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Khatib MA, Aljaaly EA, Hafiz MS, Alamri A, Alzahrani W. The risk of low energy availability among athlete females in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1411724. [PMID: 38873295 PMCID: PMC11169597 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411724] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low energy availability (LEA) is a state of inadequate energy reserves that results from a negative energy balance. This condition can lead to severe health risks such as amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Various causes for LEA, such as eating disorders and exercise addiction, have been reported in the literature. However, data in Saudi Arabia are lacking. This cross-sectional study measures the prevalence of LEA, eating disorders, and exercise addiction among adult females in Saudi Arabia and identifies possible associated risk factors. Methods The sample comprised 119 female athletes who filled out an online survey adapted from the LEA in Females Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and the Exercise Addiction Inventory. Results Participants showed a high prevalence of LEA (66.4%), eating disorder (33.6%), and exercise addiction (10.1%), confirming the association between normal weight and LEA in females living in Saudi Arabia (p < 0.00). Discussion and conclusion With an increasing number of females in the country interested in following a healthy lifestyle, there is a need to raise the awareness of the population on the issues of LEA, eating disorders, and exercise addiction and their effects on the body by developing educational programs about energy intake and healthy physical activity routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A. Khatib
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Food, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Obesity Unit, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elham A. Aljaaly
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Adult Podiatric Adolescent Obesity Clinic, MNT Unit, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam S. Hafiz
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alkhuzama Alamri
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wejdan Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Stavitz J, Koc T. Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Division III Athletes Regarding Personalized Nutrition Plans for Improved Performance-A Qualitative Investigation. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:923. [PMID: 38727480 PMCID: PMC11083372 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12090923] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This qualitative study explores Division III college student-athletes' experiences and perceptions of personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a general qualitative research design. Using a grounded theory approach, a thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the interview transcripts, allowing for the identification of recurring themes and patterns. (3) Results: A total of 30 Division III college student-athletes, 16 males (53.3%) and 14 females (46.7%), representing a diverse range of sports disciplines, engaged in discussions about personalized nutrition plans. Analysis of the data revealed five main themes: (1) Nutritional Knowledge and Awareness, (2) Perceived Benefits of Personalized Nutrition Plans, (3) Challenges and Barriers to Implementation, (4) Influence of Team Culture and Environment, and (5) Suggestions for Improvement. (4) Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complexities of implementing personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings and emphasizes the need for comprehensive, athlete-centered approaches to optimize performance and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Stavitz
- Athletic Training Education Program, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Thomas Koc
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA;
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3
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Carney DJ, Hannon MP, Murphy RC, Close GL, Morton JP. Perspectives on the role of nutrition in influencing academy soccer player development and performance: A qualitative case study of key stakeholders from an English category one soccer academy. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:61-72. [PMID: 38394029 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2321008] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore player and stakeholder perceptions of the role of nutrition in influencing the development of male academy soccer players. Semi-structured interviews (28 ± 13 mins in length) were conducted with 31 participants from an English category one academy, including players (Youth Development Phase, YDP: n = 6; Professional Development Phase, PDP: n = 4), parents/guardians (n = 10), coaches (n = 3), sport scientists (n = 3), physiotherapists (n = 3), and catering (n = 2). Via reflexive thematic analysis, data demonstrate an apparent lack of understanding and awareness on the role of nutrition in influencing player development, especially in relation to growth, maturation and reducing injury risk. Players highlighted the influence of their parents on their dietary behaviours, whilst parents also called for education to better support their sons. Notably, players and stakeholders perceived that the daily schedule of an academy soccer player presents as "too busy to eat", especially in relation to before school, and before and after training. The results demonstrate the necessity for the co-creation of player and stakeholder specific nutrition education programmes as an initial step towards positively impacting the nutrition culture associated with the academy soccer environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Carney
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Marcus P Hannon
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca C Murphy
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Graeme L Close
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - James P Morton
