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1 – 3 of 3Alan Currie and Jeanette Crosland
Eating disorders are common in sporting populations. They have an adverse effect on athletic performance and can represent a serious health problem. Many practitioners who work…
Abstract
Purpose
Eating disorders are common in sporting populations. They have an adverse effect on athletic performance and can represent a serious health problem. Many practitioners who work with athletes require guidance on how best to respond to these problems. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of what can be done to address the problem of eating disorders in a high performance sports environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Three clinicians (a psychiatrist, dietitian and psychologist) with many years experience of working in a sports environment were tasked with drafting guidelines relevant to elite sport in consultation with a senior sports physician. The group met on three occasions and corresponded by e‐mail over a 15‐month period. Existing guidelines and literature were reviewed and adapted to the UK high performance sports environment. The guideline was targeted at all practitioners, including coaches, who work in this setting and comments were invited from national sports institutes and governing bodies before the document was finalised.
Findings
The guideline summarises current best practice in the prevention of eating disorders in a sports environment. Screening processes are described alongside the necessary response to a positive screen. Advice on accessing therapy and returning to sport during recovery is also provided. Finally guidance is given on how and when to de‐select athletes who are ill.
Originality/value
This paper presents a comprehensive overview of what can be done to address the problem of eating disorders in a high performance sports environment. It provides practical suggestions and guidance on principles rather than a definitive response to every eventuality in an area that is often difficult and complex.
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Hamish Fibbins, Philip Ward, Robert Stanton, Jeanette Thom, Amanda Burdett, Oscar Lederman and Simon Rosenbaum
Physical activity is increasingly recognised as critical to improving physical and mental health (MH). Understanding the education and training requirements of exercise…
Abstract
Purpose
Physical activity is increasingly recognised as critical to improving physical and mental health (MH). Understanding the education and training requirements of exercise professionals will support better integration of these emerging MH professionals within the multidisciplinary MH team. The purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to, knowledge and attitudes of final year exercise physiology students towards people with mental illness (MI).
Design/methodology/approach
Student exposure to and knowledge and attitudes of people living with MH were assessed via a 24-item online questionnaire.
Findings
In total, n = 63 out of 78 eligible students participated (81%). Of the participants, 81% (n = 51) showed a favourable attitude towards people with MI and 68% (n = 43) of participants had good knowledge of topics relating to MI. Significant correlations existed between the total score for attitude and any exposure to MH issues and having undertaken placement as part of university training and knowledge and total scores. Further training and education are needed to better equip exercise physiology graduates to work with people with MI.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine the attitudes and knowledge of exercise physiology students towards people living with MI and their association with exposure to MI. Given the growing number of exercise professionals being integrated into multidisciplinary MH teams, this study may help to direct the delivery of associated training and education services.
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Within the past few years, responsible educators, librarians, parents, counselors, social workers, therapists, and religious groups of all sexual persuasions and lifestyles have…
Abstract
Within the past few years, responsible educators, librarians, parents, counselors, social workers, therapists, and religious groups of all sexual persuasions and lifestyles have recognized the need for readily available reading material for lesbian and gay youth. Unfortunately, this material is often buried, because it is embedded in larger works. To meet this need, I have compiled and annotated 100 of the best works for young homosexuals, bisexuals, and heterosexuals. I have also included a few of the best works currently available on heterosexuality as a much needed source of knowledge for all young adults whether they are gay or straight, whether they remain childless or eventually become parents.