1
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Voelker DK, Visek AJ, Fairhurst KE, Learner JL. Conforming to reforming: A systems understanding of aesthetic sport coaches' behaviors and practices toward female athletes' bodies. Body Image 2024; 51:101784. [PMID: 39197413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101784] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Coaches' role in athletes' eating pathology has been largely understood according to athletes' accounts of the coaching behaviors and practices that harmed them. Uniquely, this study engaged coaches as research participants to more fully inform future intervention efforts. Using a multiparadigm approach, this study explored how coaches' understood, constructed, and communicated sport-related body ideals with their female athletes through specific coaching behaviors and practices along with systems of influence and interaction that informed them. Ten coaches (Mage= 35.6) of female aesthetic sport athletes were interviewed. Data were analysed via interpretive description. Results indicated coaches' negative experiences as athletes themselves informed their intention to prevent harm with athletes they coached. Coaches nonetheless emphasized weight, shape, size, and appearance ideals steeped in sport tradition. Dissonance was salient between wanting to prevent harm using strategic approaches to body-related communication, while also reinforcing body ideals believed to promote high performance. Yet, neither athletes' performance goals nor prevention of harm were attained. Influences across coaches' ecosystems explained their behaviors and practices. A novel framework is proposed to describe five intersectional body ideal orientations embodied by the coaches, ranging from body ideal conformity to body diversity advocacy. This framework can inform coach-centered, systems-based education and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana K Voelker
- West Virginia University, School of Sport Sciences, USA.
| | - Amanda J Visek
- The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Jordyn L Learner
- University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, USA
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2
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Li Q, Li H, Zhang G, Cao Y, Li Y. Athlete Body Image and Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review of Their Association and Influencing Factors. Nutrients 2024; 16:2686. [PMID: 39203822 PMCID: PMC11356870 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Body image and eating disorders pose significant challenges to the overall health of athletes. However, divergent findings exist regarding the potential association between athletes' body image and eating disorders. This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between these two variables and identify the modifiers of the association, such as gender, age, race, and exercise type. A search was conducted in five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, and EBSCO), aiming to identify studies on athletes and involved body image and eating disorders in their conclusions. Ultimately, thirty-one studies were included for systematic evaluation. The results of the studies indicate that the relationship between athletes' body image and eating disorders is complex and inconclusive. In some types of sports, eating disorders can occur even when athletes are satisfied with their body image. Furthermore, female athletes, particularly young female athletes, and athletes involved in sports associated with leanness are more prone to eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. Due to limited resources in this type of research, there is a lack of comprehensive inclusivity across sports disciplines, genders, races, and levels of sports proficiency, which warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China (G.Z.)
| | - Hansen Li
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China (G.Z.)
| | - Guodong Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China (G.Z.)
- International College, Krirk University, Bangkok 10220, Thailand
| | - Yang Cao
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro University, 70182 Orebro, Sweden;
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yun Li
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China (G.Z.)
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3
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Lundqvist C, Schary DP, Jacobsson J, Korhonen L, Timpka T. Aligning categories of mental health conditions with intervention types in high-performance sports: A narrative cornerstone review and classification framework. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:525-531. [PMID: 38796375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.05.001] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest that psychiatric disorders are as prevalent amongst high-performance athletes as in general populations, challenging the myth of invulnerability. Despite efforts of sport organisations to highlight the significance of athletes' mental health, it is still many times tough to combine the sport performance ethos with a discourse on mental health. This narrative cornerstone review examines challenges related to definitions and classifications of athlete mental health in high-performance sports and how these influence assessments and the implementation of interventions. We discuss challenges with concept creep and psychiatrisation and outline their consequences for sport healthcare professionals. Based on this, we present a framework that aligns different categories of athlete mental health conditions (from the reduction of wellbeing to psychiatric disorders) with intervention types (from the provision of supporting environments to pharmacotherapy). We conclude that researchers and sport practitioners need to carefully consider conceptual creep and the risk of pathologising normal and healthy, albeit emotionally aversive, reactions to athlete lifeworld events when assessing athlete mental health. A clear separation of terminology denoting the athlete's resources to handle the lifeworld (including salutogenic factors) and terms describing psychiatric conditions and their management is necessary to avoid misguidance in intervention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lundqvist
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden; Athletics Research Center, Linköping University, Sweden.