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Fahrenholtz IL, Melin AK, Garthe I, Wasserfurth P, Ivarsson A, Hollekim-Strand SM, Koehler K, Logue D, Madigan S, Gräfnings M, Torstveit MK. Short-term effects and long-term changes of FUEL-a digital sports nutrition intervention on REDs related symptoms in female athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1254210. [PMID: 38164441 PMCID: PMC10757931 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1254210] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Female endurance athletes are at high risk for developing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), resulting in symptoms such as menstrual dysfunction and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The primary aim of this study was to investigate effects of the FUEL (Food and nUtrition for Endurance athletes-a Learning program) intervention consisting of weekly online lectures combined with individual athlete-centered nutrition counseling every other week for sixteen weeks on REDs related symptoms in female endurance athletes at risk of low energy availability [Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) score ≥8]. Female endurance athletes from Norway (n = 60), Sweden (n = 84), Ireland (n = 17), and Germany (n = 47) were recruited. Fifty athletes with risk of REDs (LEAF-Q score ≥8) and with low risk of eating disorders [Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) global score <2.5], with no use of hormonal contraceptives and no chronic diseases, were allocated to either the FUEL intervention (n = 32) (FUEL) or a sixteen-week control period (n = 18) (CON). All but one completed FUEL and n = 15 completed CON. While no evidence for difference in change in LEAF-Q total or subscale scores between groups was detected post-intervention (BFincl < 1), the 6- and 12-months follow-up revealed strong evidence for improved LEAF-Q total (BFincl = 123) and menstrual score (BFincl = 840) and weak evidence for improved GI-score (BFincl = 2.3) among FUEL athletes. In addition, differences in change between groups was found for EDE-Q global score post-intervention (BFincl = 1.9). The reduction in EDE-Q score remained at 6- and 12- months follow-up among FUEL athletes. Therefore, the FUEL intervention may improve REDs related symptoms in female endurance athletes. Clinical Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04959565).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Lysdahl Fahrenholtz
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Ina Garthe
- The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paulina Wasserfurth
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ivarsson
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Siri Marte Hollekim-Strand
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Danielle Logue
- Sport Ireland Institute, National Sports Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharon Madigan
- Sport Ireland Institute, National Sports Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Gräfnings
- Department of Medical Science, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Monica K. Torstveit
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Callis L, Russell M, Hurst H, Hardwicke J, Roberts CJ. Room for Improvement in Sports Nutrition Knowledge amongst Parents and Caregivers of Male Academy Soccer Players in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4331. [PMID: 37892407 PMCID: PMC10609980 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204331] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In professional soccer clubs in the UK, nutrition support is often polarised towards senior players or those in the senior academy age groups seeking first team selection/involvement. Accordingly, there is an increased reliance on parents and caregivers to provide support regarding nutritional intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of nutrition knowledge of parents and caregivers of male youth soccer players within developmental academies in the UK. Across a single competitive season, 360 registered parents and caregivers of male soccer players from English Premier League under 9-11 (Foundation Phase) and under 12-16 (Youth Development Phase) age group academies completed an online version of the 88-item validated Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge scores were classified as "poor" (43 ± 23%). Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly greater in respondents with dependents representing Category 1 (45 ± 13%) vs. Category 2 (39 ± 15%) academies and in Foundation Phase (44 ± 13%) vs. Youth Development Phase (41 ± 15%). These results demonstrate that there is room for improvement in the nutrition knowledge levels of parents and caregivers of male soccer academy players. We recommend that club academies provide appropriate resources towards nutritional education for parents and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Callis
- Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK;
| | - Mark Russell
- School of Sport and Wellbeing, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds LS18 5HD, UK;
| | - Howard Hurst
- Centre for Applied Sport Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK;
| | - Jack Hardwicke
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK;
| | - Charlie Jon Roberts
- Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK;
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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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7
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Effects of a 16-Week Digital Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Behavior in Female Endurance Athletes with Risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051082. [PMID: 36904082 PMCID: PMC10005555 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Female endurance athletes are considered a high-risk group for developing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Due to the lack of educational and behavioral intervention studies, targeting and evaluating the effects of the practical daily management of REDs, we developed the Food and nUtrition for Endurance athletes-a Learning (FUEL) program, consisting of 16 weekly online lectures and individual athlete-centered nutrition counseling every other week. We recruited female endurance athletes from Norway (n = 60), Sweden (n = 84), Ireland (n = 17), and Germany (n = 47). Fifty athletes with symptoms of REDs and with low risk of eating disorders, with no use of hormonal contraceptives and no chronic diseases, were allocated to either the FUEL intervention (n = 32) (FUEL) or a 16-week control period (n = 18) (CON). All but one completed FUEL, while 15 completed CON. We found strong evidence for improvements in sports nutrition knowledge, assessed via interviews, and moderate to strong evidence in the ratings concerning self-perceived sports nutrition knowledge in FUEL versus CON. Analyses of the seven-day prospective weighed food record and questions related to sports nutrition habits, suggested weak evidence for improvements in FUEL versus CON. The FUEL intervention improved sports nutrition knowledge and suggested weak evidence for improved sports nutrition behavior in female endurance athletes with symptoms of REDs.
