Awareness and comfort in treating the Female Athlete Triad: are we failing our athletes?

BACKGROUND: Recognition of the Female Athlete Triad (disordered eating, amenorrhea, osteoporosis) has increased significantly since it was defined in 1992 by the American College of Sports Medicine. However, knowledge and treatment of the Female Athlete Triad is still lacking among physicians and medical personnel.

PURPOSE: We surveyed physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and coaches to determine their knowledge and comfort in treating the Female Athlete Triad.

METHODS: A questionnaire was submitted to 240 health care professionals (physicians, medical students, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and coaches) in a metropolitan city.

RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of physicians, 43% of physical therapists, 38% of athletic trainers, 32% of medical students, and 8% of coaches were able to identify all 3 components of the Female Athlete Triad. When physicians were subdivided into specialties, 69% of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, 63% of orthopaedic surgeons, 53% of family physicians, 36% of pediatricians, and 17% of gynecologists were able to identify all 3 components of the Female Athlete Triad. Only 9% of physicians felt comfortable treating the Female Athlete Triad. When physicians were subdivided into specialties, 17% of orthopaedic surgeons, 13% of family practitioners, 12% of PM&R physicians, and 4% of pediatricians felt comfortable with treatment programs.

CONCLUSION: Data suggest that a heightened level of awareness and education in the proper treatment of the Female Athlete Triad is needed.