| | - David P Schary
- Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance, Winthrop University, USA. https://twitter.com/DrDavidSchary
| | - Jenny Jacobsson
- Athletics Research Center, Linköping University, Sweden; Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Toomas Timpka
- Athletics Research Center, Linköping University, Sweden; Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, Sweden; Regional Executive Office, Region Östergötland, Sweden
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4
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Maurin J, Labossière S, Pomerleau-Fontaine L, Boudreault V, Brassard S, Dion J, Durand-Bush N, Parent S, Soulard A. Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1392064. [PMID: 38915858 PMCID: PMC11194407 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1392064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Professional and student-athletes are at risk of developing symptoms of eating disorders (ED), including drive for thinness and muscularity due to personal risk factors (e.g., low self-esteem) and sport-specific characteristics (e.g., sport requirements). However, limited studies have focused on ED symptoms among NextGen athletes (identified in Canada as élite or relève) who compete at the provincial, national, and international levels but are not yet part of national teams. As such, they have access to fewer financial resources and support from their sport federations, which can create additional stress for these athletes. The present study aimed to identify personal risk factors and types of sports associated with (a) drive for thinness and (b) drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes. Methods These athletes (n = 254) aged between 14 and 25 years old completed an online questionnaire. Perfectionism, self-esteem in sport, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity were, respectively, assessed by the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport, the Sport State Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Attitude Test-26, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Other personal risk factor (e.g., athletic status) were measured using in-house questions. Each personal risk factor was included in two multiple linear regressions, respectively, to determine which factors were most associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity. Results Analyses revealed that perfectionist aspirations during training were linked to a stronger desire for thinness. In addition, not being in school or not having a job were also linked to a stronger desire for thinness. Several variables were found to be associated with a greater desire for muscularity: being a male athlete, playing team sport, weight category sport or endurance sport (as opposed to esthetic sport), having elite status, being less satisfied with one's current sporting performance and having higher perfectionist aspirations during training. Discussion This study offers initial insights into the factors influencing EDs among NextGen athletes, which provides a foundation for deeper exploration and the creation or modification of targeted interventions. These findings can guide sport organizations in creating guidelines and programs to better support the next generation of national athletes (e.g., create programs to help athletes maintain investments outside).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Maurin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Labossière
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation, Faculty of Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Lara Pomerleau-Fontaine
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Brassard
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Dion
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie Durand-Bush
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvie Parent
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport (IRNOVIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problem and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Équipe Violence Sexuelle et Santé (ÉVISSA), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amélie Soulard
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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5
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Gillard A, Mountjoy M, Vertommen T, Radziszewski S, Boudreault V, Durand-Bush N, Parent S. The role, readiness to change and training needs of the Athlete Health and Performance team members to safeguard athletes from interpersonal violence in sport: a mini review. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1406925. [PMID: 38770239 PMCID: PMC11103001 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1406925] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Safeguarding athletes from interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is an important topic of concern. Athlete Health and Performance (AHP) team members working with athletes have a professional, ethical, and moral duty to protect the health of athletes, prevent IV, and intervene when it occurs. However, little is known on their respective roles regarding IV in sport and their needs to fulfill their responsibility of safeguarding athletes. The aim of this review is to synthesize knowledge about the roles, readiness to change and training needs of AHP team members to navigate IV in sport. A total of 43 articles are included in the review. Results show that all AHP team members have a role to play in safeguarding athletes and should therefore be trained in the area of IV in sport. Overall, very little research has directly assessed AHP team members' needs to positively foster safety and eliminate IV in sport. There are common training needs for all types of AHP team members such as the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of IV in sport. However, there are also specific needs based on the role of the AHP team members such as ways of facilitating behavioural change for sport managers. Findings from this review are mostly experts' recommendations and should therefore be interpreted as such. The results of the review can guide the development of future research and recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Gillard
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Équipe Violence Sexuelle et Santé (ÉVISSA), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Margo Mountjoy
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport (IRNOVIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tine Vertommen
