Female athlete triad cross-sectional study of soccer players by level of competition

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 170 - 174
• Main Authors: Matsumoto, Chiaki, Ishizaka, Masahiro, Kubo, Akira, Itokazu, Masafumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Cross-sectional studies; Female athlete triad; Female soccer players; Menstrual dysfunction; Original; Female athlete triad; Menstrual dysfunction; Female soccer players
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.35.170

[Purpose] To determine the actual status of the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and bone mineral density loss) in soccer players. [Participants and Methods] The survey was conducted between February 1 and March 1, 2022. It included 115 females between the ages of 12 and 28 registered with the Japan Football Association, from teams at different levels. [Results] Players in the top league did not differ in height and weight but were older and had a better understanding of caloric intake. There were no differences in amenorrhea or history of bone fractures based on league. [Conclusion] Of the female soccer players in the four different levels of competition, only the players in the top league had a better understanding of available energy and took preventive measures against the Female Athlete Triad.