Além da tríade da mulher atleta: o novo conceito de deficiência relativa de energia no esporte / Beyond the female athlete triad: the new concept of relative energy deficiency in sport

"Tríade da mulher atleta" e "deficiência relativa de energia no esporte" são afecções comuns encontradas em esportistas. Tendo como fisiopatologia a disponibilidade energética negativa, essas síndromes têm impacto negativo na saúde das atletas. Apesar de serem frequentemente discutidas entre especialistas vinculados ao mundo desportivo, ainda são pouco conhecidas entre outras especialidades. Essa revisão da literatura foi proposta com o intuito de expor o problema ao ginecologista e obstetra, considerando esses profissionais importantes aliados na prevenção e diagnóstico precoce. Da mesma maneira, a intervenção terapêutica correta minimiza os diversos prejuízos à saúde e melhora o desempenho esportivo.(AU)

"Female athlete triad" and "relative energy deficiency in sport" are conditions relatively common among women participating in sports. Its pathophysiology based on negative energy availability, these syndromes have a negative impact on the athlete's health. Although they are frequently discussed among specialists linked to the sports all over the world, a little has been known among other physicians. This literature review was proposed in order to expose the problem to the gynecologist and obstetrician, considering these professionals as important allies in prevention and early diagnosis. In the same way, the correct therapeutic intervention allows to minimizes the numerous damages to athlete's health and to improve their sports performance.(AU)

The Role of Energy Availability in Reproductive Function in the Female Athlete Triad and Extension of its Effects to Men: An Initial Working Model of a Similar Syndrome in Male Athletes.

The Female Athlete Triad represents three interrelated conditions of (i) low energy availability (energy deficiency), presenting with or without disordered eating, (ii) menstrual dysfunction, and (iii) poor bone health, each of which can exist along a continuum of severity ranging from mild and moderate subclinical health concerns to severe clinical outcomes, including eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. This review provides a brief overview of the Female Athlete Triad, including updating the current thinking regarding energy availability and how it relates to reproductive function, and sets the stage for an initial working model of a similar syndrome in males that will be based on currently available evidence and will later be defined and referred to as a Male Athlete Triad by the newly re-named Female and Male Athlete Triad Coalition. A primary focus of this paper will be on the physiology of each Triad model with an emphasis on low energy availability and its role in reproductive function, with a brief introduction on its effects on bone health in men. From the data reviewed, (i) a specific threshold of energy availability below which menstrual disturbances are induced is not supported; (ii) it appears that the energetic, reproductive, and bone systems in men are more resilient to the effects of low energy availability compared to those of women, requiring more severe energetic perturbations before alterations are observed; and (iii) it appears that recovery of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis can be observed more quickly in men than in women.

Low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health: A survey of elite para athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is a syndrome describing three interrelated conditions: low energy availability (LEA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density (BMD). Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) expands the Triad to include multiple physiologic consequences of LEA in both sexes. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of factors associated with the Triad/RED-S in an elite para athlete population. METHODS: Athletes were U.S. elite para athletes training to qualify for the 2016 or the 2018 Paralympic Games. Participants completed an online questionnaire characterizing nutrition, menstrual status (in females), bone health, and awareness of the Triad/RED-S. RESULTS: The athletes were 260 elite para athletes (150 male, 110 female). While few reported prior eating disorder (3.1%), 32.4% had elevated Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) pathologic behavior subscale scores. Most athletes (95 male, 65 female) were attempting to change their body composition or weight to improve performance. Forty-four percent of premenopausal females had oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea. Bone stress injury was reported in 9.2% of athletes; of these, 54.5% (n = 12) had low BMD. Less than 10% of athletes reported awareness of the Triad/RED-S. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with the Triad/RED-S are present in an elite para athlete population, regardless of sex or sport type. Awareness of the Triad/RED-S in para athletes is low. The consequences of LEA in para athlete populations are poorly understood. However, the high prevalence of factors observed suggests value in advancing screening tools and education efforts to optimize health in this population.

