Screening tool for the identification of relative energy deficiency in Sport risk: validation of the low energy availability in female questionnaire - Italian version (LEAFQ-ITA)

Background Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (REDs) is defined as a multifactorial syndrome of impaired physiological and/or psychological functioning was previously named as the Female Athlete Triad. REDs was proposed to be an expansion of the Female Athlete Triad model (Triad), corresponding to a combination of Low Energy Availability (LEA), alteration of the menstrual cycle and bone health. could be made possible by a screening tool to determine the risk of LEA. The Low Energy Availability in Female-Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) is a screening tool originally developed to identify individuals at risk of Triad based on self-reported symptoms in three primary categories: injuries, gastrointestinal function, and reproductive function – to identify individuals at risk of Triad. To date, LEAF-Q is recommended in the International Olympic Committee REDs Clinical Assessment Tool-Version 2 as a screening tool for studying various health and performance outcomes of REDs. This study aims to validate the Italian version (LEAFQ-ITA) among physically active women while adapting it to their culture in order to enhance the diagnosis and facilitate access to treatment of REDs.