Implementation of a Routine Screening of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome in Female Athletes Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-s) can be explained as the short and long term health consequences of being in a continuous state of low energy availability (LEA).¹ Consequences include key bodily functions slowing down such as the reproductive system, bone health, immunity, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and psychological health. Despite notable symptoms, defined diagnosis criteria, and treatment guidelines, RED-s persists in female athlete populations, especially aesthetic and endurance sports. Additionally, athletes often seek care from multiple medical professionals such as gynecologists, sports medicine doctors, cardiologists, and gastroenterologists before RED-s is discussed.² Once RED-s is diagnosed however, athletes are often pulled from their sport and undergo expensive and extensive medical testing.

This paper tested the effectiveness of the implementation of a routine clinical screening athletes completed during key checkpoints of their season to monitor warning signs and habits that contribute to LEA. This would allow for earlier intervention leading to less severe consequences and less time away from the sport. Findings suggest that a screening is well accepted by a college track and field team and reflects expected trends and correlations. However, this paper also highlights the culture of college athletics, specifically track and field, and how different norms, assumptions, judgements, and knowledge gaps in women’s sports contribute to the development of RED-s and the effectiveness of a clinical screening in reduction of cases. 

 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………….…1

Literature and Context ……………………………………………………..……..4

Methods……………………………………………………..………………………..…..14

Results ……………………………………………………..…………………………….17

Interview Findings ……………………………………………………..……..…17

Perception of Injury and RED-s………………………………………….17

Nutrition Knowledge Gaps……………………………………………....19

Feasibility of Screening…………………………………………….……22

Preliminary Screening Data……………………………………………………...24

Secondary Screening Data……………………………………………………….27

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………..…30

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….33

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..35

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………….…...37

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Anthropology
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Anthropology, Medical and Forensic Women's Studies Health Sciences, General
Palavra-chave	Disordered Eating Aesthetic Sports Female Athlete Triad Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	John Lindo, PhD, Emory University
Committee Members	Rachel Hall-Clifford, PhD, MPH, MSc, Emory University Michal Arbilly, PhD, MSc, Emory University

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