Prevention of Female Athlete Triad
Female athlete triad is one of those diseases which demand prolonged, carefully organized treatment strategies which in turn can leave the career of an athlete at a standstill. Prevention of female athlete triad, hence assumes added significance when considered against the backdrop of a possible temporary or permanent health risks and stagnated career.
Who All are to be Involved in the Prevention of Female Athlete Triad?
Success in sports in these days is seen not just as the result of individual effort alone. There are lots of other factors contributing to the optimum performance of the athlete, like the successful training programs, positive reinforcements and good nutritious diet. Three groups of people must be essentially a part of any measures aiming at the prevention of female athlete triad, other than the athlete.
- Trainers
- Nutritionists
- Family members of the athlete.
Role of the Trainers in Preventing Female Athlete Triad
Trainers constitute a group essentially to be educated on the pros and cons of high intensity training. Trainers of endurance runners and aesthetic sports like gymnastics are notorious for hard training programs which leave little room for the athlete to relax. More often than not, it has been noted that coaches contribute much to the stress and anxieties of the athlete by demanding performance levels which often goes beyond the caliber of the athlete. It is in the interests of the athlete if the trainers design training sessions which match the ability of the athlete and scope of the event rescuing the athlete from undue stress.
Role of the Nutritionists in Preventing Female Athlete Triad
It will be in the interests of the athlete if a nutritionist is part of her health team. Since nutritional deficiency is major cause of the illnesses associated with the triad like osteoporosis, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and amenorrhea, a well balanced diet can work wonders for the athlete. It must include proper amount of calcium, carbohydrates, potassium and vitamins.
Role of the Family in Preventing Female Athlete Triad
Family members play a major role in the prevention of female athlete triad by creating a “secure basis” for the athlete inspiring her to scale new heights without any undue stress or anxiety. In most cases of female athlete triad it has been found that family members came second to the trainers in contributing to the psychological trauma of the athlete by placing too much of expectations on her.
How to Prevent Female Athlete Triad?
Prevention of female athlete triad on a concrete level involves the following measures:
- Avoiding undue anxiety about the performance
- Giving first priority to health and life at large than performance levels
- Avoiding hard training sessions which leave no room to breath
- Periodisation of training sessions to allow enough recovery time
- Incorporating proper amount of calcium, potassium and carbohydrates in diet
- Sufficient intake of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Taking medical checkups if hormonal imbalances are suspected
- Expert medical assistance in athletes with thyroid problems and diabetes
- Precautionary measures in athletes with a family history of osteoporosis
- Monitoring blood count and heart rates to detect any fall
- Psychological assistance in case eating disorders are suspected
- Maintaining a positive outlook towards sports and life at large.
Prevention of female athlete triad in short demands a team work which involves the individual efforts of the athlete, trainer, family and the health team.