The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. The transition phase from an active elite career to everyday life has been shown to be particularly problematic, yet this issue has been little studied among former Norwegian elite athletes. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the health of athletes from weight-sensitive sports, such as weight-class, aesthetic, and certain endurance sports. These athletes face specific challenges related to maintaining a certain physique and frequent changes in body weight during their active careers. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to a range of problematic health outcomes related to low energy availability, and little is known about the long-term effects of a career involving this.
Therefore, the overall purpose of the project is to map the mental and physical health of former elite athletes. At the same time, there will be a particular focus on the differences between weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, different types of sports, gender, as well as previous dieting and eating behaviors.
Represented the national team at senior and/or junior level, (Non-organized sports) competed at national and/or international level. , >1 year since retirement , >18 years old,and a proficient level of Norwegian reading and writing skills
None
Former male and female Norwegian elite athletes and a age matched controls from the general population
Other
Cross-sectional
Not listed
Symptoms of eating disorders (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q)
This outcome measure will use the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to assess the frequency and severity of eating disorder symptoms. The EDE-Q is a validated self-report questionnaire covering dietary restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern
Pain, function, and overall well-being connected to musculoskeletal status (Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire, MSK-HQ)
This outcome measure will use the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) to assess self-reported musculoskeletal health. The MSK-HQ is a validated instrument covering key domains such as pain, function, and overall well-being in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's musculoskeletal status, including symptoms and the impact on daily activities.
Menstrual function and history & fertility function and history (The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire, LEAM-Q, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, LEAF-Q, and The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, MoBa)
Items from The validated Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) will be included to assess menstrual function (Melin et al., 2014). Items from The Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM-Q) (Lundy et al., 2022) will be included for assessing reproductive health among the male participants. In addition, questions from The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) will be included to cover fertility status.
Symptoms of Psychological Distress (Symptom Checklist-10, SCL-10)
This outcome measure will use the Symptom Checklist-10 (SCL-10) to assess the frequency and severity of common mental distress symptoms. The SCL-10 is a validated, abbreviated version of the SCL family of instruments (e.g., SCL-25, SCL-90) that covers core areas such as anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints. It provides an overall indication of the level of psychological distress and can be used for both screening and monitoring changes over time.
Alchohol and drug use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption, AUDIT-C and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, DUDIT)
The AUDIT-C assesses alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related issues (Babor et al., 2001). The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) will be included. The DUDIT assesses symptoms of substance abuse, as well as harmful use, and drug dependence.
Satisfaction With Life (Satisfaction With Life Scale, SWLS)
This outcome measure will use the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) to evaluate individuals' overall assessments of their own life satisfaction. The SWLS is a validated, brief questionnaire comprising five statements that respondents rate based on their level of agreement. It captures the cognitive judgment of one's life quality, providing a reliable indicator of subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction.
Cognitive Function (PROMIS® v2.0 Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a)
This outcome measure will utilize the PROMIS® v2.0 Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a to assess individuals' self-reported cognitive abilities. The PROMIS Cognitive Function-Short Form 6a is a validated, brief questionnaire designed to evaluate various aspects of cognitive performance, including memory, concentration, and mental clarity
Experiences of harassment, maltreatment, and abuse.
To assess harassment, maltreatment and abuse a modified version of the questionnaire developed by Sølvberg et al (2022) will be included. This version will include questions regarding the participants experiences with harassment in their active career, and will include questions on physical, psychological, sexual (contact and non-contact), and neglecting harassment and/or abuse. Reference: Sølvberg N, Torstveit MK, Rosenvinge JH, Pettersen G, Sundgot-Borgen J. Sexual Harassment and Abuse among Young Elite Athletes, Recreational Athletes, and Reference Students: A Prospective Study. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2022 Nov 1;54(11):1869-1878. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002972. Epub 2022 Jun 24. PMID: 35763597; PMCID: PMC9584052.
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