Exploring Health Demographics of Female Collegiate Rowers

Abstract

Context Limited information exists about health patterns among female rowers at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the element of weight class (lightweights classified as <130 lb [59 kg]) as a factor in the physical and mental health of female collegiate athletes has not been investigated, despite weight requirements in sport being a risk factor for the female athlete triad. Objective To test the hypotheses that (1) components of the female athlete triad were more prevalent in lightweight than in openweight rowers; (2) perceived stress levels were greater in lightweight than in openweight rowers; and (3) rowers who were unable to row due to injury had greater perceived stress levels than uninjured athletes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Twelve collegiate women's rowing programs consisting of 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I openweight and 6 Intercollegiate Rowing Association–level lightweight teams. Patients or Other Participants A total of 158 female collegiate rowers (78 lightweight, 80 openweight). Main Outcome Measure(s) An electronic survey addressing injury history, diet and eating habits and body image (according to the triad screening questionnaire), stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and athlete identity (Athlete Identity Measurement Scale) was administered. Results Lightweight rowers reported limiting or carefully controlling foods more frequently than openweight rowers (41.9% to 29.9%, P = .013). A history of an eating disorder was more prevalent among lightweight than openweight rowers (25.7% to 13.0%, P = .048). Prevalences of stress fractures and menstrual irregularities did not differ between weight classes. Lightweight and openweight rowers' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (16.0 ± 9.9 and 17.3 ± 6.4, respectively) were not different. Injured rowers scored higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (19.4 ± 7.2) than did uninjured rowers (16.6 ± 5.72). Conclusions Weight class did not contribute to differences in the prevalence of female athlete triad components or perceived stress, although lightweight rowers were more likely to have a history of eating disorder. Injury may be a risk factor for increased stress in this population.

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Collegiate Female Rowing Athletes

“…On average, measures of height and weight were similar to those found in a previous study looking at demographics of female collegiate rowers [26]. Previous research has shown larger (height and weight) rowers tend to be faster [27,28].…”

Review: questionnaires as measures for low energy availability (LEA) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in athletes

“…This questionnaire measured Triad risk in triathletes, where 24% ( n = 75) indicated at least one Triad component, and 8% ( n = 25) all components [ 58 ]. Another study used part of this questionnaire (presence of eating disorder, dietary habits, worrying about weight/ body image) to measure the energy-deficiency component of the Triad in female collegiate rowers [ 59 ]. The energy deficiency related components did not differ between lightweight and openweight rowers, albeit the study hypothesised that lightweight rowers appear to be at higher risk of the Triad.…”

The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis from 1993 to 2021

“…Introjected, identified regulation [ 60 , 107 ]. Positive affect, emotions, feelings [ 6 , 32 , 33 , 46 , 60 , 94 , 103 , 106 , 110 , 112 ]. Self-esteem, competence, worth [ 4 , 39 , 55 , 58 , 59 , 68 , 91 , 96 , 107 , 110 , 111 , 119 ].…”