Collegiate Athletic Trainers' Knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

Abstract

Context: The female athlete triad (Triad) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) specify the consequences of energy imbalance. Athletic trainers (ATs) are positioned to identify athletes who are fueling themselves inadequately and experiencing related health and performance consequences.

Objective: To assess the knowledge of collegiate ATs about the Triad and RED-S and to examine variability in related screening and referral behaviors among National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Collegiate athletic training departments.

Patients or other participants: Head ATs at National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions (n = 285, response rate = 33%).

Main outcome measure(s): An electronic survey was administered. The number of Triad components that were correctly identified and screening and referral behaviors related to Triad components were measured.

Results: Nearly all respondents (98.61% [n = 281]) had heard of the Triad; a smaller proportion (32.98% [n = 94]) had heard of RED-S. On average, respondents correctly identified 2 components of the Triad. We observed differences by sex, with women correctly identifying more components than men ( U = 12.426, P = .003). More than half (59.93% [n = 163]) indicated that athletes at their institutions were screened for eating disorders. Nearly three-quarters (70.55% [n = 115]) of respondents indicated that all female athletes at their institutions were screened annually for menstrual dysfunction. More comprehensive referral behaviors for athletes identified as experiencing menstrual dysfunction or a bone injury (eg, athlete referred to a nutritionist, dietitian, or counselor) occurred at Division I institutions than at Division II and III institutions.

Conclusions: Continuing education for ATs about the Triad and RED-S may encourage a more comprehensive approach to referral and screening after a diagnosis of menstrual dysfunction or bone-stress injury. Using institutional opportunities, such as preparticipation screening, for identifying components of the Triad or RED-S and specifying protocols for referring athletes who screen positive for 1 of these components should also be explored.

Keywords: bone injury; disordered eating; menstrual dysfunction; referral.