"I'd got self-destruction down to a fine art": a qualitative exploration of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in endurance athletes. Issue 14 (18th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Langbein, Rachel K.; Martin, Daniel; Allen-Collinson, Jacquelyn; Crust, Lee; Jackman, Patricia C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 39:Issue 14(2021)
• Page Start: 1555
• Page End: 1564
• Publication Date: 2021-07-18
• Subjects: Low energy availability -- female athlete triad -- disordered eating -- eating disorders -- compulsive exercise -- endurance; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1883312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a syndrome of impaired health and performance that occurs as a result of low energy availability (LEA). Whilst many health effects associated with RED-S have been widely studied from a physiological perspective, further research exploring the psychological antecedents and consequences of the syndrome is required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitatively explore athlete experiences of RED-S. Twelve endurance athletes (female n = 10, male n = 2; M age = 28.33 years) reporting past or current experiences of RED-S, associated with periods of LEA, took part in semi-structured interviews designed to explore: contexts and mechanisms underpinning the onset of RED-S; the subjective experience of RED-S; and contexts and mechanisms influencing "recovery" from RED-S. Regardless of how RED-S was initiated, all athletes experienced a multitude of physiological impairments, accompanied by significant psychological distress. This paper contributes novel understanding of the complex interplay between physiological and psychological components of RED-S from the perspective of information-rich cases. The findings suggest that system-wide educational prevention and awareness interventions are vital for athletes and support personnel, such as coaches, parents, dieticians, psychologists, and sports medicine staff.