Low energy availability surrogates correlate with health and performance consequences of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Low energy availability (EA) is suspected to be the underlying cause of both the Female Athlete Triad and the more recently defined syndrome, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defined RED-S as a syndrome of health and performance impairments resulting from an energy deficit. While the importance of adequate EA is generally accepted, few studies have attempted to understand whether low EA is associated with the health and performance consequences posited by the IOC. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association of low EA with RED-S health and performance consequences in a large clinical population of female athletes. METHODS: One thousand female athletes (15-30 years) completed an online questionnaire and were classified as having low or adequate EA. The associations between low EA and the health and performance factors listed in the RED-S models were evaluated using chi-squared test and the odds ratios were evaluated using binomial logistic regression (p<0.05). RESULTS: Athletes with low EA were more likely to be classified as having increased risk of menstrual dysfunction, poor bone health, metabolic issues, haematological detriments, psychological disorders, cardiovascular impairment and gastrointestinal dysfunction than those with adequate EA. Performance variables associated with low EA included decreased training response, impaired judgement, decreased coordination, decreased concentration, irritability, depression and decreased endurance performance. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that low EA measured using self-report questionnaires is strongly associated with many health and performance consequences proposed by the RED-S models.

Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport: A Perspective Interview With Professor Barbara Drinkwater.

Barbara Drinkwater has been a lifelong champion of equality for women in many areas of life well before it was widely accepted. Her "walking the walk" of women breaking barriers in traditional male roles in administration and leadership is exemplified by her election as the first woman president of the American College of Sports Medicine in 1988. Some of the controversial areas in which Barbara was vocal in the arena of women in sport, besides triad/relative energy deficiency in sport, include increased opportunity and participation, total equality, acceptance of diversity, intolerance of harassment and abuse, and fairness with transgender athletes. She co-founded the evidence-based advocacy group on the international stage known as Women Sport International. As a physiologist, Barbara has had a major influence on attention to the health of the female athlete, and she produced the original pioneering work in the field. Her impactful study, "Bone mineral density after resumption of menses in amenorrheic athletes," was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1986. Since that time, the female athlete triad has set the stage for research and treatment to enhance women in physical activity at all levels.

Current Status of the Female Athlete Triad: Update and Future Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides an update on the primary clinical sequelae of the Female Athlete Triad. RECENT FINDINGS: Scientific advancements have contributed to improve understanding of Triad-related conditions, including leptin's role as a potential neuroendocrine link between energy status and reproductive function. Use of finite element analysis of HRpQCT imaging has provided a more accurate assessment of bone geometry and bone strength and may be clinically relevant. New perspectives aimed at developing and implementing a multi-disciplinary, personalized approach in the prevention and early treatment of triad-related symptoms are provided. The Female Athlete Triad is a multi-dimensional condition that affects active women across the lifespan. Energy availability impacts reproductive function and bone with implications for health and performance. Understanding the contributions of each individual component as well as their interconnected effects is necessary for progression and expansion of the Triad literature.

La comunicación motriz de tríada y la especificidad de los juegos motores / Triad communication and specificity of motor games

Se estudian las tríadas desde la comunicación motriz, con el propósito de a) identificar los distintos tipos a que da lugar la tríada; b) medir las diferencias entre los tipos de tríadas estudiados; y c) mostrar con juegos concretos la viabilidad de los juegos de tríada trasladables a programas. Se justifican 13 tipos susceptibles de ser viables como juegos motores, que corresponden a tríadas completas y a tríadas con ausencia de una conexión entre dos de sus nodos. Se comparan cuatro juegos por medio de cinco indicadores: roles, interacción intragrupo, interacción intergrupos, emisiones o recepciones, y valencia positiva o negativa. La comparación evidencia el comportamiento específico de las tríadas motrices. Los resultados confirman la viabilidad de los juegos estudiados, y las diferencias relativas entre antagonismo y solidaridad. Los juegos motores de tríada son una fuente singular de comunicación motriz y una alternativa pedagógica para los programas de juegos (AU)

