Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Dance

This study will explore a health condition known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) in dancers, gymnasts, and athletes in combat sports. REDs happens when someone doesn't eat enough to cover the energy they use during training and daily life, which can affect many parts of their health, including bones. Historically, issues like eating disorders and weakened bones have been seen in these groups, but we don't know how common REDs itself is. The research aims to find out how many people in these sports and dance styles are affected by REDs. This information is key for doctors and coaches to create safer, healthier training environments and help athletes avoid long-term health problems like osteoporosis (weak bones) after they stop competing or performing.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Wolverhampton

Enrolment target

200

Start

10 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jul 2029

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Bone Stress Reaction

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a condition called Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Dance, often shortened to REDs. Imagine your body as a carefully balanced system where the energy you take in from food needs to match the energy you use for everyday activities, growing, and especially for training or performing. If you don't take in enough energy to meet these demands, your body can become unbalanced. This can affect many important body systems, including your bones, how your body uses energy, reproductive health, muscles, and even your ability to fight off illnesses.

We know that some dancers, gymnasts, and athletes in combat sports might be more at risk of REDs. For example, some might feel pressure to maintain a certain body weight, which can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating habits or eating disorders. Over time, these issues can lead to problems like weaker bones. Currently, we don't have enough clear information on how common REDs is in these specific groups. This study aims to fill that gap.

By understanding how widespread REDs is, the researchers hope to provide valuable information for coaches, dance instructors, and healthcare professionals. This will help them to better support athletes and dancers, create healthier training environments, and ultimately, help prevent long-term health problems like osteoporosis (brittle bones) once people finish their careers in sport or dance.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on health for dancers, gymnasts, and combat sports athletes.
It investigates 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (REDs) and its effects.
Participation involves health checks and questionnaires over three years.
Findings aim to help coaches and doctors create healthier environments.
The study is for those aged 16-45, training full-time in specific activities.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be actively training full-time in certain types of activities. This means you should be part of a national sports organisation, a dance company, or a professional dance or gymnastics school.

You must be between 16 and 45 years old, and the study is open to both men and women.

You wouldn't be able to join if you're not training full-time or if you have an injury that stops you from taking part in your usual training.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 45 years old?
Are you a dancer (ballet/musical theatre), gymnast, or combat sports athlete?
Are you currently training full-time?
Do you not have an injury that stops you from training?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your participation would last for three years. Each year, you would come for tests three times. The very first testing session annually would take place at a university laboratory. The other two sessions each year would happen at your usual training or work place, which might be more convenient for you.

During your annual first visit, you would have a special bone health scan (called a DXA scan, which is like a very low-dose X-ray) that takes about 20 minutes and requires you to lie still. You'll also give two small blood samples (about two teaspoons total), have your body measured including height and weight, step on special scales to check your body make-up, and do a resting metabolic rate test where you lie down with a mask for 20 minutes to measure your breathing. You will also complete several questionnaires about your health and energy levels.

For the other two visits each year, you would have all the same tests, except for the DXA scan. The DXA scan would only be repeated if there's a medical reason, such as if you've had two or more bone stress injuries. The study involves no medication, and your progress will be monitored over the three-year period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand REDs, which might ultimately lead to improved guidance and support for athletes and dancers, helping to protect their long-term health. The risks involved are generally small. You might experience minor discomfort from blood tests and lying still during scans and metabolic tests. There is a very small amount of radiation from the DXA scan, similar to what you'd get from natural sources over a few days. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your relationship with your training organisation.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Wolverhampton
Verified postcode
Walsall, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (REDs)?

REDs happens when you don't eat enough to support your daily activities, growth, and the energy you use during training or performance, which can affect many parts of your health.

Who is this study for?

This study is for adult dancers (ballet, musical theatre), gymnasts, and athletes in combat sports (male and female) aged 16-45 who are training full-time.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have bone health scans (DXA), blood tests, body measurements, a test to see how your body uses energy at rest, and you'll fill out some health questionnaires.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll participate for three years, with three testing sessions per year.

Will I get my test results?

The study aims to gather data for research. While the overall findings will be shared, individual results are not typically provided directly as part of the study.

How to find out more

Matthew A Wyon, PhD

m.wyon@wlv.ac.uk 01902323144 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.