Work

Evolution of Research on the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport" (RED-S).

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Research on the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) has expanded considerably over the past decade as awareness of low energy availability and its multisystem consequences has grown. Bibliometric evaluation provides insight into global research trends, collaboration networks, and emerging areas of scholarly focus. This study aimed to analyze publication patterns, influential contributors, institutional productivity, and global collaboration within the literature on the Female Athlete Triad and RED-S. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases. Search terms included "Female Athlete Triad," "relative energy deficiency in sport," and related keywords. Bibliographic data were exported and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer to evaluate authorship patterns, institutional affiliations, funding sources, journals, countries of origin, and collaboration networks. Co-authorship and institutional mapping were visualized through network analysis. Results: The analysis demonstrated a sustained increase in publications over time, particularly after 2015, reflecting growing recognition of RED-S as a multisystem condition. China and the United States emerged as leading contributors, with research output concentrated among a limited number of academic institutions and investigators. Prominent collaboration clusters centered around established leaders in sports endocrinology and exercise physiology. English-language publications dominated the literature, and government agencies represented the primary funding sources. Network visualization revealed dense collaboration among central authors alongside emerging peripheral research groups. Conclusion: Research on the Female Athlete Triad and RED-S continues to expand globally but remains concentrated within specific geographic regions and academic networks. Future research should prioritize broader international collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches, and clinically oriented investigations to enhance translation of research findings into athlete care and prevention strategies.

Source: Orthopedic Reviews

DOI: 10.52965/001c.157624

Authors: Zarah Emran, Latha Ganti

Institutions: University of Houston, Brown University

Language: English

Topic: scientometrics and bibliometrics research

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200