Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in Male Athletes
EXSC-9150-400 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio I
Scholarship Artifact #1 Fall 2024
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) poses significant health and performance risks for male athletes engaged in high-energy expenditure sports such as cycling, distance running, and combat sports. This condition arises from low energy availability (LEA), where insufficient energy intake fails to meet the demands of rigorous training and competition. Research indicates that RED-S can lead to negative alterations in body composition, hormonal imbalances, and impaired athletic performance. For example, studies reveal that athletes in energy deficits exhibit diminished lean mass gains and reduced power output. Furthermore, the prevalence of LEA among male athletes, often overlooked in comparison to female athletes, highlights the urgent need for better nutritional education and tailored intervention strategies. Current guidelines suggest optimal energy availability should exceed 45 kcal/kg of fat-free mass per day to mitigate RED-S risks, although consensus on specific thresholds remains limited. An individualized approach incorporating objective and subjective assessments of energy intake, body composition, and overall health is critical to address these issues effectively. This paper underscores the necessity of prioritizing nutrition in sports to safeguard athlete health and optimize performance.
Keywords: relative energy deficiency in sport, male athletes, low energy availability, energy intake, energy availability, caloric intake, body composition
Low Energy Availability (LEA) in Male Athletes: A Review of the Literature
EXSC-9250-400 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio II
Scholarship Artifact #2 Spring 2025
Abstract
This executive summary details the process of revising and submitting the manuscript Low Energy Availability (LEA) in Male Athletes: A Review of the Literature to The Sport Journal (TSJ). The journal selection was based on its open-access nature and legitimate peer-review process, ensuring the research's timely dissemination to health and human performance professionals. The submission process required extensive modifications, particularly in reducing the paper’s length by over 50% while maintaining clarity and scholarly integrity. TSJ's formatting and content requirements were carefully followed, including the addition of a section focused on application tips for practitioners to enhance practical relevance. The manuscript was ultimately accepted for publication with positive feedback and minor suggestions for improvement. Additionally, an interactive Prezi infographic was created to extend the research's reach, demonstrating the growing role of digital platforms in scientific communication. The overall experience strengthened the author’s ability to navigate academic publishing and contribute to the field of sports nutrition and performance.
Keywords: low energy availability, publication process, appropriateness, manuscript, predatory journals, infographic
Blood Biomarkers of Overtraining Syndrome
EXSC-9500-400 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio III
Scholarship Artifact #3 Summer 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a reflective analysis of the publication process for an article on using blood biomarkers to assess overtraining syndrome (OTS) in athletes, published in Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ), a peer-reviewed journal by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The PTQ was deemed appropriate for this scholarship artifact due to its mission to advance personal training practice through evidence-based content, its rigorous peer-review process, and its emphasis on practical application. The article's central thesis—that blood biomarkers can be an effective component of OTS evaluation—remained unchanged from its inception in a graduate-level course to its publication. Challenges during the submission process included articulating a clear, actionable takeaway for readers, given the variability in biomarker reliability. Constructive editorial feedback enhanced the article’s flow and practical relevance. The experience highlighted the critical role of publishing secondary research in translating complex evidence into accessible knowledge for practitioners, reducing the research-to-practice gap, and informing future primary research. Ultimately, the process enhanced the author’s scholarly communication skills and professional credibility, reinforcing the value of research engagement for health science practitioners. The paper concludes with a call to action for practitioners and researchers to collaborate and integrate their expertise, thereby advancing evidence-based practice in the health and fitness field.
Keywords: Overtraining syndrome, blood biomarkers, evidence-based practice, secondary research, research-to-practice gap