Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndrome in Division III Swimmers
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Start Date
4-17-2024 12:00 PM
End Date
4-17-2024 1:15 PM
College
College of Health Sciences
Department
Athletic Training
Keywords
relative energy deficiency in sport, cardiovascular endurance
Abstract
Background. Due to the intensity of the sport of swimming and the demand for cardiovascular endurance, swimmers are suspected to be at an increased risk for relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) syndrome. Currently, no literature exists on the prevalence of RED-S syndrome in Division III swimmers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of RED-S syndrome in Division III swimmers during the official swim season as well as determine if there is a difference in RST scores between swim specialties. Methods. Swimmers competing within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (50 females and 36 males) participated in the study by completing the RED-S specific screening tool (RST). The screening tool allowed us to determine which athletes were most at risk for acquiring RED-S syndrome. Participants self-reported weight, height, age, swim specialty/event type and then we calculated body mass index (BMI). Results. The average RST score for females was 269.27 and for males was 175.5. We found no significant difference in RST scores between swim specialty groups for females (F2,53 = 2.842, P = .067, η2 = .097) or males (F2,27 = 1.553, P = .230, η2 = .103). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that there is no significant difference in risk of RED-S syndrome based on event specialization for women or men. On each of their prospective scales, our findings suggest that the average risk for RED-S in men’s and women’s swimmers was at a medium risk level. This study provides knowledge that can be used by researchers when designing an educational program for RED-S syndrome.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Tom G Bowman, PhD, ATC Dr. Sean M Collins, PhD, CSCS*D
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Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndrome in Division III Swimmers
Turner Gymnasium
Background. Due to the intensity of the sport of swimming and the demand for cardiovascular endurance, swimmers are suspected to be at an increased risk for relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) syndrome. Currently, no literature exists on the prevalence of RED-S syndrome in Division III swimmers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of RED-S syndrome in Division III swimmers during the official swim season as well as determine if there is a difference in RST scores between swim specialties. Methods. Swimmers competing within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (50 females and 36 males) participated in the study by completing the RED-S specific screening tool (RST). The screening tool allowed us to determine which athletes were most at risk for acquiring RED-S syndrome. Participants self-reported weight, height, age, swim specialty/event type and then we calculated body mass index (BMI). Results. The average RST score for females was 269.27 and for males was 175.5. We found no significant difference in RST scores between swim specialty groups for females (F2,53 = 2.842, P = .067, η2 = .097) or males (F2,27 = 1.553, P = .230, η2 = .103). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that there is no significant difference in risk of RED-S syndrome based on event specialization for women or men. On each of their prospective scales, our findings suggest that the average risk for RED-S in men’s and women’s swimmers was at a medium risk level. This study provides knowledge that can be used by researchers when designing an educational program for RED-S syndrome.