Emily Kroshus1,2, J D DeFreese3, Zachary Y Kerr3. 1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle. 2. Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, WA. 3. Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Abstract
CONTEXT: The female athlete triad (Triad) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) specify the consequences of energy imbalance. Athletic trainers (ATs) are positioned to identify athletes who are fueling themselves inadequately and experiencing related health and performance consequences. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of collegiate ATs about the Triad and RED-S and to examine variability in related screening and referral behaviors among National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Collegiate athletic training departments. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Head ATs at National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions (n = 285, response rate = 33%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): An electronic survey was administered. The number of Triad components that were correctly identified and screening and referral behaviors related to Triad components were measured. RESULTS: Nearly all respondents (98.61% [n = 281]) had heard of the Triad; a smaller proportion (32.98% [n = 94]) had heard of RED-S. On average, respondents correctly identified 2 components of the Triad. We observed differences by sex, with women correctly identifying more components than men ( U = 12.426, P = .003). More than half (59.93% [n = 163]) indicated that athletes at their institutions were screened for eating disorders. Nearly three-quarters (70.55% [n = 115]) of respondents indicated that all female athletes at their institutions were screened annually for menstrual dysfunction. More comprehensive referral behaviors for athletes identified as experiencing menstrual dysfunction or a bone injury (eg, athlete referred to a nutritionist, dietitian, or counselor) occurred at Division I institutions than at Division II and III institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education for ATs about the Triad and RED-S may encourage a more comprehensive approach to referral and screening after a diagnosis of menstrual dysfunction or bone-stress injury. Using institutional opportunities, such as preparticipation screening, for identifying components of the Triad or RED-S and specifying protocols for referring athletes who screen positive for 1 of these components should also be explored.
CONTEXT: The female athlete triad (Triad) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) specify the consequences of energy imbalance. Athletic trainers (ATs) are positioned to identify athletes who are fueling themselves inadequately and experiencing related health and performance consequences. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of collegiate ATs about the Triad and RED-S and to examine variability in related screening and referral behaviors among National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Collegiate athletic training departments. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Head ATs at National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions (n = 285, response rate = 33%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): An electronic survey was administered. The number of Triad components that were correctly identified and screening and referral behaviors related to Triad components were measured. RESULTS: Nearly all respondents (98.61% [n = 281]) had heard of the Triad; a smaller proportion (32.98% [n = 94]) had heard of RED-S. On average, respondents correctly identified 2 components of the Triad. We observed differences by sex, with women correctly identifying more components than men ( U = 12.426, P = .003). More than half (59.93% [n = 163]) indicated that athletes at their institutions were screened for eating disorders. Nearly three-quarters (70.55% [n = 115]) of respondents indicated that all female athletes at their institutions were screened annually for menstrual dysfunction. More comprehensive referral behaviors for athletes identified as experiencing menstrual dysfunction or a bone injury (eg, athlete referred to a nutritionist, dietitian, or counselor) occurred at Division I institutions than at Division II and III institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education for ATs about the Triad and RED-S may encourage a more comprehensive approach to referral and screening after a diagnosis of menstrual dysfunction or bone-stress injury. Using institutional opportunities, such as preparticipation screening, for identifying components of the Triad or RED-S and specifying protocols for referring athletes who screen positive for 1 of these components should also be explored.
Entities:
Keywords:
bone injury; disordered eating; menstrual dysfunction; referral
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