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Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2022) | Viewed by 38597

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lynda B Ransdell

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences and Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
Interests: physical activity measurement and behavior; health behavior interventions; exercise science; female athlete development; elite athlete profiling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity (PA) is “one of the most important things you can do for health.” PA has positive physical benefits including managing weight, reducing disease, and strengthening bones and muscles, and positive psychological benefits including better brain health and lower risk of depression and anxiety. Females are typically less active than their male counterparts, and their participation in physical activity decreases as they age. Therefore, it is important to find ways to increase female participation in PA. One branch of PA that has been an important contributor to activity levels for females is sport. Female athletes tend to report better health, better academic performance, higher self-esteem, and they learn life skills such as teamwork and goal setting. Scholars have noted the lack of research on female athletes, likely due to a lack of grant funding, and have issued a call for additional research on this important group. Given the lack of research on female athletes, the positive benefits of sport participation, and the need to encourage scholars to study this topic, the purpose of this Special Issue is to provide updated information about the relationship between physical activity and public health, with a focus on the female athlete across the lifespan. Topics considered for this Issue may include: injury prevention (functional movement screening, jump training, biomarkers, virtual reality), new training trends (blood flow restriction, concurrent training (i.e., mixing aerobic and anaerobic training), activity monitoring), sports nutrition (nutrigenomics, vegetarian diet, probiotics), psychology of female athletes (motivation, injury recovery, the health impact of intersectionality), exercise and special conditions (female athlete triad, pregnancy, cancer), international trends for female athletes, and recommendations for gender equity. Other topics may be considered, so please email [email protected] with questions. Manuscripts may include data-based research papers, reviews, meta-analyses, case studies, methodological papers, brief reports, commentaries, or position papers.

Prof. Dr. Lynda B Ransdell
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

female athletes
women athletes
sport participation
gender
athletic
innovation
equity

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of First Childbirth Characteristics between Elite Judo Athletes and Non-Athletes: The Preliminary Retrospective Case–Control Study

by Anna Kuczera, Agnieszka Opala-Berdzik, Jitka Malá, Marcin Sodowski and Daria Chmielewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013218 - 14 Oct 2022

Viewed by 2340

Abstract

It has been speculated that elite athletes are more likely to have obstetric interventions during labor and delivery. So far, the impact of many years of competitive sports participation on childbirth characteristics has not been well-established. This preliminary retrospective case–control study aimed to determine whether the first labors of elite judo competitors required obstetric interventions more frequently and were longer than those of non-athletes. The study comprised 32 parous women: 16 elite judo athletes and 16 non-athletes. Women were included if they had access to the following obstetric data (from their first childbirth hospital discharge reports and/or first child’s health record books): induction and augmentation of labor, mode of delivery, the duration of labor and its second stage, episiotomy, perineal tear, and the neonate’s Apgar score. Electronic surveys were completed concerning childbirth characteristics, level of “eliteness” (judo athletes), and recreational physical activity (non-athletes). The statistical analysis showed no significant between-group differences in any of the first childbirth outcomes under analysis. The preliminary results indicate elite judo practice before first pregnancy had no negative impact on the rates of labor induction and augmentation, delivery mode, duration of labor, the rates of episiotomy and perineal tear, and the neonate’s Apgar score. Due to the small sample size, the conclusions should be considered with caution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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11 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accuracy of Tracking Devices’ Ability to Assess Exercise Energy Expenditure in Professional Female Soccer Players: Implications for Quantifying Energy Availability

by Marcus S. Dasa, Oddgeir Friborg, Morten Kristoffersen, Gunn Pettersen, Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen and Jan H. Rosenvinge

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084770 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3320

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the accuracy of commonly used GPS/accelerometer-based tracking devices in the estimation of exercise energy expenditure (EEE) during high-intensity intermittent exercise. A total of 13 female soccer players competing at the highest level in Norway (age 20.5 ± 4.3 years; height 168.4 ± 5.1 cm; weight 64.1 ± 5.3 kg; fat free mass 49.7 ± 4.2 kg) completed a single visit test protocol on an artificial grass surface. The test course consisted of walking, jogging, high-speed running, and sprinting, mimicking the physical requirements in soccer. Three commonly used tracking devices were compared against indirect calorimetry as the criterion measure to determine their accuracy in estimating the total energy expenditure. The anaerobic energy consumption (i.e., excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, EPOC) and resting time were examined as adjustment factors possibly improving accuracy. All three devices significantly underestimated the total energy consumption, as compared to the criterion measure (p = 0.022, p = 0.002, p = 0.017; absolute ICC = 0.39, 0.24 and 0.30, respectively), and showed a systematic pattern with increasing underestimation for higher energy consumption. Excluding EPOC from EEE reduced the bias substantially (all p’s becoming non-significant; absolute ICC = 0.49, 0.54 and 0.49, respectively); however, bias was still present for all tracking devices. All GPS trackers were biased by showing a general tendency to underestimate the exercise energy consumption during high intensity intermittent exercising, which in addition showed a systematic pattern by over- or underestimation during lower or higher exercising intensity. Adjusting for EPOC reduced the bias and provided a more acceptable accuracy. For a more correct EEE estimation further calibration of these devices by the manufacturers is strongly advised by possibly addressing biases caused by EPOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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10 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Returning to Sport: Female Athletes Living with and beyond Cancer