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8
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McHaffie SJ, Langan-Evans C, Morehen JC, Strauss JA, Areta JL, Rosimus C, Evans M, Elliott-Sale KJ, Cronin CJ, Morton JP. Carbohydrate fear, skinfold targets and body image issues: a qualitative analysis of player and stakeholder perceptions of the nutrition culture within elite female soccer. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 6:675-685. [PMID: 35833724 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This qualitative study explores player and stakeholder perceptions of the role of nutrition in supporting player development and performance in elite female soccer. METHODS Semi-structured interviews (36 ± 18 mins in length) were conducted with 47 participants, including players (n = 12), parents (n = 9), coaches (n = 9), sport scientists (n = 7), nutritionists (n = 5) and medical staff (n = 5). Via thematic analysis, data provided an insight into the nutrition culture within elite women's soccer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Data demonstrate that considerable confusion and misconceptions exist amongst players and stakeholders regarding the theoretical underpinning and practical application of meeting energy requirements. As such, it is perceived that players 'under-fuel', which is likely caused by misunderstandings about the impact of carbohydrate intake on body composition, a fear of weight gain and the associated impacts upon body image. The 'carbohydrate fear' that is experienced by players is exacerbated by external pressures arising from social media, key stakeholders (e.g., coaches) and the skinfold culture surrounding measurement of body composition. Such cultural issues are amplified by the lack of full-time professionally accredited nutritionists overseeing the provision of nutrition support. Indeed, the infrastructure supporting the women's game (e.g. staffing resource, on-site food provision, player education programmes, etc.) was considered incomparable to the men's game.When taken together, our data provide a platform for which to develop organisational, stakeholder and player centred education and behaviour change interventions that strive to promote a positive performance nutrition culture within the women's game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J McHaffie
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - Carl Langan-Evans
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - James C Morehen
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - Juliette A Strauss
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - José L Areta
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | | | | | | | - Colum J Cronin
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - James P Morton
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
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9
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McHaffie SJ, Langan-Evans C, Morehen JC, Strauss JA, Areta JL, Rosimus C, Evans M, Elliott-Sale KJ, Cronin CJ, Morton JP. Normalising the conversation: a qualitative analysis of player and stakeholder perceptions of menstrual health support within elite female soccer. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 6:633-642. [PMID: 36344447 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2145349] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This qualitative study explores player and stakeholder perceptions of menstrual health support in elite female soccer. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 47 participants including players (n = 12), parents (n = 9), coaches (n = 9), sport scientists (n = 7), nutritionists (n = 5) and medical staff (n = 5). RESULTS Via thematic analysis, data demonstrate that elite female soccer players experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms primarily at the onset of and during menses (as also perceived by stakeholders), with most participants perceiving these symptoms to impact performance. Nonetheless, menstrual health support is perceived as minimal and although players have their menstrual status tracked, they report little understanding as to why or how this information is used. This confusion was also present among stakeholders, often as a result of uncertainty about the evidence supporting the need for menstrual health support. The perceived lack of support may also be reflective of a culture where conversations about the menstrual cycle are not normalised. Overall, this may result in failure to identify and treat menstrual irregularities despite non-coaching staff members perceiving them to be common amongst players. CONCLUSION These data support the need for individualised support based on the lived experiences of individual players and support staff. Furthermore, our research identifies the need for organisational, stakeholder, and player centred education programmes (led by experts in female athlete health) that create an environment where players receive personalised menstrual health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J McHaffie
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Carl Langan-Evans
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - James C Morehen
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Juliette A Strauss
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - José L Areta
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | - Colum J Cronin
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - James P Morton
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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10
