Key result
Menstrual disturbances linked to ~125% greater risk of low energy availability among female footballers.
Why the study?
Studies on low energy availability in female footballers are limited, and no research has examined its prevalence or associated risk factors in international players.
Cross-Sectional (n=22)
A significant proportion (59.1%) of elite female footballers in New Zealand are at risk of low energy availability, highlighting the need for regular monitoring of mood and menstrual health.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May flag LEA risk via menstrual screening in female footballers; leaves open causal confirmation and intervention trials.
Background : Rates of low energy availability (LEA) in female footballers range from 12% to 66%, studies are limited, and no research has yet looked at the prevalence of LEA in a cohort of international players. Due to the negative consequences of LEA, more research is needed for a thorough investigation into prevalence rates and the associated risk factors of LEA within international environments. Methods : Twenty-two members of the New Zealand under 20 (U20) and National Women’s football teams (20.8 ± 3.5 years) participated in this study. Participants completed an online questionnaire composed of five independent validated surveys to assess LEA risk (Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire), eating disorder risk (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire), sleep quality (Athlete Sleep Score Questionnaire), nutrition knowledge, (Abridged Sport Nutrition Questionnaire), and mood (Profile of Mood States Questionnaire). Results : 59.1% ( n = 13) of participants were identified as being at risk of problematic LEA. Players reporting menstrual disturbances (amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea) were 2.25 times more likely to be at risk of LEA than those who did not report a menstrual disturbance. Menstrual status ( R = −.46, p = .030) and Profile of Mood States Questionnaire ( r = −.46, p = .032) were significantly and positively associated with risk of LEA ( R = −.46, p = .030). Conclusions : A significant proportion (59.1%) of players in the New Zealand national and U20 female football team are at risk of LEA. The positive and predictive relationship observed between mood disturbances, menstrual status, and risk of LEA suggests that regular monitoring of mood and menstrual cycle health may be used for the early identification of problematic LEA in national-level female footballers in New Zealand.
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Coombes et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Low energy availability (n=22). Menstrual disturbances vs. No menstrual disturbances was evaluated on Risk of problematic low energy availability (LEA) (2.25 times more likely, p=0.030). Among New Zealand national and U20 female footballers, 59.1% were at risk of low energy availability, and those with menstrual disturbances were 2.25 times more likely to be at risk.
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