Application of the IOC Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Clinical Assessment Tool version 2 (CAT2) across 200+ elite athletes

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study implemented the 2023 International Olympic Committee Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Clinical Assessment Tool version 2 (CAT2) to determine the current severity of REDs (primary outcome) and future risk of bone stress injuries (BSI, exploratory outcome) in elite athletes.

Methods: Female (n=143; 23.3±4.3 years) and male (n=70; 23.1±3.7 years) athletes (performance tier 3 (52%), tier 4 (36%), tier 5 (12%)) participated in a baseline CAT2 (with minor modifications) assessment, including a self-report questionnaire (menstrual function (females), BSI, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)), bone mineral density (BMD via DXA) and fasted blood analysis (triiodothyronine (T3), testosterone, cholesterol). Athletes were assigned a green, yellow, orange or red light via CAT2. The prospective risk of new self-report of physician-diagnosed BSI was assessed over a subsequent 6-24 months.

Results: REDs prevalence was 55% green, 36% yellow, 5% orange and 4% red light. The CAT2 identified a greater prevalence of amenorrhoea and BSI and lower T3, testosterone and BMD (p<0.01) in red, orange and yellow (those with REDs) versus green light. ORs for a prospective self-reported BSI (majority physician diagnosed) were greater in orange vs green (OR 7.71, 95% CI (1.26 to 39.83)), in females with severe amenorrhoea (OR 4.6 (95% CI 0.98 to 17.85)), in males with low sex drive (OR 16.0 (95% CI 4.79 to 1038.87)), and athletes with elevated EDE-Q global scores (OR 1.45 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.97)).

Conclusion: The CAT2 has high validity in demonstrating current severity of REDs, with increased future risk of self-reported BSI in athletes with a more severe REDs traffic light category.

Keywords: Athletes; Bone; Diagnosis; Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport; Sports medicine.