Triathlete with Multiple Stress Fractures in the Lower Limbs: Case Report and Literature Review / Triatleta com múltiplas fraturas por estresse nos membros inferiores: Relato de um caso e revisão da literatura

Abstract Recurrent stress fractures rarely affect the same athlete. We present the case of a female triathlete who suffered multiple stress fractures in both tibias, the right fibula, and the left femoral neck. Conservative treatment was instituted in all episodes, with rest, reduced training load, and physical therapy rehabilitation. The relative energy deficiency in sport syndrome, along with an eating disorder, training overload, and osteopenia, was identified as a risk factor. Although rare, multiple stress fractures can occur in female triathletes. These patients must be screened for risk factors associated with biomechanics, nutrition, and training to develop an effective prevention and treatment program.

Resumo Fraturas por estresse recorrentes num mesmo atleta são raras. Apresentamos o caso de uma triatleta que sofreu múltiplas fraturas por estresse na tíbia bilateral, na fíbula direita e no colo femoral esquerdo. O tratamento conservador foi instituído em todos os episódios, com repouso, redução da carga de treino e reabilitação fisioterápica. Foi identificada como fator de risco a síndrome da deficiência energética relativa no esporte, com distúrbio alimentar, sobrecarga de treino e osteopenia. Mesmo que seja raro, múltiplas fraturas por estresse podem ocorrer em mulheres triatletas, nas quais é importante avaliar os fatores de risco associados à biomecânica, nutrição e ao treinamento para arquitetar um programa de prevenção e tratamento efetivos.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the low energy availability in females questionnaire (leaf-q) / Adaptación cultural y validación del low energy availability in females questionnaire (leaf-q) / Adaptação cultural e validação do low energy availability in females questionnaire (leaf-q)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low energy availability, amenorrhea and osteoporosis make up the Female Athlete Triad observed in physically active females and athletes. The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) was created with the purpose of identifying female athletes at risk for the Female Athlete Triad. Objective: To translate and culturally adapt the LEAF-Q for Brazilian Portuguese and validate it in a group of Brazilian athletes. Methods: The first stage of the study consisted of translation, cultural adaptation and content validation of the questionnaire in 20 athletes. In the second stage, for the test-retest reliability analysis and the construct validation, the final adapted version was applied in a sample of 127 athletes from various sports disciplines, 54 of whom responded to the questionnaire on a second occasion. For the test-retest reliability analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated and the paired t-test, McNemar's test and Bland-Altman plot were carried out. The construct validation modeled by known or contrasted groups was carried out by comparing the mean LEAF-Q scores of group 1 (athletes who practiced weight-sensitive sports) with those of group 2 (athletes who practiced team sports) using the Student's t test. Results: The Brazilian version of the LEAF-Q showed excellent test-retest reliability, with an ICC of 0.92. The construct validity by known or contrasted groups was confirmed after demonstrating that athletes who practiced weight-sensitive sports had a higher LEAF-Q mean score than athletes who practiced team sports (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The Brazilian version of the LEAF-Q is an important tool, which presented textual and cultural adequacy, proved to be reliable in terms of test-retest reliability, and presents evidence of validity to investigate the risk of the triad. Level of evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a diagnostic instrument .