Triads are studied from a motor communication point of view. Our study is aimed at a) identifying the various type that triads originate; b) measuring the differences among the type of the studied triads; and c) showing with specific examples the feasibility of triad games transferred to programs. 13 types are justified as being likely feasible as motor games. They correspond to complete triads and to triads with one missing connection between two of its nodes. Four games are compared through five different proxies: roles, intra-group interaction, interaction among groups, emissions and receptions, and positive or negative valence. The comparison demonstrates the specific behavior of motor triads. The results confirm the feasibility of the studied games and the relative differences between rivalry and solidarity. Motor games with a triad structure are a singular source of communication and a pedagogic alternative for game programs (AU)

Integrating an Interprofessional Education Experience Into a Human Physiology Course.

PURPOSE: To obtain physician assistant (PA) student perceptions about an interprofessional education (IPE) training experience embedded in a multidisciplinary science course. METHODS: An IPE training experience was integrated into a graduate human physiology course offered to PA, physical therapy, and graduate studies students. The focus of the activity related to the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competency domains of (1) roles and responsibilities and (2) teams and teamwork. Effectiveness was assessed in pretraining and posttraining surveys, which included questions addressing student self-perceptions of IPEC competency domains, student assessment of the learning activity, and student reflection. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant positive change in PA student perceptions of IPEC competency domains. Students also provided a positive evaluation of the IPE activity and communicated personal improvements in IPE perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating planned IPE experiences into multidisciplinary health science courses represents an appropriate venue for PA students to learn and apply interprofessional competencies, which may benefit future interprofessional practice.

Female athlete triad.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn) may be the first provider to have the opportunity to recognize and diagnose female athlete triad. This review will help the ob/gyn to understand the female athlete triad and what is new on this topic, how to screen and diagnose the condition and the ob/gyn's role in treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Female athlete triad, also known as relative energy deficiency in sports, involves an interrelationship among energy availability, menstrual function and low bone density. When these components are not balanced, the health of the athlete is at risk. By using menstrual cycle as a vital sign, a careful medical history may alert you to this condition. The mainstay of treatment is achieving optimal energy balance and resumption of menses. This may involve dietary invention by increasing caloric intake or activity modification by limiting or restricting participation in sports. A multidisciplinary team, including the ob/gyn, athlete, coach, parents, sport nutritionist and sometimes psychiatrist/psychologist, is optimal for management. Medication may supplement but not replace treating the underlying condition. SUMMARY: The female athlete triad is an important disorder to identify, as early diagnosis and intervention may prevent long-term consequences, some of which may not be reversible if not diagnosed and treated.

The Unexplored Crossroads of the Female Athlete Triad and Iron Deficiency: A Narrative Review.

Despite the severity and prevalence of iron deficiency in exercising women, few published reports have explored how iron deficiency interacts with another prevalent and severe condition in exercising women: the 'female athlete triad.' This review aims to describe how iron deficiency may interact with each component of the female athlete triad, that is, energy status, reproductive function, and bone health. The effects of iron deficiency on energy status are discussed in regards to thyroid function, metabolic fuel availability, eating behaviors, and energy expenditure. The interactions between iron deficiency and reproductive function are explored by discussing the potentially impaired fertility and hyperprolactinemia due to iron deficiency and the alterations in iron metabolism due to menstrual blood loss and estrogen exposure. The interaction of iron deficiency with bone health may occur via dysregulation of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, hypoxia, and hypothyroidism. Based on these discussions, several future directions for research are presented.

Bone Health in Athletes.