by Anna L. Schwartz and Christopher M. Terry

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158151 - 1 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3122

Abstract

Many athletes living with and beyond cancer can continue to train and, in some cases, compete during treatment. Following cancer treatment, athletes can return to competitive sport but need to learn to adapt their physical strength and training to the lingering effects of cancer. It is critical for oncology healthcare providers to use the principles of assess, refer and advise to exercise oncology programs that are appropriate for the individual. Managing side effects of treatment is key to being able to train during and immediately following cancer treatment. Keen attention to fatigue is important at any point in the cancer spectrum to avoid overtraining and optimize the effects of training. Resources are introduced for providers to reference and direct patients to information for psychosocial support and instruction. The purpose of this paper is to present exercise considerations during and after cancer treatment for athletic cancer survivors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

10 pages, 907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Core Stability Tests Related to Single Leg Squat Performance in Active Females?

by Paloma Guillén-Rogel, David Barbado, Cristina Franco-Escudero, Cristina San Emeterio and Pedro J. Marín

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115548 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3450

Abstract

Core stability (CS) deficits can have a significant impact on lower limb function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between two dynamic core exercise assessments and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squats. In total, 20 physically active female students participated in this study. The OCTOcore smartphone application assesses CS during two dynamic exercise tests, the partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) test and the bird-dog (BD) test. A two-dimensional assessment of a single-leg squat test was used to quantify participants’ hip frontal angle (HFA_SLS) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA_SLS). Ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated through the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test. The correlational analyses indicated that the HFA_SLS was significantly related to the partial range single-leg deadlift test (r = 0.314, p < 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (r = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the CS test between cases categorised as dynamic knee valgus (>10°) and normal (≤10°). The CS deficit may influence the neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during single-leg movements. The link between CS and kinematic factors related to knee injuries was only observed when CS was measured in the SLD test but not in the BD test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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12 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Composition, Training Volume/Pattern and Injury Status of Slovenian Adolescent Female High-Performance Gymnasts

by Boštjan Jakše, Barbara Jakše, Ivan Čuk and Dorica Šajber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042019 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4137

Abstract

Body composition (BC), training volume/pattern, and injury status are a few important factors affecting training quality and sport performance in female artistic gymnastics. We aimed to examine BC status, training volume/pattern, and injury status during the first competition period. Our cross-sectional study included 17 female gymnasts (age: 17.4 ± 4.1 years, body height: 159.8 ± 6.2 cm, and body weight: 54.8 ± 5.3 kg) who were high performance at the international and national level. The BC (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) parameters included body height and mass, body fat percentage (BF %), lean body mass (LBM), body mass index (BMI), total bone mineral density (BMD total), and total bone mineral content (BMC total). Training volume and pattern were assessed via an author-developed questionnaire, while injury status (i.e., anatomical location, symmetry and rate of injuries) was assessed via a modified questionnaire on overuse injuries used in sports injury epidemiology studies with elite-level athletes. Body composition parameters were as follows: the BMI was 21.5 ± 1.4 kg/m², BF % was 21.9 ± 4.7%, LBM was 41.2 ± 3.4 kg, BMD total was 1.22 ± 0.08 g/cm², and BMC total was 2486 ± 344 g. Furthermore, the average weekly volume of training was 23.5 ± 1.4 h, with the highest training volume occurring on Monday and Tuesday and high variability within gymnasts. Our study also revealed that the most frequently injured joints that had the most negative impact on training volume, sport performance and pain status were the ankles and low back, followed by the knees and shoulders. This kind of yearly screening method is warranted to allow more definitive conclusions to be made on adjusted training and preventive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

12 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Youth Sports Participation Is More Important among Females than Males for Predicting Physical Activity in Early Adulthood: Iowa Bone Development Study

by Soyang Kwon, Elena M. Letuchy, Steven M. Levy and Kathleen F. Janz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031328 - 2 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4240

