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Menstrual Function, Eating Disorders, Low Energy Availability, and Musculoskeletal Injuries in British Servicewomen
Thomas J O'Leary, Charlotte V Coombs1, Caitlin Perrett2
1Army Health and Performance Research, Army Headquarters, Andover, UNITED KINGDOM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|March 9, 2023
Summary
Disordered eating and low energy availability increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, including bone stress injuries, in servicewomen. Addressing these factors can help prevent injuries in this population.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Military Health
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern in military populations.
- Understanding the interplay between menstrual function, eating disorders, and energy availability is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between menstrual function, eating disorders, and low energy availability with musculoskeletal injuries in British servicewomen.
- To identify risk factors for bone stress injuries and time-loss injuries in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to women under 45 in the UK Armed Forces.
- Data collected included menstrual function, eating behaviors, exercise, and injury history.
- Risk of injury was assessed based on scores from the Female Athlete Screening Tool and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Menstrual disturbances were not significantly associated with injury risk.
- High risk of disordered eating was linked to a higher risk of bone stress injury and time-loss injuries.
- High risk of low energy availability was associated with significantly increased odds of various musculoskeletal injuries, including bone stress injuries and medical downgrades.
Conclusions:
- Disordered eating and low energy availability are significant risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in servicewomen.
- Interventions targeting disordered eating and energy availability are recommended for injury prevention strategies in this population.
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