CONTEXT: The health of the skeletal system is important for athletes young and old. From the early benefits of exercise on bones to the importance of osteoporosis prevention and treatment, bone health affects the ability to be active throughout life. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed articles dating from 1986 to 2016 were used for the review. Relevant terms such as keywords and section titles of the article were searched and articles identified were reviewed for relevance to this article. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Levels 1 through 4 evidence included. RESULTS: There is strong evidence that exercise benefits bone health at every age and is a critical factor in osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Vitamin D, calcium, and hormones play vital roles in ensuring optimal bone health. When there is an imbalance between exercise and nutrition, as seen in the female athlete triad, bone health is compromised and can lead to bone stress injuries and early osteoporosis. Both of these can lead to morbidity and lost time from training and competition. Thus, early recognition and appropriate treatment of the female athlete triad and other stress fracture risk factors are vital to preventing long-term bone health problems. CONCLUSION: To optimize bone health, adequate nutrition, appropriate weightbearing exercise, strength training, and adequate calcium and vitamin D are necessary throughout life.

[Female athlete triad : what's new ?] / Triade de l'athlète féminine : quoi de neuf ?

The Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport has been suggested as the new and wider denomination of the Female athlete triad. This new terminology enables a wider approach to the different consequences of an insufficient energy intake amongst regular athletes. In fact, this energy dysbalance leads to a wider pathological phenomenon touching many systems (e.g. cardiovascular, psychological, hematological…). This designation is no longer restricted to the female gender, and now also includes men, whom are nowadays less affected or maybe only less assessed. This syndrome is still unknown to most primary care physicians and specialists, thereby its incidence and prevalence is probably greatly underestimated.

Le Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) a été proposé comme nouvelle dénomination plus large de la triade de l'athlète féminine. Ce nouveau terme introduit une vision plus globale des atteintes liées à une insuffisance d'apport calorique lors de la pratique régulière d'un sport. En effet, le RED-S amène d'autres implications physiologiques en lien avec un déséquilibre énergétique (atteintes cardiovasculaire, psychologique, hématologique…). De plus, cette appellation ne se restreint plus au sexe féminin, mais intègre également le genre masculin, toutefois encore relativement peu touché ou alors sous-évalué. Cette problématique reste encore méconnue de la plupart des médecins de premier recours et de certains spécialistes, ainsi son incidence et sa prévalence sont très probablement encore largement sous-estimées.

Common injuries and ailments of the female athlete; pathophysiology, treatment and prevention.

With increasing numbers of women competing in high school and collegiate athletics, it is important that physicians become familiar with injury patterns and medical conditions unique to the female athlete. Observations and clinical data have elucidated unique biomechanical, anatomic and hormonal factors that predispose skeletally mature female athletes to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, patellofemoral disorders and lower extremity stress fractures. Additionally, younger female athletes are particularly at risk of developing components of the "Female Athlete Triad" (more recently included under the syndrome of "Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport" [RED-S]): disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. An understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions has led to the development of programs that can treat their underlying causes, decrease susceptibility to injury, and improve the long-term health of the female athlete. This paper is intended to provide physicians with a review of the sex-specific etiology, prevention and treatment of injuries common to the female athlete.

Energy availability and the female athlete triad in elite endurance athletes.

The female athlete triad (Triad), links low energy availability (EA), with menstrual dysfunction (MD), and impaired bone health. The aims of this study were to examine associations between EA/MD and energy metabolism and the prevalence of Triad-associated conditions in endurance athletes. Forty women [26.2 ± 5.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 20.6 ± 2.0 kg/m(2), body fat 20.0 ± 3.0%], exercising 11.4 ± 4.5 h/week, were recruited from national teams and competitive clubs. Protocol included gynecological examination; assessment of bone health; indirect respiratory calorimetry; diet and exercise measured 7 days to assess EA; eating disorder (ED) examination; blood analysis. Subjects with low/reduced EA (< 45 kcal/kg FFM/day), had lower resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared with those with optimal EA [28.4 ± 2.0 kcal/kg fat-free mass (FFM)/day vs 30.5 ± 2.2 kcal/kg FFM/day, P < 0.01], as did subjects with MD compared with eumenorrheic subjects (28.6 ± 2.4 kcal/kg FFM/day vs 30.2 ± 1.8 kcal/kg FFM/day, P < 0.05). 63% had low/reduced EA, 25% ED, 60% MD, 45% impaired bone health, and 23% had all three Triad conditions. 53% had low RMR, 25% hypercholesterolemia, and 38% hypoglycemia. Conclusively, athletes with low/reduced EA and/or MD had lowered RMR. Triad-associated conditions were common in this group of athletes, despite a normal BMI range. The high prevalence of ED, MD, and impaired bone health emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of energy deficiency.

Pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes: a new proposal / Avaliação ginecológica pré-participação da mulher atleta: uma nova proposta

Objective To propose the inclusion of a gynecological investigation during the evaluation of athletes before competitions, using a specific instrument called the Pre-participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE). Methods The study assessed 148 athletes, mean age of 15.4±2.0 years, who engaged in eight different sports modalities, and who responded to a questionnaire named Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE), to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (for urinary loss), and to the Eating Attitudes Test (for eating disorders). Results Fifty percent of the participants reported irregular menstrual intervals, 23.0% did not know about sexually transmitted diseases, and 72.4% denied having, at least, an annual gynecological appointment. The study identified 18.2% who had urinary loss, and 15% presented with an increased risk of eating disorders. Moreover, 89.9% were not familiar with the occurrence of urinary incontinence in athletes and did not know that they were susceptible to the female athlete triad. A total of 87.1% of them stated that would not mention these issues to their coaches even if this would improve their health or performance. Conclusion The Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination can be considered an easy-to-apply instrument that allowed the diagnosis of alterations often underestimated by the athletes themselves. After its application, the alterations were identified, and determined the athletes’ referral to appropriate evaluation and treatment. .

Objetivo Propor a inclusão da investigação ginecológica durante a avaliação pré-participação de mulheres praticantes de exercício físico, por meio de um instrumento específico, denominado Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE). Métodos Foram avaliadas 148 atletas com média de idade de 15,4±2,0 anos, participantes de oito diferentes modalidades esportivas, que responderam ao Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination, ao International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (para avaliar perda urinária) e ao Eating Attitudes Test (para avaliar alterações alimentares). Resultados Cinquenta por cento das atletas referiram irregularidade menstrual, 23% desconheciam as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e 72,4% negaram acompanhamento ginecológico, no mínimo, anual. Foram identificados 18,2% de mulheres com perda urinária e 15% de maior risco de alterações alimentares. Além disso, 89,9% desconheciam a existência de incontinência urinária em atletas ou o fato de estarem suscetíveis à tríade da mulher atleta. Entre elas, ainda, 87,1% afirmaram não se referirem a seus técnicos sobre as questões ginecológicas, mesmo que isso pudesse melhorar sua saúde e seu desempenho. Conclusão O questionário Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination mostrou-se um instrumento de fácil aplicabilidade e permitiu o diagnóstico de alterações por vezes não valorizadas pelas próprias atletas. Após a aplicação do questionário, as alterações puderam ser identificadas, determinando o encaminhamento ...

The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of foot stress fractures.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing prevalence of osteoporosis, and with it a rise in the diagnosis of stress fractures. Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk of stress fractures. This review article describes the pathophysiology of foot stress fractures and the latest diagnostic and treatment strategies for these common injuries. DISCUSSION: There are numerous risk factors for stress fractures that have been identified in the literature. Reduced bone mineral density is an independent risk factor for delayed union. Prevention of stress fractures with training periodization and nutritional assessment is essential, especially in females. Diagnosis of stress fractures of the foot is based on history and diagnostic imaging, which include radiographs, ultrasound, therapeutic ultrasound, computed tomography, and bone scans; however, magnetic resonance imaging is still the gold standard. Treatment depends on the bone involved and the risk of nonunion, with high-risk fractures requiring immobilization or surgical intervention. Patients presenting with underlying bone mineral deficiency treated without surgery require a longer period of activity modification. Training rehabilitation protocols are described for those with low-risk stress fractures. RESULTS: A useful algorithm is presented to guide the clinician in the diagnosis and management of such injuries.