Application of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) guidelines: a scoping review
- 1Department of Podiatry, School of Allied Health, Auckland University of Technology , ,
Abstract
Introduction
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a multifactorial syndrome arising from low energy availability (LEA), leading to physiological, psychological, and performance impairments. Despite established clinical guidelines, integration into research is uneven, demonstrating a research-translation delay. This scoping review aimed to map how REDs guidelines have been operationalised in research and assess the consistency of their application across studies.Methods
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was conducted on 21 September 2025.Results
Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six used mixed Triad/RED-S/REDs terminology, and twenty-six post-2014 studies continued using Triad terms. Five studies followed the Triad framework alone, seventeen studies followed a parallel use of Triad-based models alongside the 2014 and/or later IOC REDs guidelines. LEAF-Q appeared in fifteen studies, only one CAT2. REDs awareness ranged from 10% to 92% across samples.Discussion
Overall, inconsistency in REDs terminology, screening and operational use of REDs guidelines is apparent in research, highlighting the need for standardised concepts and improved temporal delays in research-translation to support contemporary REDs research and ultimately strengthening athlete health outcomes.
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BibTeX
@article{mcgahan2026application,
title = {{Application of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) guidelines: a scoping review}},
author = {Paula L. McGahan and Matthew R. Carroll and Prue S. Molyneux},
journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fspor.2026.1932921},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13725879},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Application of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) guidelines: a scoping review
AU - Paula L. McGahan
AU - Matthew R. Carroll
AU - Prue S. Molyneux
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Frontiers in sports and active living
DO - 10.3389/fspor.2026.1932921
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13725879
AB - Introduction Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a multifactorial syndrome arising from low energy availability (LEA), leading to physiological, psychological, and performance impairments. Despite established clinical guidelines, integration into research is uneven, demonstrating a research-translation delay. This scoping review aimed to map how REDs guidelines have been operationalised in research and assess the consistency of their application across studies.Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews, a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was conducted on 21 September 2025.Results Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six used mixed Triad/RED-S/REDs terminology, and twenty-six post-2014 studies continued using Triad terms. Five studies followed the Triad framework alone, seventeen studies followed a parallel use of Triad-based models alongside the 2014 and/or later IOC REDs guidelines. LEAF-Q appeared in fifteen studies, only one CAT2. REDs awareness ranged from 10% to 92% across samples.Discussion Overall, inconsistency in REDs terminology, screening and operational use of REDs guidelines is apparent in research, highlighting the need for standardised concepts and improved temporal delays in research-translation to support contemporary REDs research and ultimately strengthening athlete health outcomes.
SN - 2624-9367
ER -