Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Abstract/Artist Statement
Objective: Rowing is an endurance sport requiring athletes to optimally fuel their bodies to be able to perform at their highest capacity. Coupled high stress activity with nutrient deficiency can lead to increased risk of injury and illness. The combination of low energy deficit, menstrual dysfunction, and altered bone mineral density is known as female athlete triad. Any singular part of the triad can affect performance, but all three can lead to drastic performance deficits for athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors leading to diagnosis of female athlete triad in female rowers.
Data sources: PubMed and Cochrane library were used and searched by using 6 different search terms including: rowers AND female athlete triad; crew athletes AND female athlete triad; female athlete triad AND collegiate rowers; rowers AND nutritional deficiency; lightweight rowers AND female athlete triad. 21 articles were retrieved.
Study Selection: Studies included for review examined at least one part of the female athlete triad and included female rowers was written in English and full text was available online.
Data extraction: Articles were eliminated if they did not include female rowers, female athlete triad or were duplicates. This left 8 articles for abstract review. Upon further review of full text articles 5 articles remained for analysis.
Data synthesis: Analysis of age, weight, body mass index (BMI), open weight or lightweight rower, reported stress fractures, iron deficiency, menstrual disorders, disordered eating, and years rowing was conducted. 280 rowers with an average age of 21.9 years, body mass index of 23.1 were included for analysis.
Conclusion: Lightweight rowers appear to be more at risk for one or more conditions identified in the female athlete triad. Pre-participation examinations for female rowers should include screenings for disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction and osteoporosis on a yearly basis.
Word Count: 298
Mentor Name
Valerie J Moody
Risk of Factors Associated with Female Athlete Triad in Rowers: A Systematic Review
UC North Ballroom
Objective: Rowing is an endurance sport requiring athletes to optimally fuel their bodies to be able to perform at their highest capacity. Coupled high stress activity with nutrient deficiency can lead to increased risk of injury and illness. The combination of low energy deficit, menstrual dysfunction, and altered bone mineral density is known as female athlete triad. Any singular part of the triad can affect performance, but all three can lead to drastic performance deficits for athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors leading to diagnosis of female athlete triad in female rowers.
Data sources: PubMed and Cochrane library were used and searched by using 6 different search terms including: rowers AND female athlete triad; crew athletes AND female athlete triad; female athlete triad AND collegiate rowers; rowers AND nutritional deficiency; lightweight rowers AND female athlete triad. 21 articles were retrieved.
Study Selection: Studies included for review examined at least one part of the female athlete triad and included female rowers was written in English and full text was available online.
Data extraction: Articles were eliminated if they did not include female rowers, female athlete triad or were duplicates. This left 8 articles for abstract review. Upon further review of full text articles 5 articles remained for analysis.
Data synthesis: Analysis of age, weight, body mass index (BMI), open weight or lightweight rower, reported stress fractures, iron deficiency, menstrual disorders, disordered eating, and years rowing was conducted. 280 rowers with an average age of 21.9 years, body mass index of 23.1 were included for analysis.
Conclusion: Lightweight rowers appear to be more at risk for one or more conditions identified in the female athlete triad. Pre-participation examinations for female rowers should include screenings for disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction and osteoporosis on a yearly basis.
Word Count: 298