RESUMEN Introducción: La baja energía disponible, amenorrea y osteoporosis conforman la Tríada de la mujer deportista, y afecta a mujeres físicamente activas y atletas. El cuestionario Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) fue creado con la finalidad de identificar a atletas del sexo femenino en riesgo de Tríada de la mujer deportista. Objetivo: Traducir y adaptar culturalmente al portugués de Brasil y validar el LEAF-Q en un grupo de atletas brasileñas. Métodos: La primera etapa del estudio consistió en traducción, adaptación cultural y validación de contenido del instrumento en 20 atletas. En la segunda etapa, para el análisis de la confiabilidad test-retest y validación de constructo, la versión final adaptada del cuestionario fue aplicada a una muestra de 127 atletas de diversas modalidades y, entre ellas, 54 respondieron el cuestionario en una segunda ocasión. Para el análisis de la confiabilidad test-retest fue calculado el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), así como la realización de los tests t pareado, de McNemar y del gráfico de Bland-Altman. La validación de constructo modelada por grupos conocidos o contrastados fue realizada a partir de la comparación de las puntuaciones promedio del LEAF-Q del grupo 1 (atletas de modalidades sensibles al peso) y del grupo 2 (atletas de deportes colectivos), empleando el test t de Student. Resultados: La versión brasileña de LEAF-Q presentó excelente confiabilidad de test-retest, con ICC de 0,92. La validez de constructo por grupos conocidos o contrastados fue confirmada al demostrar que atletas de modalidades sensibles al peso tienen puntuación promedio mayor en el LEAF-Q que atletas de deportes colectivos (p ≤ 0,05). Conclusión: La versión brasileña del LEAF-Q es una herramienta importante, que presentó adecuación textual y cultural, probó ser confiable, en términos de confiabilidad de test-retest, y presenta evidencias de validación para investigar el riesgo de tríada. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios diagnósticos - Investigación de un instrumento diagnóstico .

RESUMO Introdução: A baixa energia disponível, amenorreia e osteoporose compõe a tríade da mulher atleta, e afeta mulheres fisicamente ativas e atletas. O questionário Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) foi criado com a finalidade de identificar atletas do sexo feminino em risco de tríade da mulher atleta. Objetivo: Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente para o português do Brasil e validar o LEAF-Q em um grupo de atletas brasileiras. Métodos: A primeira etapa do estudo consistiu em tradução, adaptação cultural e validação de conteúdo do instrumento em 20 atletas. Na segunda etapa, para a análise da confiabilidade teste-reteste e validação de construto, a versão final adaptada do questionário foi aplicada em uma amostra de 127 atletas de diversas modalidades e, dentre elas, 54 responderam o questionário em uma segunda ocasião. Para a análise da confiabilidade teste-reteste, foi calculado o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC), assim como a realização dos testes t pareado, de McNemar e do gráfico de Bland-Altman. A validação de construto modelada por grupos conhecidos ou contrastados foi realizada a partir da comparação das pontuações médias do LEAF-Q do grupo 1 (atletas de modalidades sensíveis ao peso) e do grupo 2 (atletas de esportes coletivos), empregando o teste t de Student. Resultados: A versão brasileira do LEAF-Q apresentou excelente confiabilidade teste-reteste, com ICC de 0,92. A validade de construto por grupos conhecidos ou contrastados foi confirmada ao demonstrar que atletas de modalidades sensíveis ao peso têm pontuação média maior no LEAF-Q do que atletas de esportes coletivos (p ≤ 0,05). Conclusão: A versão brasileira do LEAF-Q é uma ferramenta importante, que apresentou adequação textual e cultural, provou ser confiável, em termos de confiabilidade teste-reteste e apresenta evidências de validação para investigar o risco de tríade. Nível de evidência II; Estudos diagnósticos - Investigação de um instrumento diagnóstico .

Além da tríade da mulher atleta: o novo conceito de deficiência relativa de energia no esporte / Beyond the female athlete triad: the new concept of relative energy deficiency in sport

"Tríade da mulher atleta" e "deficiência relativa de energia no esporte" são afecções comuns encontradas em esportistas. Tendo como fisiopatologia a disponibilidade energética negativa, essas síndromes têm impacto negativo na saúde das atletas. Apesar de serem frequentemente discutidas entre especialistas vinculados ao mundo desportivo, ainda são pouco conhecidas entre outras especialidades. Essa revisão da literatura foi proposta com o intuito de expor o problema ao ginecologista e obstetra, considerando esses profissionais importantes aliados na prevenção e diagnóstico precoce. Da mesma maneira, a intervenção terapêutica correta minimiza os diversos prejuízos à saúde e melhora o desempenho esportivo.(AU)

"Female athlete triad" and "relative energy deficiency in sport" are conditions relatively common among women participating in sports. Its pathophysiology based on negative energy availability, these syndromes have a negative impact on the athlete's health. Although they are frequently discussed among specialists linked to the sports all over the world, a little has been known among other physicians. This literature review was proposed in order to expose the problem to the gynecologist and obstetrician, considering these professionals as important allies in prevention and early diagnosis. In the same way, the correct therapeutic intervention allows to minimizes the numerous damages to athlete's health and to improve their sports performance.(AU)

