Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating behaviour

Esther N Muia; Hattie H Wright; Vincent O Onywera; Elizabeth N Kuria

doi:10.1080/02640414.2015.1065340

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Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating behaviour

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating behaviour

Esther N Muia, Hattie H Wright, Vincent O Onywera and Elizabeth N Kuria

Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.34(7), pp.598-606

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1065340

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

young athlete

bone mineral density

energy availability

menstrual function

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Limited data are available on the female athlete triad (Triad) in athletes from minority groups. We explored subclinical and clinical Triad components amongst adolescent elite Kenyan athletes (n = 61) and non-athletes (n = 49). Participants completed demographic, health, sport and menstrual history questionnaires as well as a 5-day weighed dietary record and exercise log to calculate energy availability (EA). Ultrasound assessed calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD). Eating Disorder Inventory subscales and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire's cognitive dietary restraint subscale measured disordered eating (DE). EA was lower in athletes than non-athletes (36.5±4.5 vs. 39.5±5.7 kcal âˆ™ kg FFM-1 âˆ™ d-1, P = 0.003). More athletes were identified with clinical low EA (17.9% vs. 2.2%, OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.17-77, P = 0.021) and clinical menstrual dysfunction (32.7% vs. 18.3%, χ2 = 7.1, P = 0.02). Subclinical (75.4% vs. 71.4%) and clinical DE (4.9% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.56) as well as BMD were similar between athletes and non-athletes. More athletes had two Triad components than non-athletes (8.9% vs. 0%, OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-6.9, P = 0.05). Kenyan adolescent participants presented with one or more subclinical and/or clinical Triad component. It is essential that athletes and their entourage be educated on their energy needs including health and performance consequences of an energy deficiency.

Details

Title: Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating behaviour
Authors: Esther N Muia (Author) - Kenyatta University, Kenya
Hattie H Wright (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Vincent O Onywera (Author) - Kenyatta University, Kenya
Elizabeth N Kuria (Author) - Kenyatta University, Kenya
Publication details: Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.34(7), pp.598-606
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1065340
ISSN: 0264-0414
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449267102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences

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