| Summary: | <p><b>1.1 Objective</b></p>
<p>There is a high prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in weight- dependent athletes, potentially resulting in long-term health implications if not managed and treated correctly by healthcare professionals. The aim of this research is to i) investigate the physical and psychosocial impact of RED-S, from the personal perspective of lightweight rowers in the UK and ii) investigate the knowledge and management of RED-S in lightweight rowers and physiotherapists working in lightweight rowing.</p>
<p><b>1.2 Methods</b></p>
<p>Twelve lightweight rowers and twelve physiotherapists were recruited for the semi- structured interviews. Eligibility criteria for lightweight rowers were: aged ≥18 years, had competed in lightweight rowing for ≥1 year, and experienced ≥1 symptom of RED-S (recurrent injuries including stress fractures, menstrual dysfunction, low energy during training, prioritising leanness, excessive fatigue, muscle loss, an inability to recover from sessions, a diagnosis of RED-S or Female Athlete Triad. To be eligible, physiotherapists had to be currently or previously registered to work in the UK and have worked with lightweight rowers for >1 year. All participants undertook audio-recorded semi-structured telephone interviews. Data was analysed using an inductive thematic approach, and coding was iterative and data-driven, facilitated by NVivo software.</p>
<p><b>1.3 Results</b></p>
<p>To address the first aim, twelve current and former lightweight rowers (67% female, 33% male, aged 19-32 years), who competed in lightweight rowing at an international level to elite level were interviewed. Participants restricted calories and increased energy expenditure to elicit weight-loss in order to pass weighing-in and compete as a lightweight rower. This resulted in psychosocial implications (reduced social interaction, difficulty maintaining relationships, poor emotional regulation, low mood, poor concentration, disordered eating, guilt and anxiety around food and a negative body image) many of which persisted after ceasing participation in lightweight rowing. Participants described a range of physical implications, including disrupted sleep, decreased performance and recovery, bowel disruption, menstrual dysfunction, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, injury and weakened immune systems.</p>
<p>To address the second aim, data from 12 lightweight rowers and 12 physiotherapists (50% male, and 50% female, aged 22-64 years, with 1-20 years of experience working in lightweight rowing) were utilised in this study. Five key themes were identified: insufficient knowledge of RED-S, inadequate RED-S education, inappropriate management of RED-S, referring responsibility to other health professionals, and prioritising performance over health. Participants provided suggestions for improving knowledge and management of RED-S in lightweight rowers, including formal physiotherapy education and training, and targeted education for athletes and coaches.</p>
<p><b>1.4 Conclusion</b></p>
<p>This study describes short and long term physical and psychosocial impacts of RED-S, from the personal perspective of lightweight rowers. This highlights the importance of screening, education and effective management strategies from healthcare professionals to reduce the negative health implications of RED-S in lightweight rowers. There was a significant lack of awareness of RED-S amongst physiotherapists and lightweight rowers. Most physiotherapists were not confident discussing or managing RED-S in athletes, and lightweight rowers were dissatisfied with the management they received. Improving RED- S education for physiotherapists may have significant and positive health implications for lightweight rowers in the UK.</p>
|
|---|