Identifying and managing RED-S: What is the physiotherapist experience? A cross-sectional survey of Canadian physiotherapists
Abstract
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a complex condition characterized by chronic low energy availability (LEA) affecting an athlete’s health and performance. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was used to investigate Canadian Physiotherapists' (PTs) experience with RED-S. Sixty-nine PTs completed the survey which assessed participants’ knowledge of RED-S, their confidence in diagnosing and managing RED-S, their exposure to RED-S in clinical practice, and their education-related experience with RED-S. Participants scored an average of 25.1 (± 4.1), (71.7%) on the knowledge section of the survey, and an average of 32.7 (± 19.4), (51.1%) on the confidence-related section. There were no significant differences between the knowledge and confidence scores based on specialty (Sports, Women’s Health, Sports and Women’s Health, Orthopedics, Other). This survey demonstrated gaps in PTs knowledge of RED-S and their confidence in treating the condition. Canadian PTs expressed a need for concise educational resources to be made available regarding RED-S.