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport (IRNOVIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Safeguarding Sport and Society, Center of Expertise Care and Well-Being, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Physical Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Radziszewski
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Équipe Violence Sexuelle et Santé (ÉVISSA), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Boudreault
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Kinanthropology, Faculty of Human Kinetics Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sylvie Parent
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Équipe Violence Sexuelle et Santé (ÉVISSA), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport (IRNOVIS), Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Jankauskiene R, Baceviciene M. Testing general sociocultural and coach-related appearance pressures as the factors associated with disordered eating in competitive female athletes participating in various sports. J Sports Sci 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38574362 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2338022] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to test the sociocultural Petrie and Greenleaf's (2007) model of disordered eating (DE) in competitive female athletes. Specifically, we tested a model of general sociocultural and coach-related pressures towards body weight and appearance of female athletes as the factors associated with athletes' DE through the mediators such as internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. 515 athletes participated in this study. The mean age of the sample was 19.0 ± 5.9 years. Athletes were provided with study measures on general sociocultural and coach-related appearance and body weight pressures, internalization of appearance ideals, overweight preoccupation and DE. Path analyses showed that general sociocultural pressures were associated with DE directly and through internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. Pressures from coaches were associated with DE through overweight preoccupation and through the internalization of appearance ideals and overweight preoccupation. The models were invariant across body weight sensitivity in sports and age groups. These results inform DE prevention for female athletes. It is important to increase resistance to sociocultural pressures and pressures from coaches in DE prevention programmes for female competitive athletes of all ages and participating in sports irrespective of sports group (weight-sensitive or less weight-sensitive).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Jankauskiene
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Migle Baceviciene
- Department of Social and Physical Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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7
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Mountjoy M, Ackerman KE, Bailey DM, Burke LM, Constantini N, Hackney AC, Heikura IA, Melin A, Pensgaard AM, Stellingwerff T, Sundgot-Borgen JK, Torstveit MK, Jacobsen AU, Verhagen E, Budgett R, Engebretsen L, Erdener U. 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1073-1097. [PMID: 37752011 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) was first introduced in 2014 by the International Olympic Committee's expert writing panel, identifying a syndrome of deleterious health and performance outcomes experienced by female and male athletes exposed to low energy availability (LEA; inadequate energy intake in relation to exercise energy expenditure). Since the 2018 REDs consensus, there have been >170 original research publications advancing the field of REDs science, including emerging data demonstrating the growing role of low carbohydrate availability, further evidence of the interplay between mental health and REDs and more data elucidating the impact of LEA in males. Our knowledge of REDs signs and symptoms has resulted in updated Health and Performance Conceptual Models and the development of a novel Physiological Model. This Physiological Model is designed to demonstrate the complexity of either problematic or adaptable LEA exposure, coupled with individual moderating factors, leading to changes in health and performance outcomes. Guidelines for safe and effective body composition assessment to help prevent REDs are also outlined. A new REDs Clinical Assessment Tool-Version 2 is introduced to facilitate the detection and clinical diagnosis of REDs based on accumulated severity and risk stratification, with associated training and competition recommendations. Prevention and treatment principles of REDs are presented to encourage best practices for sports organisations and clinicians. Finally, methodological best practices for REDs research are outlined to stimulate future high-quality research to address important knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Mountjoy
- Family Medicine, McMaster University Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Games Group, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kathryn E Ackerman
- Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Louise M Burke
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naama Constantini
- Sports Medicine Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anthony C Hackney
- Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ida Aliisa Heikura
- Canada Sport Institute Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna Melin
- Department of Sport Science - Swedish Olympic Committee Research Fellow, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Anne Marte Pensgaard
- Department of Sport and Social Sciences, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trent Stellingwerff
- Canada Sport Institute Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Evert Verhagen
- Amsterdam Collaboration on Health & Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Movement Science, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Budgett
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lars Engebretsen
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Uğur Erdener
