The Awareness of Sports Physicians about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.4.247
- Author:
Soo Hyun PARK
1
;
Eon Sook LEE
;
Jieun KWON
;
Lina KIM
;
Yeonsoo KIM
;
Tae Kyung KIM
;
Nayoung AHN
;
Young Kill YUN
;
Sun Joo LEE
;
Young Sun LEE
;
Hyo Jeong LEE
;
Suk Ha JEON
;
Tae Im YI
Author Information
1. Department of Sports Science, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Clinical Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine
2024;42(4):247-2533
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a syndrome of physiological and/or psychological functioning experienced by female and male athletes that is caused by exposure to problematic low energy availability. For the prevention and intervention of REDs, awareness of REDs among sports physicians is important, but it is largely unknown. This study aimed to survey the awareness and clinical treatment experience of REDs in sports physicians.
Methods:We conducted an online survey to assess awareness of the triad and REDs among sports physicians and members of The Korean Society of Sports Medicine.
Results:A total of 69 members (62.2% male, including sports physicians) to this survey. Most participants (84.1%) were aware of the triad compared to fewer with awareness regarding REDs (23.2%). People who knew about the difference between REDs and triad was 33.3%, which was lower than those who did not (66.6%). Only 10.1% of the study subjects had experience treating REDs patients, and the biggest difficulty in treating patients was a lack of information and education (50.7%). It appeared that the most information about REDs was obtained from academic conferences (59.4%).
Conclusion:This survey found relatively low awareness of REDs among physicians treating athletes and sports professionals. Considering the various negative effects of REDs on athlete health and performance, education and promotion are needed to increase awareness among sports physicians and sports professionals.
