Avaliação da associação entre tendinopatia do tendão do calcâneo com amenorreia secundária em mulheres praticantes de corrida : estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative condition often associated with increased sports activity or metabolic changes. However, studies on metabolic causes and their specific impact on athletes are scarce. Women engaged in vigorous physical activity may develop secondary amenorrhea due to behavioral factors, highlighting the importance of investigating metabolic and functional changes in runners. Objective: Our study aimed to establish the association between secondary amenorrhea and clinical and functional alterations of the Achilles tendon in medium and long-distance runners. Methods: The study included women runners, aged 18 to 45 years, who responded to an electronic form for selection based on eligibility criteria. Anthropometric characteristics, sports data, tendinopathy severity using the VISA-A questionnaire, dietary changes using the FAST, factors associated with persistent energy deficiency using the LEAF-Q, and stress factors using the CSAI-2R were evaluated. Results: 190 responses were received, of which one was excluded for being male, eight were considered incomplete, and 29 were over 45 years old, leaving 152 participants. Among them, 95 did not have tendinopathy and 57 did; 130 did not have secondary amenorrhea and 22 did. No significant differences were found in the mean LEAF-Q score between groups, nor in their specific subsections. Likewise, no significant correlations were identified between VISA-A score and LEAF-Q, CSAI-2R, and FAST subsections. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal an association between LEAF-Q score and the presence of Achilles tendon tendinopathy (r = 1.12, 95%IC 0.96 to 1.32; p = 0,121). Most participants did not have either tendinopathy or amenorrhea (52.6%). Conclusions: We did not observe a direct relationship between tendinopathy severity and the presence of secondary amenorrhea. Results suggest that Achilles tendon tendinopathy is not directly associated with changes in factors associated with persistent energy deficiency in medium and long-distance runners. These findings underscore the need for longitudinal studies to better understand the underlying factors of tendinopathy and its relationship with overall health and athletic performance in runners.