A tríade da atleta / The female athlete triad

A Tríade da Atleta (TA) é uma síndrome que se manifesta na mulher por meio da baixa disponibilidade de energia (com ou sem distúrbios alimentares), disfunção menstrual e baixa densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Geralmente, acomete pessoas envolvidas com a prática de atividades físicas que enfatizam o emagrecimento.(1,2,3) O diagnóstico pode ser feito por meio da análise do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) da paciente; pelo cálculo da disponibilidade de energia; exames de densitometria óssea e radiografia da coluna vertebral, associados à presença de menstruações infrequentes ou amenorreia no ciclo menstrual da paciente. A incidência da TA vem aumentando na atualidade devido à maior divulgação dos benefícios da prática esportiva e à preocupação excessiva com a estética corporal imposta pela sociedade em que vivemos. Os profissionais da saúde devem estar aptos a detectar precocemente os sinais da TA para dar início ao tratamento, uma vez que este é o fator mais importante para diminuir as severas consequências ao organismo.(3) O presente artigo tem como objetivo informar sobre a existência dessa síndrome, com destaque para os métodos diagnósticos e o tratamento.(AU)

The Athlete Triad (AT) is a syndrome that is manifested in women through low energy availability with or without eating disorders, menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density (BMD). Usually affects people involved in physical activities that emphasize weight loss. (1,2,3) The diagnosis can be made through the patient's Body Mass Index (BMI) analysis; by calculating the availability of energy; examination of bone densitometry and radiography of the spine associated with infrequent periods or amenorrhea in the patient's menstrual cycle. The incidence of AT is increasing today because the dissemination of sports benefits and excessive concern with body imposed by society. Health professionals must be able to detect early signs of AT to start the treatment, because is the most important factor to reduce the severe consequences on the body.(3) This article has the objective to inform health professionals about the existence of this syndrome with emphasis on diagnostic methods and treatment tools.(AU)

The role of sports medicine for athletes -protection of the athletes’ lifetime healthcare- / 体力科学

<p>Sports medicine has played a role in athlete safety, strengthening physical ability, improving sports performance, and players’ life extension. Recently, sports medicine is adding some roles to provide lifetime healthcare for athletes including children in the development stage, active players and retired players. Concussion in sport, the effects of exercising in childhood on bone and joint health, and female athlete triad are described in this review paper. Some proposals for protection of the athletes’ lifetime healthcare are also discussed.</p>

Pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes: a new proposal / Avaliação ginecológica pré-participação da mulher atleta: uma nova proposta

Objective To propose the inclusion of a gynecological investigation during the evaluation of athletes before competitions, using a specific instrument called the Pre-participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE). Methods The study assessed 148 athletes, mean age of 15.4±2.0 years, who engaged in eight different sports modalities, and who responded to a questionnaire named Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE), to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (for urinary loss), and to the Eating Attitudes Test (for eating disorders). Results Fifty percent of the participants reported irregular menstrual intervals, 23.0% did not know about sexually transmitted diseases, and 72.4% denied having, at least, an annual gynecological appointment. The study identified 18.2% who had urinary loss, and 15% presented with an increased risk of eating disorders. Moreover, 89.9% were not familiar with the occurrence of urinary incontinence in athletes and did not know that they were susceptible to the female athlete triad. A total of 87.1% of them stated that would not mention these issues to their coaches even if this would improve their health or performance. Conclusion The Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination can be considered an easy-to-apply instrument that allowed the diagnosis of alterations often underestimated by the athletes themselves. After its application, the alterations were identified, and determined the athletes’ referral to appropriate evaluation and treatment. .

