Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, and Bone Stress Injuries in United States Female Track and Field

Introduction: Female track and field athletes have increased risk of low energy availability (LEA), disordered eating (DE), and eating disorders (ED), which are associated with health and performance consequences. This study explored LEA, DE, and ED risk among United States female track and field athletes and assessed differences in proportions between risk and competition level and bone stress injury (BSI) risk. Methods: Female track and field athletes (n = 392, aged 18-68 years) completed an online survey including the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST), and self-reported BSIs. Chi-square tests of homogeneity assessed differences in proportions between competition level and BSI and LEA, DE, and ED risk. Results: 49%, 48%, and 22% of participants had high risk for LEA, DE, and ED, respectively; and concurrent risk of LEA, DE, and ED was 27%. There was a significant difference in proportions between competition level and LEA risk (X2 (3, 387) = 11.93, p = 0.008, Φ= 0.176) and ED/DE risk (X2 (3, 387) = 11.65, p = 0.007, Φ= 0.213); and BSI and LEA risk (X2 (2, 392) = 8.58, p = 0.014, Φ= 0.148). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a considerable portion of US female track and field athletes had high risk of LEA, DE, and ED.