K, Seeman MV, Jahrami H. A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of the prevalence of self-reported disordered eating and associated factors among athletes worldwide. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:24. [PMID: 38326925 PMCID: PMC10851573 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00982-5] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled prevalence estimate of self-reported disordered eating (SRDE) in athletes based on the available literature, and to identify risk factors for their occurrence. METHODS Across ten academic databases, an electronic search was conducted from inception to 7th January 2024. The proportion of athletes scoring at or above predetermined cutoffs on validated self-reporting screening measures was used to identify disordered eating (DE). Subgroup analysis per country, per culture, and per research measure were also conducted. Age, body mass index (BMI), and sex were considered as associated/correlated factors. RESULTS The mean prevalence of SRDE among 70,957 athletes in 177 studies (132 publications) was 19.23% (17.04%; 21.62%), I2 = 97.4%, τ2 = 0.8990, Cochran's Q p value = 0. Australia had the highest percentage of SRDE athletes with a mean of 57.1% (36.0%-75.8%), while Iceland had the lowest, with a mean of 4.9% (1.2%-17.7%). The SRDE prevalence in Eastern countries was higher than in Western countries with 29.1% versus 18.5%. Anaerobic sports had almost double the prevalence of SRDE 37.9% (27.0%-50.2%) compared to aerobic sports 19.6% (15.2%-25%). Gymnastics sports had the highest SRDE prevalence rate, with 41.5% (30.4%-53.6%) while outdoor sports showed the lowest at 15.4% (11.6%-20.2%). Among various tools used to assess SRDE, the three-factor eating questionnaire yielded the highest SRDE rate 73.0% (60.1%-82.8%). Meta-regression analyses showed that female sex, older age, and higher BMI (all p < 0.01) are associated with higher prevalence rates of SRDE. CONCLUSION The outcome of this review suggests that factors specific to the sport affect eating behaviors throughout an athlete's life. As a result, one in five athletes run the risk of developing an eating disorder. Culture-specific and sport-specific diagnostic tools need to be developed and increased attention paid to nutritional deficiencies in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel A Ghazzawi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Lana S Nimer
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Areen Jamal Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar A Alhaj
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Adam T Amawi
- Department of Exercise Science and Kinesiology, School of Sport Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Seithikurippu R Pandi-Perumal
- Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, University of Sfax, EM2S, LR19JS013000, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mary V Seeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain.
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.
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Kaufman M, Nguyen C, Shetty M, Oppezzo M, Barrack M, Fredericson M. Popular Dietary Trends' Impact on Athletic Performance: A Critical Analysis Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3511. [PMID: 37630702 PMCID: PMC10460072 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition fuels optimal performance for athletes. With increased research developments, numerous diets available, and publicity from professional athletes, a review of dietary patterns impact on athletic performance is warranted. RESULTS The Mediterranean diet is a low inflammatory diet linked to improved power and muscle endurance and body composition. Ketogenic diets are restrictive of carbohydrates and proteins. Though both show no decrements in weight loss, ketogenic diets, which is a more restrictive form of low-carbohydrate diets, can be more difficult to follow. High-protein and protein-paced versions of low-carbohydrate diets have also shown to benefit athletic performance. Plant-based diets have many variations. Vegans are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies and decreased leucine content, and therefore, decreased muscle protein synthesis. However, the literature has not shown decreases in performance compared to omnivores. Intermittent fasting has many different versions, which may not suit those with comorbidities or specific needs as well as lead to decreases in sprint speed and worsening time to exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS This paper critically evaluates the research on diets in relation to athletic performance and details some of the potential risks that should be monitored. No one diet is universally recommend for athletes; however, this article provides the information for athletes to analyze, in conjunction with medical professional counsel, their own diet and consider sustainable changes that can help achieve performance and body habitus goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kaufman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Chantal Nguyen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Maya Shetty
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Marily Oppezzo
- Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
| | - Michelle Barrack
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA
| | - Michael Fredericson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA
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Borowiec J, Banio-Krajnik A, Malchrowicz-Mośko E, Kantanista A. Eating disorder risk in adolescent and adult female athletes: the role of body satisfaction, sport type, BMI, level of competition, and training background. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:91. [PMID: 37491299 PMCID: PMC10369723 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders negatively influence athletes' health and performance. To achieve a high level of performance and conform to cultural expectations regarding an athletic body type, female athletes often restrict their diets, which can lead to eating disorders. In addition to factors related to the sports environment, adolescent athletes are subject to changes caused by the maturation process. Therefore, the same factors may have different effects on eating disorder risk among adolescent and adult athletes. This study examined the relationship between eating disorder risk, specific aspects of the sports environment (sport type, level of competition [national and international], and training background), and individual aspects (body satisfaction and body mass index) in two groups of athletes: adolescents and adults. METHODS The sample included 241 highly trained female athletes aged 12-30 years (M = 20.68, SD = 4.45) recruited from different sports clubs in Poland. The subgroup of adolescents consisted of 82 athletes, while the number of adult athletes was 159. The Eating Attitudes Test questionnaire was used to assess the eating disorder risk among the athletes. Body satisfaction was measured using the Feelings and Attitudes Toward Body Scale incorporated into the Body Investment Scale. RESULTS Eating disorder risk was prevalent among 14.6% of the adolescent and 6.9% of the adult athletes. Significant associations between eating disorder risk and the studied variables were noted only among adolescent athletes. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of eating disorder risk was associated with participation in lean non-aesthetic sports (OR = 11.50, 95% CI: 3.58-37.09). Moreover, eating disorder risk was associated with athletes' lower body satisfaction (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70-0.92). Body mass index was not included in the final regression model. CONCLUSIONS The study indicated that eating disorder risk in adolescent female athletes was related to sport type and body satisfaction. The findings showed that, in adolescent athletes, eating disorder risk was the most associated with practicing lean non-aesthetic sports. Coaches and athletes should be aware that eating disorder risk increases among individuals with a lower body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Borowiec
- Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, Poznań, 61-871, Poland.
| | - Adrianna Banio-Krajnik
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Szczecin, 70-453, Szczecin, Al. Papieża Jana Pawła II 22a, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko
- Department of Sport Tourism, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, Poznań, 61-871, Poland
| | - Adam Kantanista
- Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports, Poznan University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, Poznań, 61-871, Poland
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Marzuki MIH, Mohamad MI, Chai WJ, Farah NMF, Safii NS, Jasme JK, Jamil NA. Prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) among National Athletes in Malaysia. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071697. [PMID: 37049534 PMCID: PMC10096906 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), which underpins the concept of low energy availability (LEA), can negatively affect athletes’ health and performance. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of RED-S among national athletes in Malaysia. A total of 192 national athletes (97 males, 18–39 years old) responded to an online survey regarding the RED-S risk. Most athletes (67.2%) were classified as having a medium/high RED-S risk. Female (41.2%), weight-class (23.9%), and intermittent sports (20.3%) had the highest prevalence of medium/high RED-S risk. Overall, most athletes spent 2–5 h daily (55.2%) and 6–7 days weekly (53.6%) practicing or playing their sport, and 47.9% reported feeling tired recently. The athletes were also terrified of being overweight (61.5%), worried about what they eat (64.7%), concerned about having fat on their bodies (62.6%), and thinking about burning calories while exercising (69.3%). Only 16.7% of the athletes had a prior history of stress fractures, and 40.6% continued to participate in activities 6–7 days per week while injured. The majority of female athletes (88.3%) had regular menstrual cycles. These findings support the notion that RED-S screening should be addressed in the athletic community. Future research is needed to clinically assess these athletes and investigate the impacts of RED-S on their health and sports performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Haiqal Marzuki
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Izham Mohamad
- Sports Nutrition Centre, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wen Jin Chai
- Sports Nutrition Centre, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Nor M. F. Farah
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nik Shanita Safii
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme
- Sports Medicine Centre, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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Redinger AL, Baker BS. Oral Contraceptives and Female Rowers' Skeletal Health. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:669-677. [PMID: 36165993 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Redinger, AL and Baker, BS. Oral contraceptives and female rowers' skeletal health. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 669-677, 2023-Previous studies suggest that women using oral contraceptives (OC) experience fewer skeletal benefits from exercise compared with non-OC users. These findings may be especially important for athletes competing in weight-supported sports with a high prevalence of low bone mineral density and fracture, such as rowing. The purpose of this study was to examine skeletal health and bone injuries in collegiate female rowers. Forty-nine National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female rowers completed general health, menstrual history, and bone physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) surveys. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans were used to assess bone content, density, and geometry. Contraceptive (OC users n = 14, non-OC users n = 35) and self-reported stress fracture (SFx n = 11, None n = 38) groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance and independent t -tests. Additionally, effect sizes ( d ) were calculated and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Oral contraceptive users had reduced lumbar spine areal bone mineral density after adjustment for Total BPAQ ( d = 0.58; p = 0.041) compared with non-OC users, but all other total body and site-specific DXA measures of bone mineral content and density were similar between contraceptive and injury groups. When comparing bone geometry of the 4, 38, and 66% tibiae using pQCT, no significant differences were found after adjustment for either contraceptive or injury group (all p > 0.060). Our findings suggest that OC usage was not associated with reduced skeletal health in competitive female rowers as evidenced by all Z-scores being above -2.0 and similar bone indices of mineralized content, density, geometry, and estimated strength between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen L Redinger
- Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Aging and exercise (MAAX) Lab, School of Kinesiology, Applied Health, and Recreation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
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Miralles-Amorós L, Vicente-Martínez M, Martínez-Olcina M, Asencio-Mas N, Gonzálvez-Alvarado L, Peñaranda-Moraga M, Leyva-Vela B, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, Cortés-Roco G, Martínez-Rodríguez A. Study of Different Personalised Dietary Plans on Eating Behaviour, Body Image and Mood in Young Female Professional Handball Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020259. [PMID: 36832388 PMCID: PMC9955722 DOI: 10.3390/children10020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Low energy availability may precede or be caused by cognitive disturbances in professional athletes. Related psychological problems include disordered eating patterns, body shape preoccupation, depression or anxiety. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different personalised dietary plans on psychological factors in young professional female handball players with low energy availability. This 12-week randomised clinical trial involved 21 female players aged 22 ± 4 years, 172.0 ± 5.4 cm and 68.4 ± 6.7 kg divided into three groups (FD: free diet; MD: Mediterranean diet; HAD: high antioxidant diet). Eating behaviour (Eating Attitude Test, EAT-26: diet, bulimia and oral control subscales), body image (Body Shape Questionnaire, BSQ) and mood state (Profile of Mode State, POMS: tension, vigour, anger, depression, fatigue) were assessed. All participants showed low energy availability (<30 kcal/lean mass per day). The different plans showed no significant differences between them but significant differences over time within groups for the variables: body image, Tension, Vigour and Depression (p < 0.05). Eating behaviour improved slightly but did not show statistically significant changes. Following an adequate nutritional planning for athletes seems to improve the mood and body perception of young female handball players. A longer intervention period is required to assess the differences between diets and improvement of other parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miralles-Amorós
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - María Martínez-Olcina
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Nuria Asencio-Mas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Lucía Gonzálvez-Alvarado
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marcelo Peñaranda-Moraga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Belén Leyva-Vela
- Department of Health, Vinalopó University Hospital, 03293 Elche, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Guillermo Cortés-Roco
- School of Education, Pedagogy in Physical Education, Sports Coach, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile
| | - Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Witkoś J, Błażejewski G, Gierach M. The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) as a Useful Tool to Identify Female Triathletes at Risk for Menstrual Disorders Related to Low Energy Availability. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030650. [PMID: 36771357 PMCID: PMC9920150 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030650] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition in sport is a priority; it is the basis for maintaining optimal health and a prerequisite for the high performance necessary for competitions. The aim of this study was to assess low energy availability and its possible consequences among female triathletes by using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). METHODS The study involved 30 female triathetes. The LEAF-Q was used in the study. An analysis of the body composition was carried out with the seca device mBCA 515 medical Body Composition Analyzer. RESULTS Of the 30 female triathletes studied, 23.3% had a monthly cycle disorder, defined as an amenorrhea state for more than 90 days. No differences were found in injury rates or training days lost to injury due to menstrual disturbances. Menstruation changes were significantly greater due to increases in exercise intensity, frequency, and duration in the group experiencing menstrual disturbances (85.7 [95% CIs: 42.1-99.6] vs. 8.7 [95% CIs: 1.1-28.0]). The menstrual disorder group had a greater incidence of their periods stopping for more than 3 months than the group without menstrual disturbances. CONCLUSIONS The female triathletes did not show abnormalities in body weight or composition, and these were not related to the incidence of menstrual disturbances. However, 20% of the triathletes either had, at the time of the study, or had had in the past monthly cycle disorders that could indicate an immediate risk of low energy availability. The LEAF-Q identified 10% of the triathletes as at risk (score > 8) of low energy availability and the physiological and performance consequences related to relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Witkoś
