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Female athletes: factors impacting successful performance
Jaci L VanHeest1, Carrie E Mahoney
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, 2095 Hillside Road, U-1110, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. Jaci.vanheest@uconn.edu
Current Sports Medicine Reports
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Female athletes need optimal strategies for success. This review highlights iron status, biorhythms, and energy optimization as key factors for competitive female athletes
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Female Athlete Health
Background:
- Competitive female athletes face unique physiological, psychological, and nutritional demands.
- Advancements in women's sports necessitate specialized strategies for optimal performance.
- Sports medicine professionals require up-to-date research on female athlete issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review critical factors impacting competitive female athletes' performance.
- To focus on iron status, biorhythms, and energy optimization in female athletes.
- To inform health and performance strategies for long-term athletic success.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on scientific research concerning female athletes.
- Analysis of factors including iron status, circadian rhythms, and energy availability.
- Synthesis of information relevant to sports medicine professionals.
Main Results:
- Iron status is a significant consideration for female athletes' health and performance.
- Interrelated biorhythms play a crucial role in the physiological functioning of female athletes.
- Effective energy optimization strategies are essential for competitive female athletes.
Conclusions:
- Addressing iron status, biorhythms, and energy optimization is vital for competitive female athletes.
- These factors are critical for achieving both health and performance goals.
- Integrated management of these elements supports the long-term success of female athletes.
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