Insufficient knowledge and inapproriate physiotherapy management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in lightweight rowers

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2022-03, Vol.54, p.8-15
• Main Authors: Gillbanks, Lucy, Mountjoy, Margo, Filbay, Stephanie R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athlete health; Athlete welfare; Athletes; Education; Ethics; Female; Humans; Internet; Interviews; Knowledge; Medical research; Menstruation; Physical therapy; Referral; Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport; Rowing; Sports medicine; Water Sports
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.12.002

To investigate the knowledge and management of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), from the perspective of lightweight rowers and physiotherapists. Semi-structured individual qualitative interviews. Physiotherapists who had worked with lightweight rowers, and current and former lightweight rowers (who had experienced at least one symptom of RED-S), undertook audio-recorded semi-structured telephone interviews. An inductive thematic analysis was performed, facilitated by NVivo software. Twelve physiotherapists (n = 6 females, 1–20 years of experience managing lightweight rowers) and twelve lightweight rowers (n = 8 females, 1–8 years lightweight rowing experience, intermediate to elite/international level) were interviewed. Five key themes were identified: insufficient knowledge of RED-S, inadequate RED-S education, inappropriate management of RED-S, referral to other health professionals, prioritising performance over health. Participants provided suggestions for improving knowledge and management of RED-S in lightweight rowers, including formal physiotherapy education and training, and targeted education for athletes and coaches. There was a significant lack of awareness of RED-S amongst physiotherapists and lightweight rowers. Most physiotherapists were not confident discussing or managing RED-S in athletes, and lightweight rowers were dissatisfied with the management they received. Improving RED-S education for physiotherapists and athletes may have important health implications for lightweight rowers. •Physiotherapists working with lightweight rowers had insufficient knowledge of RED-S•Lightweight rowers described poor management of RED-S and a culture that prioritised performance over athlete healthpoor management of RED-S and a culture that prioritised performance over athlete health•These findings highlight a need for strategies to educate physiotherapists and lightweight rowers about RED-S.