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, G. Herlinga-Grudzińskiego Street 1, 30-705 Krakow, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Grzegorz Błażejewski
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, G. Herlinga-Grudzińskiego Street 1, 30-705 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Gierach
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Skłodowskiej-Curie Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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O'Donnell J, White C, Dobbin N. Perspectives on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): A qualitative case study of athletes, coaches and medical professionals from a super league netball club. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285040. [PMID: 37134124 PMCID: PMC10155971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) has increased substantially over recent years given the impact on athletes' health and performance. Most studies have considered sports that place emphasis on the aesthetics, endurance, or weight-restriction. Fewer studies exist in team sports. Netball is a team sport yet to be explored despite players potentially being at risk of RED-S given the high training volumes, sporting culture, internal and external pressures, and small network of coaches and medical professionals. A qualitative case study was used to explore the perspective of athletes, coaches, and medical professionals on RED-S. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 players, 4 coaches and 4 medical professionals affiliated to a Super League club. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Five main themes were identified in this study. Awareness of RED-S amongst athletes and coaches was generally inadequate whereas medical professionals had some awareness of RED-S. Some athletes used contraception to reduce discomfort/pain during menstruation whilst others expressed concerns around long-term contraceptive use and previous menstrual cycle disturbance. Sporting demands, individual and contextual factors, and a preoccupation with body image were associated with nutritional restriction, whilst appearance was a source of internal and external pressure. External pressures also extended to coaches, assessments/feedback, social media, and commentary. Strategies suggested to reduce the risk of RED-S included "hard hitting cases", multidisciplinary team involvement, and support from the governing body. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide insight into factors potentially associated with the risk of RED-S from an athletes, coaches, and medical professional perspective. This insight can be used to increase overall awareness of RED-S in key stakeholders as well as improve the recognition for the pressures netball athletes face that might alter the level of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine O'Donnell
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris White
- Department of Health and Well-being, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Wrexham, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Dobbin
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Iwasa-Madge K, Sesbreno E. A Proposed Conceptual Sport Nutrition Approach for Athlete Development and Assessment: The Athlete Nutrition Development Approach. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:142. [PMID: 36480056 PMCID: PMC9732172 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00532-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate dietary intake can improve athletes' health and sport performance and is a direct result of eating behaviours. Therefore, assessing and shaping athletes' eating behaviours and dietary intake is critical to the provision of sport nutrition services. As such, nutrition practitioners must also consider the determinants of eating behaviours. However, dietary intake, eating behaviours, and its determinants are inconsistently defined in the literature, requiring nutrition practitioners to navigate a complicated landscape of concepts and terminology. This is further complicated by limitations in practically measuring and influencing eating behaviours and dietary intake. The proposed Athlete Nutrition Development Approach was developed to aid practitioners in servicing decisions through the athlete development process, through a three-tiered approach to sport nutrition service delivery. Tier 1 addresses the determinants of eating behaviours, Tier 2 directly addresses eating behaviours and dietary intake, and Tier 3 addresses the consequences of dietary intake in relation to health and sport performance. Each tier includes tools for assessment and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik Sesbreno
- Institut National du Sport du Quebec, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,French-Speaking Research Network for Athlete Health Protection and Performance (ReFORM), Montreal, QC Canada
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