Examination of Energy Availability, Mental Health, and Sleep Patterns among Athletic Trainers

• Published in: Journal of athletic training 2023-03
• Main Authors: Torres-McGehee, Toni M, Emerson, Dawn M, Flanscha-Jacobson, Amanda, Uriegas, Nancy A, Moore, Erin M, Smith, Allison B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Athletic Coaches; Body Composition; Depression (Psychology); Energy; Exercise; Males; Mental depression; Mental health; Outcome Measures; School Districts; Sleep
• ISSN: 1062-6050; 1938-162X
• DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0547.22

ContextEngaging in exercise and appropriate nutritional intake improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. However, limited research has examined energy availability (EA), mental health, and sleep patterns in athletic trainers (AT).ObjectiveTo examine ATs' EA, mental health risk (i.e., depression, anxiety) and sleep disturbances across sex (males, females), job status (part-time: PT-AT; full-time: FT-AT) and occupational setting (college/university, high school, non-traditional).DesignCross-sectional.SettingFree-living in occupational settings.ParticipantsATs (n=47; males PT-AT: n=12, males FT-AT: n=12; females PT-AT: n=11, female FT-AT: n=12) in the Southeastern U.S.Main Outcome MeasuresAnthropometric measurements included age, height, weight, and body composition. EA was measured through energy intake and exercise energy expenditure. We used surveys to measure depression risk, anxiety (state, trait) risk, and sleep quality.ResultsThirty-nine ATs engaged in exercise and 8 did not exercise. Overall, 61.5% (n=24/39) reported low EA (LEA); 14.9% (n=7/47) displayed risk for depression; 25.5% (n=12/47) displayed high risk for state anxiety; 25.5% (n=12/47) were at high risk for trait anxiety, and 89.4% (n=42/47) displayed sleep disturbance. No significant differences were found across sex and job status for LEA, depression risk, state or trait anxiety, and sleep disturbance. ATs not engaged in exercise had greater risk for depression (RR=1.950) state anxiety (RR=2.438), trait anxiety (RR=1.625), and sleep disturbances (RR=1.147). ATs with LEA had a RR of 0.156 for depression, 0.375 for state anxiety, 0.500 for trait anxiety, and 1.146 for sleep disturbances.ConclusionAlthough most ATs engaged in exercise, ATs are not getting adequate dietary intake and are at increased risk for depression and anxiety and experience sleep disturbance. Those who did not exercise were at increased risk for depression and anxiety. EA, mental health, and sleep impact overall quality of life and can affect ATs' ability to provide optimal healthcare.