Examination of the Prevalence of Female Athlete Triad Components among Competitive Cheerleaders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine individual and combined Female Athlete Triad components within collegiate cheerleaders, an at-risk group. Cheerleaders (n = 19; age: 20.3 ± 1.2 years) completed anthropometric measurements, health history questionnaires, resting metabolic rate, the eating disorder inventory-3 and symptom checklist, blood sample, and DXA scan. Participants completed dietary and exercise logs for 7 days and used heart rate monitors to track daily and exercise energy expenditure. Proportions were calculated for low energy availability (LEA) risk, disordered eating risk, and pathogenic behaviors. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the difference between cheerleaders who experience low EA with or without disordered eating risk. All cheerleaders demonstrated LEA for the days they participated in cheerleading practice, 52.6% demonstrated LEA with eating disorder risk and 47.4% demonstrated LEA without eating disorder risk, 52.6% self-reported menstrual dysfunction, 14% experienced menstrual dysfunction via hormonal assessment, and 0% demonstrated low bone mineral density. Overall, 47.7% presented with one Triad component, 52.6% demonstrated two Triad components using self-reported menstrual data, and 10.5% demonstrated two Triad components using hormonal assessments. All cheerleaders displayed LEA. These findings support the need for increased education on the individual components of the Triad and their potential consequences by qualified personal.

Prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) among National Athletes in Malaysia

“…The findings also showed that athletes in weight-class (23.9%) and intermittent (20.3%) sports had the highest prevalence of RED-S risk compared to other sports categories. Several other studies found the same trend, with the prevalence ranging from 14% to 63% [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. A specific level of leanness or weight is important in certain sports such as artistic gymnastics, diving, and weightlifting because it affects performance, appearance, and the need to compete in a specific weight category compared to athletes who participated in non-weight sports or where body weight was secondary [ 30 ].…”

Education, Nutrition, and Psychology Effects on Preventing the Female Athlete Triad

“…Competitive collegiate athletes were analyzed for components of the triad. These athletes were found to be eating less than 30 Kcal/kg x free fat mass/day and practicing intentionally or unintentionally undereating and pathologic eating behaviors [ 12 , 13 ]. Female cheerleaders were surveyed, and most did not have access to proper nutritional education or coaches who were not equipped with the knowledge of the nutrient demand of the cheerleading sport [ 13 ].…”

“…These athletes were found to be eating less than 30 Kcal/kg x free fat mass/day and practicing intentionally or unintentionally undereating and pathologic eating behaviors [ 12 , 13 ]. Female cheerleaders were surveyed, and most did not have access to proper nutritional education or coaches who were not equipped with the knowledge of the nutrient demand of the cheerleading sport [ 13 ]. Dimitriou et al discovered not many active athletes were given proper nutritional education when compared to retired athletes, and it is unknown as to why this occurs [ 10 ].…”

“…Therefore, by increasing calcium and vitamin D, athletes can maintain healthy bones, which in turn prevents osteoporosis [ 26 ]. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high-energy carbohydrates is important for athletes [ 13 ]. Nutrition alongside weight gain over time is the best for addressing low BMI, nutritional deficiencies, bone health, and menstrual dysfunctions.…”

Exploring the digital psychology of environmental sustainability: the mediating influence of technological innovation in advanced physical education development in China”

“…It plays a vital role in the sustainability of the environment and its development, serving as one of the key factors for sustainability [ 23 ]. Organizations must responsibly use technological innovation in line with corporate social responsibility to benefit society [ 11 , 54 ]. Compatibility, an essential factor for societal benefit, helps individuals gain critical skills necessary for organizational sustainability [ 55 ].…”