When the battery runs out: what is the dangerous syndrome of lack of energy in sports

Achieving optimal performance is the goal of many athletes. However, there is a silent enemy that can undermine your efforts and endanger your health: Energy deficiency syndrome Kinship in sport (also known as Red-S, its summary in English). Sufferers are so focused on achieving their goals that they ignore warning signs.

As its name suggests, it appears Effect of sustained imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. i.e. sportsman Not consuming enough calories to support needs their function. This deficiency may be a cause Voluntary diet restriction, A Adequate intake or A Increase in energy expenditure due to exercise.

Also, RED-S affects all levels and sectors: Between 15% and 80% of trainees may be affected Depending on the game mode.

The first red lights came in 1992 Feminine Triad. This label groups three interrelated changes: Eating disorders, irregular periods and bone loss. Later, the concept of Low Energy Availability (LEA) emerged, and in 2014, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized RED-S as a unique medical entity. Although it is linked to LEA, its effects are more noticeable in the long run.

A recent consensus by the IOC, published recently, provides A long list of health hazards derived from RED-S. Among them are the following:

– Hormonal changes (loss of menstruation, low libido).

– Bone weakening and susceptibility to stress fractures.

– Urinary incontinence. – Sleep disorders.

– Decreased muscle activity. – Damage to the immune system.

– Depression or eating disorders.

– Decreased cognitive ability.

Sports performance suffers with less reaction to training, slower reaction time, lower mood, lower muscle strength, lower power.

Although this syndrome does not discriminate and Can affect people of any age, gender and skill levelCertain practices or characteristics increase the risk of suffering from it:

– Endurance Sports: People who do triathlons, cycling or long-distance running are at greater risk of high energy expenditure over long periods of time.

– Pressure to lose kilos: Fields where body weight is an important factor, such as gymnastics, ballet or martial arts, often encourage unhealthy dieting.

– Age factor: Adolescents and young adults can also be affected because their growing bodies require more energy for physical growth and athletic performance.

And how to avoid it “Nail” RED-S’s? Recent research, described in the IOC consensus, offers some clues:

– Carbohydrate deficiency: deficiency of these nutrients accelerates the development of the syndrome, as it is associated with poor bone health or iron deficiency.

– Overtraining: Coincidence symptoms have been found between RED-S and overtraining syndrome. It occurs when there is insufficient recovery after intense and repeated physical sessions. This can include fatigue, reduced performance and therefore injury. For example, training cyclists may improve parameters such as testosterone levels or aerobic capacity, but worsen RED-S related markers.

– Temporal evolution: Scientific evidence is still emerging, so its developmental process is largely unknown.

– Mental health: Since this syndrome is associated with concerns about weight and body image, psychological support is essential.

It is The priority is to reduce behaviors associated with both LEA and RED-S. Educational efforts to avoid weight gain or leanness, especially for young and sub-elite athletes, are important in this regard.

In second place, Efforts should be redoubled to detect symptoms early With screening tools like interviews, questionnaires, assessment of markers.

finally, Medical treatments seek an energy rebalance between calories expended and the demands of physical activity performed. For this purpose, changes may be made in the training load and psychological support provided.

To prevent the first symptoms from appearing, both athletes and health professionals know RED-S well. Health should be the highest priority, so good care and a comprehensive approach are necessary to achieve sustainable success in sports.

*Article originally published on The Conversation * Daniel Sanjuán Sánchez is a physiotherapist and research teaching staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universidad San Jorge, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy at the University of Leida. Member of the IPCIO Research Group, University of San Jorge