Return to search

Screening and Prevention of the Female Athlete Triad in High School Endurance Athletes

Background: The American College of Sports Medicine defines the female athlete triad (FAT) as interrelated components of energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. High school athletes have likely not experienced a lengthy duration of exposure to disordered eating, amenorrhea, and low bone density compared to older athletes because of their young age; the purpose for screening and creating awareness is to educate before negative consequences reach full effect later in life and running career. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to screen high school distance runners for awareness and baseline knowledge of the components of FAT. Methods: Four surveys submitted to high school female athletes assessing FAT knowledge, a questionnaire assessing triad risk factors, calcium intake, and demographic information. Results: Significant findings include faster 5k times with a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 mg/kg², increased calcium intake correlated with positive awareness to the FAT, and a higher FAT knowledge score correlating with triad awareness. Conclusion: The results from this study did not show a relationship between BMI and menstrual history, 5k time and menstrual history, and BMI and calcium intake. All of the athletes' responses indicated having one or more components of the triad. Education of the components of the triad is needed in high schools, and screening should be incorporated into preparticipation health physicals so as to ensure athletes minimize their risks for stress fractures and impaired bone health.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/605120
Date January 2016
CreatorsDeRosa, Christina Michelle
ContributorsPoedel, Robin, Poedel, Robin, Poedel, Robin, Badger, Terry, Owen-Williams, Eileen
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Electronic Dissertation
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Page generated in 0.0017 seconds