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Murray MF, Perelman H, Sandhu D, Quiñones IC, Haedt-Matt AA. Overweight preoccupation is associated with eating pathology in male collegiate athletes with body dissatisfaction. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2387-2395. [PMID: 35175574 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01378-7] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined specific aspects of body dissatisfaction and drive for muscularity as correlates of eating pathology and explored sport confidence as a moderator of these associations in male collegiate athletes. METHOD Ninety-three male collegiate athletes who endorsed body dissatisfaction and were enrolled in a body dissatisfaction intervention study completed baseline measures of appearance orientation, appearance evaluation, overweight preoccupation, muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviors, eating pathology symptoms, and sport confidence. RESULTS There were significant associations between overweight preoccupation and cognitive restraint, purging, binge eating, and excessive exercise, appearance orientation and cognitive restraint, negative appearance evaluation and restricting, muscularity-oriented attitudes and binge eating, and muscularity-oriented behaviors and excessive exercise. Low-to-moderate sport confidence moderated the association between muscularity-oriented behaviors and purging. CONCLUSION Findings highlight a need for interventions targeting drive for muscularity and body dissatisfaction, especially overweight preoccupation, in male collegiate athletes. Findings additionally suggest a need to further examine the utility of sport confidence in prevention and intervention programs targeting eating pathology in larger samples of male athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V, Cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Murray
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 213 Tech Central, 3424 S. State St, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA.
| | - Hayley Perelman
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Sandhu
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 213 Tech Central, 3424 S. State St, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Isabel C Quiñones
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 213 Tech Central, 3424 S. State St, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Alissa A Haedt-Matt
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 213 Tech Central, 3424 S. State St, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
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11
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Fahrenholtz IL, Melin AK, Wasserfurth P, Stenling A, Logue D, Garthe I, Koehler K, Gräfnings M, Lichtenstein MB, Madigan S, Torstveit MK. Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Exercise Addiction, and Food Intolerances in Female Endurance Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:869594. [PMID: 35592590 PMCID: PMC9110838 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.869594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a complex syndrome describing health and performance consequences of low energy availability (LEA) and is common among female endurance athletes. Various underlying causes of LEA have been reported, including disordered eating behavior (DE), but studies investigating the association with exercise addiction and food intolerances are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between DE, exercise addiction and food intolerances in athletes at risk of LEA compared to those with low risk. Female endurance athletes, 18-35 years, training ≥5 times/week were recruited in Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany. Participants completed an online-survey comprising the LEA in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and questions regarding food intolerances. Of the 202 participants who met the inclusion criteria and completed the online survey, 65% were at risk of LEA, 23% were at risk of exercise addiction, and 21% had DE. Athletes at risk of LEA had higher EDE-Q and EAI scores compared to athletes with low risk. EAI score remained higher in athletes with risk of LEA after excluding athletes with DE. Athletes at risk of LEA did not report more food intolerances (17 vs. 10%, P = 0.198), but were more frequently reported by athletes with DE (28 vs. 11%, P = 0.004). In conclusion, these athletes had a high risk of LEA, exercise addiction, and DE. Exercise addiction should be considered as an additional risk factor in the prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment of RED-S among female endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Lysdahl Fahrenholtz
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Paulina Wasserfurth
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Stenling
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Danielle Logue
- Sport Ireland Institute, National Sports Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ina Garthe
- The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Gräfnings
- Department of Medical Science, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Mia Beck Lichtenstein
- Centre for Telepsychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sharon Madigan
- Sport Ireland Institute, National Sports Campus, Dublin, Ireland
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Bowler ALM, Coffey VG, Cox GR. Sports Dietitian practices for assessing and managing athletes at risk of low energy availability (LEA). J Sci Med Sport 2022; 25:460-465. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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