Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 players, 4 coaches and 4 medical professionals affiliated to a Super League club. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Five main themes were identified in this study. Awareness of RED-S amongst athletes and coaches was generally inadequate whereas medical professionals had some awareness of RED-S. Some athletes used contraception to reduce discomfort/pain during menstruation whilst others expressed concerns around long-term contraceptive use and previous menstrual cycle disturbance. Sporting demands, individual and contextual factors, and a preoccupation with body image were associated with nutritional restriction, whilst appearance was a source of internal and external pressure. External pressures also extended to coaches, assessments/feedback, social media, and commentary. Strategies suggested to reduce the risk of RED-S included \"hard hitting cases\", multidisciplinary team involvement, and support from the governing body.
The findings of this study provide insight into factors potentially associated with the risk of RED-S from an athletes, coaches, and medical professional perspective. This insight can be used to increase overall awareness of RED-S in key stakeholders as well as improve the recognition for the pressures netball athletes face that might alter the level of risk.
方法:对13名球员进行了半结构化访谈,超级联赛俱乐部下属的4名教练和4名医疗专业人员。访谈被记录并逐字转录。使用专题分析对数据进行了分析。
结果:本研究确定了五个主要主题。运动员和教练对RED-S的认识普遍不足,而医疗专业人员对RED-S有一定的认识。一些运动员使用避孕药来减少月经期间的不适/疼痛,而另一些运动员则对长期使用避孕药和以前的月经周期紊乱表示担忧。运动要求,个人和环境因素,对身体形象的关注与营养限制有关,而外观是内部和外部压力的来源。外部压力也延伸到教练身上,评估/反馈,社交媒体,和评论。建议降低RED-S风险的策略包括“重击案件”,多学科团队参与,以及管理机构的支持。
结论:这项研究的结果提供了与运动员RED-S风险潜在相关因素的见解,教练,和医学专业视角。这种洞察力可用于提高关键利益相关者对RED-S的整体认识,并提高对无挡板篮球运动员面临的压力的认识,这些压力可能会改变风险水平。