Date of Award
Spring 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Athletic Training – Post Professional Concentration
Committee Chairperson
Katherine Morrison, Ph.D., LAT, ATC
Committee Member
Lindsey Keenan, Ph.D., LAT, ATC
Committee Member
Christine Karpinski, Ph.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Abstract
Context: Some studies have individually observed the relationships of disordered eating, bone and overall musculoskeletal injuries, and body composition measurements, but none have simultaneously looked at all three. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the relationships between disordered eating risk, musculoskeletal injury prevalence, and body composition in a sample of upperclassmen collegiate female athletes. Design: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: Data was collected at a NCAA Division II university during the 2023/2024 pre-season. Participants: Forty upperclassmen female athletes from a variety of sports (21 aesthetic/lean, 19 non-aesthetic/lean). Main Outcome Measures: Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Injury History Assessment Tool (IHAT), and BodPod body composition metrics. Results: There were no significant correlations between EAT-26 scores and any IHAT items or body composition metrics. There was a low positive correlation between total injuries and total body mass (r = .427, P = .017). When comparing bone injuries and percent fat mass, there was a significant low negative correlation (r = -.402, P = .046). Independent t-tests revealed lower mean total body mass in subjects with a history of a bone injury compared to those without (61.650 ± 5.106 vs. 63.271 ± 11.565), (P = .056). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between acute injuries and total body mass (r = .545, P = .005). Compared to the AL group, the NAL group reported greater mean total, bone, soft tissue, and acute injuries (P < .001). Conclusions: There are relationships between musculoskeletal injury history, body composition metrics, and sport type.
Recommended Citation
Zito, Miranda, "Disordered Eating Risk, Body Composition, and Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Injuries in Collegiate Female Athletes" (2024). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 313.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/313