Training for specific populations (females) (PREGNANT WOMEN NOT IN EXAM)

Question 1

When is thermoregulation impaired in females?

Answer 1

During luteal phase of menstrual cycle

Question 2

What are key concerns for female athletes?

Answer 2

1. Exercise and the menstrual cycle.
2. Eating disorders.
3. Bone mineral density.
4. Exercise during pregnancy.

Question 3

What is ‘athletic’ amenorrhea, and what is it due to?

Answer 3

Cessation of menstruation - due to modified release of hormones from hypothalamus
Incidence - 12-69% of female athletes vs 3% in general population

Question 4

Is there evidence to suggest females should avoid training during menstruation?

Answer 4

No
Latest evidence suggests there is a trivial effect on performance

Question 5

What are causes of ‘athletic’ amenorrhea?

Answer 5

• Amount of training (i.e. overtraining)
• ↑ psychological stress (e.g. catecholamines)
• Low energy availability (↑
  energy expenditure and/or
  restricted nutrient intake)

Question 6

What is anorexia nervosa, and key techniques used?

Answer 6

Extreme steps to reduce body weight.
Techniques used:
* Starvation
* Excessive exercise
* Laxative use

Question 7

What are warning signs for anorexia nervosa?

Answer 7

• rapid weight loss
• mood swings
• excessive exercise
• avoiding food-related activities
• preoccupation with food, calories, and weight
• wearing baggy clothing

Question 8

What is dysmenorrhea?

Answer 8

Painful menstruation due to prostaglandins
- may limit training due to discomfort

Question 9

What are the effects and treatment of anorexia nervosa?

Answer 9

Effects:
- excessive weight loss
- amenorrhea
- death
Treatment:
- psychological counselling
- nutritional guidance

Question 10

What is bulimia?

Answer 10

Pattern of overeating (binging) followed by vomiting (purging)

Question 11

What are the effects and treatment of bulimia?

Answer 11

Effects:
- Damage to teeth and oesophagus due to vomiting of stomach acids.
Treatment:
- Requires professional support

Question 12

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 12

loss of bone mineral content

Question 13

What are major causes of osteoporosis?

Answer 13

1. Oestrogen deficiency due to amenorrhea.
2. Inadequate calcium intake due to eating disorders.

While training has been shown to reduce the rate of bone loss, exercise cannot completely reverse the process.

Question 14

What is the ‘Female Athlete Triad’?

Answer 14

Is a medical problem commonly observed in physically active young girls and women.
- Now commonly referred to as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
(RED-S)
- Associated with serious health consequences (amenorrhea, osteoporosis)

Question 15

What are the 3 components of the female athlete triad, and what is the cause?

Answer 15

-Low energy availability
-Menstrual dysfunction
-Low bone mineral density

• Cause is low energy intake = leads to health problems due to lack of energy required for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Question 16

Can women exercise when pregnant?

Answer 16

Most women can safely perform low-to
moderate intensity exercise if the
pregnancy is without complications.

Question 17

Female athletes may maintain active training during pregnancy if they..?

Answer 17

• Monitor body temp to prevent hyperthermia (aquatic exercise recommended)
• Maintain adequate hydration (monitor fluid balance by measuring BW)
• Reduce training intensity and volume as pregnancy advances

Question 18

Why are female athletes at a higher risk of certain knee injuries compared to men

Answer 18

(3.5x higher risk of non-contact ACL injury)
- fluctuations in hormones during menstrual cycle
- sex differences in knee anatomy (may be due to greater joint laxity (loose joint) in women.
- dynamic neuromuscular imbalances (imbalanced strength, proprioception, and landing biomechanics)