Retired elite female athletes had lower odds of anxiety (OR 0.155; 95% CI 0.062-0.384) and greater odds of amenorrhea (OR 6.10; 95% CI 2.67-13.96) compared to the general population.
Cross-Sectional (n=74)
Does elite sport participation impact long-term musculoskeletal, mental, reproductive, and cardiovascular health in retired female athletes compared to the general population?
Retired elite female athletes report high current health ratings and lower anxiety odds, despite higher lifetime odds of amenorrhea and ongoing musculoskeletal symptoms.
Objectives: Little is known about the impact of elite sport participation on long-term athlete health. We aimed to: (1) describe musculoskeletal, mental health, reproductive/endocrine and cardiovascular characteristics in retired elite female athletes and compare to the general population and (2) explore athletes' perceptions of their elite sport participation and its impact on health. Methods: A 136-item online questionnaire was disseminated to Canadian elite female rowing and rugby athletes >18 years old, >2 years retired from elite competition. Matched general population data were obtained from Statistics Canada when available. Results: Seventy-four (24% response rate) athletes (average age 45 (±9) years; retired 15 (±9) years) completed the questionnaire (30 rowing, 44 rugby athletes). During their career, 63 athletes (85%) experienced a hip/groin, knee, foot/ankle injury, or low back pain, with 42 (67%) reporting ongoing symptoms. Athletes 35-54 years reported worse knee symptoms and quality of life compared with the general population (symptom: p=0.197; d=1.15 0.66, 1.63; quality of life: p=0.312 d=1.03 0.54, 1.51) while other hip, knee and foot/ankle outcome scores were similar. Retired athletes had lower odds of anxiety (OR=0.155 95% CI0.062 to 0.384), greater lifetime/ever odds of amenorrhea (OR=6.10 95%CI 2.67 to 13.96) and gave birth when older (p<0.05). Fifty-nine (79%) recalled witnessing or experiencing at least one form of harassment/abuse during their career. Sixty athletes (81%) rated their current health as above average or excellent and 61 (82%) would compete at the same level again if given the choice. Conclusion: These novel insights can inform future preventative efforts to promote positive elite sport-related outcomes for current, former and future female athletes.
Thornton et al. (Sun,) conducted a cross-sectional in Health of retired elite female athletes (n=74). Elite sport participation vs. General population was evaluated on Musculoskeletal, mental health, reproductive/endocrine and cardiovascular characteristics. Retired elite female athletes had lower odds of anxiety (OR 0.155; 95% CI 0.062-0.384) and greater odds of amenorrhea (OR 6.10; 95% CI 2.67-13.96) compared to the general population.