Exercise dependence, low energy availability, and musculoskeletal injuries in women involved in extreme conditioning programs: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to investigate the risk of low energy availability (LEA), exercise dependence, and their relationship with the injury history of women involved in extreme conditioning programs (ECPs). A total of 77 women enrolled in ECPs were assessed for exercise dependence, LEA risk, and history of musculoskeletal injuries. Data were collected electronically or at training centers. The prevalence of LEA risk was 18.2%, while exercise dependence was 20.8%. There was a very low association between these variables (r = 0.23; p = 0.04). Exercise dependence and LEA are related variables, although the relationship is weak, suggesting the existence of other factors influencing these variables.