Prevalence of impaired physiological function consistent with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): An Australian elite and pre-elite cohort

Margot Anne Rogers, Renee Newcomer Appaneal, David Hughes, Nicole Vlahovich, Gordon Waddington, Louise M. Burke, Michael Drew

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Athlete health, training continuity and performance can be impeded as a result of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Here we report the point prevalence of symptoms described by the RED-S model in a mixed-sport cohort of Australian female athletes. Methods: Elite and pre-elite female athletes (n=112) from eight sports completed validated questionnaires and underwent clinical assessment to assess the point prevalence of RED-S symptoms. Questionnaires included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Centerfor Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), SCOFF questionnaire for disordered eating, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and a custom questionnaire on injury and illness. Clinical assessment comprised resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition and bone mineral density, venous and capillary blood samples,and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2). Descriptive prevalence statistics are presented. Results: Almost all (80%) participants (age 19 (range 15-32) years; mass 69.5±10.3 kg; body fat 23.1%±5.0%) demonstrated at least one symptom consistent with RED-S, with 37% exhibiting between two and three symptoms. One participant demonstrated five symptoms. Impaired function of the immunological (28%, n=27), haematological (31%, n=33) and gastrointestinal (47%, n=51) systems were most prevalent. A moderate to high (11%-55%) prevalence of risk of low energyavailability was identified via RMR and LEAF-Q, and identified mental illnesses were prevalent in one-third of the assessed cohort. Conclusion: Symptoms described by the RED-S model were prevalent in this cohort, supporting the need for improved awareness, monitoring and management of these symptoms in this population.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101517
Pages (from-to)38-45
Number of pages8
JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

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