Lisanslı Genç Kadın Voleybolcularda Oyun Pozisyonuna Göre Düşük Enerji Mevcudiyeti ve Menstrüel Düzensizlik Riskinin Değerlendirilmesi
XII. Uluslararası Beslenme ve Diyetetik Kongresi, Ankara, Türkiye, 14 - 17 Ekim 2026, ss.123-124, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.123-124
- Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk components of the Female Athlete Triad, namely low energy availability and menstrual dysfunction, across playing position among licensed adolescent female volleyball players.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and May 2026 among postmenarcheal female volleyball players aged 12–18 years in Türkiye. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, dietary habits, physical activity, and menstrual status, the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and a two-day dietary record (one training and one rest day). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The study included 42 licensed female volleyball players with a mean age of 15.2 ± 1.71 years. Participants were setters (30.9%), outside hitters (23.8%), middle blockers (16.7%),
liberos (14.3%), opposite hitters (9.5%), defensive specialists (2.4%), or players who played multiple positions (2.4%). Mean training duration was 2.18 ± 1.28 h/day and 3.62 ± 1.36 days/week. Overall, 26.2% of the participants were identified as being at risk for low energy availability, with a median LEAF-Q total score of 4.0 (IQR: 6.0). Although the prevalence of LEAF-Q risk was highest among middle blockers (57.1%), followed by liberos (33.3%) and outside hitters (20.0%), no statistically significant association was found between LEAF-Q risk and playing position (p=0.189). Median training-day energy intake was 1119.0 kcal (IQR: 741.0), with no difference according to LEAF-Q risk (p=0.963). Athletes reporting menstrual irregularities had significantly higher LEAF-Q risk than those with regular menstrual cycles (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Low energy availability risk was associated with menstrual dysfunction in licensed adolescent female volleyball players. Regular monitoring of energy availability and menstrual health may facilitate early identification of Female Athlete Triad risk and support preventive nutrition strategies.
Keywords: Low energy availability, female athlete triad, volleyball.