Journal CME December 2024, The association between overuse and musculoskeletal injuries and the female athlete triad in Division I collegiate athletes-PM R - 2024 - Miller Olson - The association between overuse and musculoskeletal injuries and the female athlete triad in

PM R - 2024 - Miller Olson - The association between overuse and musculoskeletal injuries and the female athlete triad in

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Pdf Summary

The study investigates the relationship between the female athlete triad (Triad) and musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on bone-stress injuries (BSIs) and non-BSI overuse injuries among NCAA Division I female athletes. The study, conducted from 2008 to 2014, involved 239 athletes from a single institution. Participants completed health assessments and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to derive a Triad cumulative risk assessment score. This score evaluated risk factors including low body mass index (BMI), low bone mineral density, history of BSI, delayed menarche, oligomenorrhea, and low energy availability.<br /><br />Findings indicated that 43% of athletes experienced at least one injury, with 95 sustaining non-BSIs and 24 sustaining BSIs over 2.5 years. The study found a significant association between higher Triad scores and increased BSI rates, with each additional risk point correlating with a 17% increase in BSI rate. The association was not significant for non-BSI injuries, suggesting that the Triad primarily influences BSI risk. Sport type also played a role; distance runners and those in lean advantage sports had increased rates of BSIs and non-BSIs compared to athletes in non-lean sports.<br /><br />The research supports previous findings that female athletes with higher Triad risk scores are more prone to BSIs due to potential effects of low energy availability on bone health. While no significant link was found between the Triad and non-BSIs, the study hints at the importance of managing low energy availability to mitigate BSI risk.<br /><br />The study emphasizes the need for future research on low energy availability's role in overuse injuries and calls for tailored strategies to address energy-related health risks in female athletes.

Keywords

female athlete triad

musculoskeletal injuries

bone-stress injuries

NCAA Division I

Triad cumulative risk

low energy availability

low bone mineral density

distance runners

lean advantage sports

overuse injuries