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- World Archery, Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Mathisen TF, Ackland T, Burke LM, Constantini N, Haudum J, Macnaughton LS, Meyer NL, Mountjoy M, Slater G, Sundgot-Borgen J. Best practice recommendations for body composition considerations in sport to reduce health and performance risks: a critical review, original survey and expert opinion by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1148-1158. [PMID: 37752006 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of body composition (BC) in sport raises concern for athlete health, especially where an overfocus on being lighter or leaner increases the risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and disordered eating. METHODS We undertook a critical review of the effect of BC on performance (29 longitudinal, prospective or intervention studies) and explored current practice related to BC considerations via a follow-up to a 2013 internationally distributed survey. RESULTS The review found that a higher level of body fat was negatively associated with endurance performance, while a gain in muscle mass resulted in performance benefits across sports. BC did not contribute to early talent identification, and no unique cut-off to signify a performance advantage for BC was identified. BC appears to be one of an array of variables impacting performance, and its influence should not be overstated. The survey (125 practitioners, 61 sports and 26 countries) showed subtle changes in BC considerations over time, such as an increased role for sport dietitian/nutrition practitioners as BC measurers (2013: 54%, 2022: 78%); less emphasis on reporting of body fat percentage (2013: 68%, 2022: 46%) and reduced frequency of BC assessment if ≥every fourth week (2013: 18%, 2022: 5%). Respondents remained concerned about a problematic focus on BC (2013: 69%, 2022: 78%). To address these findings, we provide detailed recommendations for BC considerations, including an overview of preferable BC methodology. CONCLUSIONS The 'best practice' guidelines stress the importance of a multidisciplinary athlete health and performance team, and the treatment of BC data as confidential medical information. The guidelines provide a health focus around BC, aiming to reduce the associated burden of disordered eating, problematic low energy availability and REDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Ackland
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise M Burke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naama Constantini
- Sport Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judith Haudum
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Nanna L Meyer
- Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Margo Mountjoy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- REDs Consensus Writing Group, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Baceviciene M, Jankauskiene R, Rutkauskaite R. The Comparison of Disordered Eating, Body Image, Sociocultural and Coach-Related Pressures in Athletes across Age Groups and Groups of Different Weight Sensitivity in Sports. Nutrients 2023; 15:2724. [PMID: 37375628 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122724] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare disordered eating (DE), body image, and sociocultural and coach-related pressures between athletes of different age groups (adolescents and adults) and between athletes participating in weight-sensitive (WS) and less WS groups. A total of 1003 athletes participated in this study. The age range of the sample was 15 to 44 years, and the mean age was 18.9 ± 5.8 years (51.3% were female). Athletes who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were provided with the study measures on DE, body image and sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Vomiting, laxative misuse and excessive exercise were more prevalent in adolescent female athletes than adults, while dietary restraint was more common in adult male athletes than adolescents. Adolescent female athletes experienced higher sociocultural (family, peers) and sport-related (coach) pressures and a less positive body image compared with adult female athletes. Adult male athletes experienced higher overweight preoccupation, more DE and unhealthy eating habits, and engaged in more frequent self-weighing behaviour compared with adolescent males. When the effect of weight sensitivity in sports was tested, a higher prevalence of DE and overweight preoccupation, more frequent self-weighing, and higher body-image-related pressure from coaches were observed in female athletes participating in aesthetic weight-sensitive (WS) sports as compared with those participating in less WS sports. No differences in positive body image were observed in female WS and less WS sports. Special DE prevention and positive body image promotion programs are necessary for female competitive athletes and parents of adolescent female athletes, especially those participating in aesthetic ones. For adult male athletes, special programs aiming to promote healthy eating should be implemented to prevent DE and body image concerns. Special education about DE prevention is compulsory for coaches who train female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Migle Baceviciene
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Jankauskiene
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Renata Rutkauskaite
- Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
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10
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Daignault I, Deslauriers-Varin N, Parent S. Profiles of Teenage Athletes' Exposure to Violence in Sport: An Analysis of Their Sport Practice, Athletic Behaviors, and Mental Health. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7754-7779. [PMID: 36748675 PMCID: PMC10170556 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221148216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Violence in sport is a major social issue generating great interest in research over the last 10 years. Studies to date highlight various forms and manifestations of violence in the lives of teenagers practicing individual or team sports, in competitive and recreational contexts. Although allegations of sexual violence involving coaches most often reach media attention, psychological and physical violence involving teammates, parents, and coaches are also prevalent. While profiles of offenders in the sport context have contributed to a better understanding of the issue, similar profiles need to be elaborated for young victims to delineate varying degrees of risk, adaptation, and needs. Latent class analyses were conducted to empirically identify different patterns of exposure to violence in sport from a sample of 1057 athletes aged 14-17 years. Teenagers participated in an online survey assessing their experiences of violence using the Violence Toward Athletes Questionnaire. Results highlighted three different profiles of victimization in the sport context: (a) a non-victimized profile constituting only 37% of the sample; (b) a profile representing 52% of the sample that is mainly exposed to psychological violence by teammates, coaches, and parents; and (c) a "poly-victimized" profile, representing 10% of the sample, that is exposed to all forms of violence at the hands of various perpetrators (teammates, coaches, and parents). The identified profiles were compared according to different indicators of sport practice, athletic behaviors, and mental health. This study delineates the influence of single and multiple forms of violence and its compound consequences on mental health and sport-related behaviors, thus portraying various degrees of need for tailored prevention and intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Daignault
- Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Center for Comparative Criminology, Montréal, QC, Canada
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nadine Deslauriers-Varin
- International Center for Comparative Criminology, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Parent
- International Research Network on Violence and Integrity in Sport, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Chair in Security and Integrity in Sport, Québec, QC, Canada
- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), Montréal, QC, Canada
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11
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Psychosocial aspects of sports medicine in pediatric athletes: Current concepts in the 21 st century. Dis Mon 2022:101482. [PMID: 36100481 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2022.101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral aspects of organized sports activity for pediatric athletes are considered in a world consumed with winning at all costs. In the first part of this treatise, we deal with a number of themes faced by our children in their sports play. These concepts include the lure of sports, sports attrition, the mental health of pediatric athletes (i.e., effects of stress, anxiety, depression, suicide in athletes, ADHD and stimulants, coping with injuries, drug use, and eating disorders), violence in sports (i.e., concepts of the abused athlete including sexual abuse), dealing with supervisors (i.e., coaches, parents), peers, the talented athlete, early sports specialization and sports clubs. In the second part of this discussion, we cover ergolytic agents consumed by young athletes in attempts to win at all costs. Sports doping agents covered include anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids or AAS), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), human growth hormone (hGH; also its human recombinant homologue: rhGH), clenbuterol, creatine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), amphetamines, caffeine and ephedrine. Also considered are blood doping that includes erythropoietin (EPO) and concepts of gene doping. In the last section of this discussion, we look at disabled pediatric athletes that include such concepts as athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), myelomeningocele, cerebral palsy, wheelchair athletes, and amputee athletes; also covered are pediatric athletes with visual impairment, deafness, and those with intellectual disability including Down syndrome. In addition, concepts of autonomic dysreflexia, boosting and atlantoaxial instability are emphasized. We conclude that clinicians and society should protect our precious pediatric athletes who face many challenges in their involvement with organized sports in a world obsessed with winning. There is much we can do to help our young athletes find benefit from sports play while avoiding or blunting negative consequences of organized sport activities.
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Dithurbide L, Boudreault V, Durand-Bush N, MacLeod L, Gauthier V. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian national team athletes’ mental performance and mental health: The perspectives of mental performance consultants and mental health practitioners. Front Psychol 2022; 13:937962. [PMID: 36059762 PMCID: PMC9435585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.937962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has led to significant disruptions in the lives of high-performance athletes, including the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the cancellation of many international and national competitions, and drastic changes in athletes’ daily training environment. The purpose of this research was to examine the interplay between the mental health and mental performance of Canadian national team athletes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these variables from the perspective of mental performance consultants and mental health practitioners. Twelve individuals working in these roles with national team athletes participated in focus groups and interviews during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Findings from the inductive reflexive thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (a) factors impacting athlete mental health (i.e., social and environmental, psychological, and public health restrictions), (b) consequences of COVID-19 for athletes (low mood symptoms, anxiety and stress symptoms, maladaptive behaviors, time for life outside of sport, rest, and recovery), and (c) impact of the pandemic on practitioners (roles, preparation and resources, gaps, and well-being). Interestingly, athletes with prior good mental performance skills were perceived to be more equipped to cope with challenges related to the pandemic, which concurrently seemed to facilitate good mental health throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, even though the pandemic had several debilitative consequences on athletes’ mental health, it imposed a break from training and competition that allowed them to rest and enjoy their life outside of sport. Finally, participants discussed the need for more mental health resources and better access to practitioners supporting mental performance and mental health in the Canadian sport system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Dithurbide
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Lori Dithurbide,
| | - Véronique Boudreault
- Faculté des Sciences de l’Activité Physique, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Lucy MacLeod
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Véronique Gauthier
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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