Running Event, Age, and Competitive Level as Predictors of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Derived Body Composition and Bone Health Markers in Female Runners.

ABSTRACT: Wilson, LJ and Curtis, C. Running event, age, and competitive level as predictors of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition and bone health markers in female runners. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of this study was to assess the impact of running discipline, competitive level (COMP), and age on body composition measures in female athletes. A total of n = 51 female runners (age: 30.9 ± 5.7 years, stature: 166.7 ± 5.7 cm, and body mass (BM): 57.1 ± 8.2 kg) completed a full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan in a cross-sectional design. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was used to identify differences in DXA measures and independent variables. Stepwise regression determined the contribution of independent variables on DXA measures. Body fat percentage (BF%) and fat mass (FM) differed based on COMP (BF%: H(2) = 17.451; FM: H(2) = 17.406, both p ≤ 0.0001). Competitive level modestly predicted BF% and FM (BF%: R2adj = 0.316, F(1,50) = 22.660; FM: R2adj = 0.300, F(1,50) = 21.029, both p ≤ 0.0001). Bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD Z-score (BMDZ) did not differ between age, running discipline, or COMP (age: BMD: F(2,50) = 2.825, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 2.215; running discipline: BMD: F(3,50) = 1.145, BMDZ: F(3,50) = 1.474; COMP: BMD: F(2,50) = 0.074, BMDZ: F(2,50) = 1.297, all p ≤ 0.05). Age and running discipline modestly predicted BMD and BMDZ (BMD: R2adj = 0.179, F(1,50) = 5.264; BMDZ: R2adj = 0.173, F(1,50) = 4.545, both p ≤ 0.05). These findings indicate COMP may be a predictor of BF% and FM. Age and running discipline appear predictors of bone health markers. Such findings may enable medical and sport science practitioners to tailor interventions relating to realization of training adaptations, performance, and health.

Prevalence of disordered eating, eating disorders and risk of low energy availability in professional, competitive and recreational female athletes based in the United Kingdom.

Eating disorders (ED), disordered eating (DE) and low energy availability (LEA) can be detrimental to health and performance. Previous studies have independently investigated the prevalence of ED, DE or LEA; however, few combined methods have identified risk within female athletes. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ED, DE and LEA in UK-based female athletes and investigate whether associations exist between age, competition level and primary sport. The Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) and Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) were used in a cross-sectional study design. A total of 112 responses eligible for analysis were received. A total of 16%, 44% and 53% of female athletes were at risk of ED (FAST: >94), DE and LEA, respectively. Competition level (recreational, competitive or professional athletes; fishers, p ≤ 0.05) influenced and was a predictor of FAST (R2 = 0.076, F(1,110) = 10.067, p ≤ 0.05, variance inflation value; VIF = 1.0) whereas age influenced (age: H(2) = 13.128, p ≤ 0.05), and was a predictor (R2 = 0.144, F(2,109) = 9.170, p ≤ 0.05, VIF = 1.0) of LEAF-Q. A positive correlation was observed between FAST and LEAF-Q scores (R = 0.496, p ≤ 0.05). Age and competition level may be predicting risk factors of ED/DE and LEA within female athletes; however, further research is required to support the findings of this present study.