Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition

Committee Chair

Kelly Pritchett

Second Committee Member

Robert Pritchett

Third Committee Member

Namrita Kumar Brooke

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BONE STRESS INJURIES, RISK OF LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY, DISORDERED EATING, MENSTRUAL DYSFUNCTION, TRAINING VOLUME, AND EXERCISE DEPENDENCE IN FEMALE TRAIL RUNNERS

by

Saleen Zarate

June 2024

Problematic LEA can lead to REDs, which results in negative health outcomes such as impaired bone health. Trail runners may engage in a higher volume of training and may be at risk for LEA, MD, DE, and EXD, which may further increase the risk for bone stress injuries. This study aimed to explore and compare the prevalence of self-reported SFs between competitive and recreational female trail runners. Specifically, we aimed to examine risk of LEA, EXD, training volume, MD, risk of DE between female trail runners with a history of ≤ 1 SF and those with a history of ≥ 2 SF. Twenty-nine percent of runners reported having a stress fracture before. The results of this study demonstrated that female trail runners, a population who present with common problematic LEA health outcomes, increases the risk for REDs, such as, MD, LEA, EXD, and DE. Implications of prolonged LEA symptoms are discussed.

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