Impact of Resistance Training on Bone Mineral Density in Athletes at Risk for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a syndrome that negatively affects athletes and can have long-term consequences. REDs is characterized by physical and psychological dysfunction that is caused by problematic low energy availability. One of the most detrimental effects of REDs is low bone mineral density (BMD), which can lead to stress fractures, decreased performance, and osteoporosis. Resistance training is known to provide osteogenic stimulus and is commonly prescribed in the management and prevention of osteoporosis. There is no standard screening or management of REDs, including a lack of protocols for prescribing resistance training, making identification and treatment difficult. This review examines the effect of resistance training on BMD in male athletes who are at risk of developing REDs. Evidence suggests that resistance training may improve or preserve BMD in this population, but further studies are needed to determine optimal training protocols and to establish the safety and efficacy of resistance training as part of REDs management.