Assessing the Risk of Low Energy Availability in NCAA Division III Female Soccer Players

Author

• Emma C. Sturts, Otterbein UniversityFollow

ORCID

0009-0003-1896-633X

Date of Award

Spring 5-3-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

<-- Please Select One -->

First Committee Member

Dr. Ally Smith

Second Committee Member

Dr. Kalyn Jasinski

Third Committee Member

Danielle Kilboy

Keywords

Low Energy Availability, LEA, Female Athlete Triad, LEAF-Q, female soccer players; NCAA Division III

Subject Categories

Higher Education | Nutrition | Sports Medicine

Abstract

Low Energy Availability (LEA) can occur when an athlete’s energy intake is insufficient to meet the physiological demands of training as well as normal physiological functions. Female soccer players may be at an increased risk of developing LEA due to the high exercise energy expenditure paired with decreased energy intake. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of LEA among Division III female soccer players. Division III female soccer players (n = 11) completed the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). 45.5% (n = 5) of the participants were classified as “At Risk” for LEA. Of the 5 At Risk participants, 18.2% (n = 2) indicated being 18 years of age, while the remaining 27.3% (n = 3) indicated being 19 years of age. 3 (27.3%) reported abnormal menstruation, and 45.5% (n = 5) of the 11 subjects reported absences from training or competition due to injury in the last year. A binary logistic regression concluded that age was not a statistically significant predictor of risk status for low energy availability (p = .348). The regression coefficient for age was negative (B = -0.831), suggesting that older athletes may have lower odds of being classified as “At Risk”; however, this relationship was not statistically significant. The prevalence of athletes classified as “At Risk” in the present study was higher than previously reported in similar populations. Additionally, elevated rates of menstrual dysfunction and injury history further emphasize the potential health risks associated with inadequate energy intake and energy availability. This suggests that LEA may be an important concern in NCAA Division III female soccer players.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Recommended Citation

Sturts, Emma C., "Assessing the Risk of Low Energy Availability in NCAA Division III Female Soccer Players" (2026). Masters Theses/Capstone Projects. 146.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_master/146