Objetivo Propor a inclusão da investigação ginecológica durante a avaliação pré-participação de mulheres praticantes de exercício físico, por meio de um instrumento específico, denominado Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE). Métodos Foram avaliadas 148 atletas com média de idade de 15,4±2,0 anos, participantes de oito diferentes modalidades esportivas, que responderam ao Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination, ao International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (para avaliar perda urinária) e ao Eating Attitudes Test (para avaliar alterações alimentares). Resultados Cinquenta por cento das atletas referiram irregularidade menstrual, 23% desconheciam as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e 72,4% negaram acompanhamento ginecológico, no mínimo, anual. Foram identificados 18,2% de mulheres com perda urinária e 15% de maior risco de alterações alimentares. Além disso, 89,9% desconheciam a existência de incontinência urinária em atletas ou o fato de estarem suscetíveis à tríade da mulher atleta. Entre elas, ainda, 87,1% afirmaram não se referirem a seus técnicos sobre as questões ginecológicas, mesmo que isso pudesse melhorar sua saúde e seu desempenho. Conclusão O questionário Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination mostrou-se um instrumento de fácil aplicabilidade e permitiu o diagnóstico de alterações por vezes não valorizadas pelas próprias atletas. Após a aplicação do questionário, as alterações puderam ser identificadas, determinando o encaminhamento ...

Management of Low Bone Mass in Female Athletes / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

As female athletic participation has increased, the positive effects of exercise on health have become evident. However, with this growth in sports activity, a set of health problems unique to the female athlete has emerged. The female athlete triad and its components can occur in females of all ages in every sport. The Female Athlete Triad poses serious health risks, both short and long term, to the overall well-being of affected individuals. Sustained low energy availability can impair health, causing many medical complications within the skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, and central nervous systems. With the surge of females participating in athletics within the past 10 to 15 years, it is both conceivable and likely that the prevalence of this syndrome will continue to grow. Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate screening and diagnostic measures are enacted by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers, counselors, teachers, and dieticians in order to provide the proper care to affected athletes. Initial awareness should take place within the educational confines of elementary and high schools. Screening for female athletes exhibiting risk factors for the triad should also take place at the time of sports physicals. If one component of the triad is identified, the clinician should take the time to effectively workup the other. Treatment for each component of the triad includes both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures, with emphasis placed upon increased energy availability and overall improved nutritional health. Using this all-encompassing type of approach, sports medicine practitioners should feel empowered to continue to promote the lifelong well-being of female athletes in the years to come.

Female and Sports / 한양의대학술지

The past three decades have seen a dramatic increase in female participation in athletics. The presentation of female athlete in 2008 Beijing Olympic Game increased up to 42.4% of total competitors. Despite the increased participation in female athletics, sports medicine research focusing on female athletics is still in its early stages. The unique anatomic, physiologic, and biomechanical characteristics of female need special attention. In general, females are shorter in stature, shorter femur, wider pelvis, larger knee valgus, narrower shoulder, and more lax in soft tissue. Females tend to have more fat, less muscle mass, and lower bone mineral density than equally trained males. Female athletes also have a concern about the pregnancy and cyclic hormonal changes with menstruation. The important musculoskeletal conditions for female athlete are scoliosis, shoulder instability and frequent knee problems including anterior cruciate ligament injury. Medically, female athlete triad composed with disordered eating, athletic amenorrhea, and premature osteoporosis is a major problems to evaluate and needs the early management.

Female and Sports / 한양의대학술지

The past three decades have seen a dramatic increase in female participation in athletics. The presentation of female athlete in 2008 Beijing Olympic Game increased up to 42.4% of total competitors. Despite the increased participation in female athletics, sports medicine research focusing on female athletics is still in its early stages. The unique anatomic, physiologic, and biomechanical characteristics of female need special attention. In general, females are shorter in stature, shorter femur, wider pelvis, larger knee valgus, narrower shoulder, and more lax in soft tissue. Females tend to have more fat, less muscle mass, and lower bone mineral density than equally trained males. Female athletes also have a concern about the pregnancy and cyclic hormonal changes with menstruation. The important musculoskeletal conditions for female athlete are scoliosis, shoulder instability and frequent knee problems including anterior cruciate ligament injury. Medically, female athlete triad composed with disordered eating, athletic amenorrhea, and premature osteoporosis is a major problems to evaluate and needs the early management.