Considerations for the Adult Female Endurance Runner: A Survey Analysis

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: Participation in endurance running by adult females has grown considerably in recent years. The required training for long-distance running may predispose this population to the 3 interrelated components of the female athlete triad (FAT): low energy availability (EA), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Research investigating the FAT has primarily focused on adolescent and young adult females. Objective: To investigate the presence of components of the FAT in a group of adult female endurance runners. Study Design: Survey research report. Methods: A survey was developed and dispersed electronically to females 18 years and older in a local half-marathon and/or marathon training group. Data were collected between March and November 2016. Results: Seventy-two females with a mean age of 40.92 ± 9.61 years completed the survey. Subjects had an average height of 163.60 ± 6.41 cm, weighed an average of 62.24 ± 10.05 kg, and had 10 years of running experience. In total, 30.6% (n = 19) of participants reported an irregular menstrual cycle. Eighty percent (n = 58) of participants had tried to lose weight, 51% (n = 37) were rarely satisfied with the shape of their body, and 65.2% (n = 47) indicated a preoccupation with a desire to be thinner. Conclusions: Participants demonstrated signs of low EA and menstrual dysfunction, 2 components of the FAT. Menstrual dysfunction may have occurred because of low EA or perimenopausal state. Health care professionals including physical therapists should examine these characteristics in adult endurance female runners as they may be at risk for developing the FAT.