Abstract

A gender difference in youth sports and physical activity participation is well documented. However, research is limited to understand potential gender difference in the long-term effects of youth sports participation. The study aim was to compare the likelihood of meeting the aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) in early adulthood by youth sports participation patterns among females and males. The study sample included 582 Iowa Bone Development Study participants (Iowa, USA). Participation in organized sports was assessed using a physical activity questionnaire 19 times on average between age 6 and 17 years. Accelerometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessments were conducted at an average age of 23 years. Group-based trajectory analysis was conducted to identify youth sports participation trajectory patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between youth sports participation patterns and meeting the PAG in adulthood. We identified three youth sports participation patterns: “continuous participation,” “drop-out,” and “no participation.” Females in the continuous participation group were more likely to meet the aerobic PAG at age 23 years, compared to females in the no-participation group (OR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.05, 6.55) or the drop-out group (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.38, 4.69). However, among males, youth sports participation patterns were not significantly associated with meeting the aerobic PAG at age 23 years. In conclusion, this study suggests that youth sports participation could be more important among females than males for predicting physical activity in early adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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Review

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21 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Prevalence of Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Female Athletes from Different Sports Disciplines: A Rapid Review

by Marta Gimunová, Alexandra Paulínyová, Martina Bernaciková and Ana Carolina Paludo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14243; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114243 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7480

Abstract

The aim of this study was to rapidly review the literature on the prevalence of menstrual disorders in female athletes from different sports modalities. Articles were searched in the Web of Science and PubMed database in May 2022. A total of 1309 records were identified, and 48 studies were included in the final stage. The menstrual disorders described in the included studies were primary (in 33% of included studies) and secondary amenorrhea (in 73% of included studies) and oligomenorrhea (in 69% of included studies). The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the studies ranged from 0 to 61%. When data were pooled according to discipline (mean calculation), the highest prevalence of primary amenorrhea was found in rhythmic gymnastics (25%), soccer (20%) and swimming (19%); for secondary amenorrhea in cycling (56%), triathlon (40%) and rhythmic gymnastics (31%); and oligomenorrhea in boxing (55%), rhythmic gymnastics (44%) and artistic gymnastics (32%). Based on the results of this review, the study supports the literature of the higher prevalence of menstrual disorders in gymnastics and endurance disciplines. However, team sports modalities such as volleyball and soccer also presented a considerable percentage of menstrual disorders compared to the general population. It reinforces the importance of coaches and physicians paying attention to athletes’ menstrual cycle as the occurrence of menstrual disorders can be associated with impairment on some health components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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23 pages, 699 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current and Future Trends in Strength and Conditioning for Female Athletes

by Anthony C. Santos, Tristan J. Turner and Dierdra K. Bycura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052687 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5239

Abstract

Participation by female athletes in competitive sport has increased dramatically since the inception of Title IX, although female athletes are represented significantly less than their male counterparts in strength and conditioning (S&C) literature. This is apparent when examining current identified trends in the field, such as implementation of blood flow restriction (BFR) training, functional assessments to predict injuries, or the ever-increasing use of technology in sports. The aim of this review is to examine three prevalent trends in contemporary S&C literature as they relate to female athletes in order to expose areas lacking in research. We conducted journal and database searches to progressively deepen our examination of available research, starting first with broad emerging themes within S&C, followed next by an inquiry into literature concerning S&C practices in females, ending finally with a review of emerging topics concerning female athletes. To this end, 534 articles were reviewed from PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Results demonstrate the utility of implementing BFR, functional movement assessments, and various technologies among this population to expand representation of female athletes in S&C literature, improve athletic capabilities and performance, and decrease potential for injury over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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24 pages, 569 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrative Review of Exercise at Altitude during Pregnancy

by Beth G. McManis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179272 - 2 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3386

Abstract

Many competitive and elite athletes continue to train throughout their pregnancies and many visit or live at altitude. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize, analyze and critique published studies regarding the safety of serious recreational or elite athletes exercising at altitude while pregnant. Seven databases were searched, and 157 documents were located, which were screened for appropriateness and reduced to seven articles that met the criteria. The studies were analyzed based on maternal and fetal outcomes. Current recommendations for exercising at altitude were based on sedentary individuals who frequently did not have the expected physiological responses based on research on pregnancy and altitude. It is unknown whether competitive and elite athletes would have similar responses to exercise at altitude. More research on exercise at altitude on individuals with a variety of fitness levels is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Public Health: Focus on the Female Athlete)

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