A1 Journal article (refereed)
Eating behaviours, menstrual history and the athletic career : a retrospective survey from adolescence to adulthood in female endurance athletes (2023)
Ravi, S., Valtonen, M., Ihalainen, J. K., Holopainen, E., Kosola, S., Heinonen, S., Waller, B., Kujala, U. M., & Parkkari, J. (2023). Eating behaviours, menstrual history and the athletic career : a retrospective survey from adolescence to adulthood in female endurance athletes. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 9(1), Article e001489. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001489
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Ravi, Suvi; Valtonen, Maarit; Ihalainen, Johanna K.; Holopainen, Elina; Kosola, Silja; Heinonen, Saara; Waller, Ben; Kujala, Urho M.; Parkkari, Jari
Journal or series: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
eISSN: 2055-7647
Publication year: 2023
Volume: 9
Issue number: 1
Article number: e001489
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001489
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86049
Abstract
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 100 women with a competitive endurance sports background and their age-matched, gender-matched and municipality-matched controls (n=98). Data were collected using a questionnaire using previously validated instruments. Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate associations of menstrual history and eating behaviours with outcome variables (career length, participation level, injury-related harms and career termination due to injury).
Results: Athletes reported higher rates of delayed puberty and menstrual dysfunction than controls. No differences between the groups were observed in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire short form (EDE-QS) scores at any age. Previous disordered eating (DE) was associated with current DE in both groups. Among athletes, higher EDE-QS scores during the sports career were associated with a shorter career (B=−0.15, 95% CI −0.26 to –0.05). Secondary amenorrhoea was associated with lower participation level (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.95), injury-related harms during the career (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.88 to 8.48) and career termination due to injury (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.51).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that DE behaviours and menstrual dysfunction, specifically secondary amenorrhoea, have a disadvantageous relationship with a sports career in women competing in endurance sports. DE during the sports career is associated with DE after the career.
Keywords: sports; athletes; women; menstruation; menstrual cycle; eating
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2023
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
