Martin, Miranda
(2024)
Abstract
Examining RED-S Knowledge & Current Practices in Athletic Trainers and Coaches of Adolescent Female Athletes.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) has been a popular topic of discussion relating to women’s health in recent years. RED-S is a syndrome that occurs when athletes don’t get enough fuel to support energy demands causing long- and short-term consequences on health and sport performance. Recently, researchers have investigated the knowledge levels of RED-S in athletics, however research has focused on collegiate levels rather than younger athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and confidence levels in stakeholders, as well as determine current practices and policies surrounding RED-S in athletics. This study utilized a cross-sectional, survey-based design. Forty-seven completed responses from coaches (n=15) and athletic trainers (ATs) (n=32) were analyzed. The responses of coaches and ATs were analyzed separately to determine differences in knowledge levels and education between occupations. The average age of the participants was 37.6 +/- 11.8 years, consisting of 28 females, 18 males, and 1 transgender male. The initial awareness of RED-S in survey participants encompassed 74.5% of participants having not heard of RED-S previously. The knowledge section of the survey consisted of 15 questions to test the current knowledge levels regarding RED-S. The average score for ATs was 11.4 +/- 1.6 and 11.2 +/- 2.5 for coaches, out of 15. Additionally, the confidence levels after each knowledge question resulted in an average confidence of 2.4 +/- 0.4 for ATs and 1.8 +/-0.5 for coaches, scored out of 4. All coaches and 6.3% of ATs said they are not aware of a RED-S educational program for athletes. Similarly, all coaches and 81.3% of ATs have not received education of their own regarding RED-S. All coaches and 96.2% of ATs noted that their workplace does not have a policy regarding athletes suffering from one or more aspects of RED-S. Most participants indicated that they would like to learn more about RED-S. A limitation of this study was the small sample size, however, future research utilizing an increased sample size may produce different results. Overall, continued research regarding educational programs on RED-S is necessary to help minimize the occurrence of RED-S in female athletes.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
6 June 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
8 March 2024 |
| Approval Date: |
6 June 2024 |
| Submission Date: |
4 April 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
96 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Sports Medicine and Nutrition |
| Degree: |
MS - Master of Science |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Female Athlete Triad |
| Date Deposited: |
06 Jun 2024 13:59 |
| Last Modified: |
06 Jun 2024 13:59 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46012 |
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