Iron status of female GaelicGames athletes, and validity of a field-based iron assessment screening tool.

My name is Nóra Ní Fhlannagáin and I am a researcher at ATU Galway City. I am recruiting volunteers to take part in a research
study. The aim of this study is to assess the ironstatus of female Gaelic Games athletes, and to assess the validity of two
screening tools – a questionnaire and finger prick blood sample as compared to a venous blood sample. This participant information sheet outlines what the study involves and what will be required of you if you choose to volunteer to participate.

What is the purpose ofthis study?

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemiacan negatively effect exercise performance. There is no data to show how many female Gaelic Games athletes have iron deficiency – we want to see if iron deficiency is as common in Camogie and Ladies Football, as in other sports (15-30%) which will then help to inform screening programmes and treatment and ultimately improve performance for female Gaelic Games athletes. We also want to see if cheap and easy to use methods of screening for iron deficiency, like a questionnaire and a finger prick blood sample are valid when compared to the gold-standard which is a venous blood sample. Finally, if deficient, we want to see how long it takes to bring your iron stores back to normal and how that might impact your physical performance.

What will be required of you?

1. Fill out thequestionnaire.

2. Attend ATU Galway in a 24-hr rested and hydrated state to provide a fingerprick and a
venous blood sample which will be sent away to check your iron status. This will take roughly 15 minutes.

3. If you’re iron deficient, do a yo-yo test and a 1RM squat and bench test. Take the iron supplements that we provide for 6 weeks, and continue to do your normal training, and come back to get your bloods checked again and complete a repeat yo-yo and 1 RM squat and bench test to see if your results have changed. Each of the two testing session will take approximately 1hr.

4. If you’reselected as an age-matched control, you’ll have to do a yo-yo test and a 1RM squat and bench test, do your normal training for 6 weeks, and come back to complete a repeat yo-yo and 1 RM squat and bench test. Each of the two testing sessions will taxe approximately 1hr.

What will happen to the information that is collected about me and my blood samples?

The information gathered from the study will behandled in complete confidence. Results of the participants as well as their
confidentiality are the first priority of the researchers carrying out the study. All data collected will be stored safely, securely and
confidentially. Only the researcherswill have access to the data. It is up to you whether you share your iron status with your coaches and your own GP. If you’re in the yo-yo group, your coaches will have access to your yo-yo and 1RM scores. All personal data will be destroyed, andonly anonymised results will be analysed. When the study is finished, information will bekept on the Nóra Ní Fhlannagáin’s computer that is encrypted and password-protected.

Fingerprick blood samples will be disposed of immediately inbiological waste bins. Venous samples will be sent for analysis to a
third-party lab (Randox Health) stored in temperature monitored cold storage and disposed of as clinicalwaste. Following analysis of third-party samples, residual sample is kept for 7
days before disposal.

What are the benefits?

It’s important for female athletes to checktheir iron status regularly. You will get your iron status checked and compared
to athlete guidelines. If you’re low in iron you’ll get iron supplements and
dietary advice to replenish your stores.

What are the risks?

There are risks associated with taking blood – both venous andfinger prick samples. Our trained phlebotomist and researchers will reduce the risks by maintaining safe blood-handling procedures, using single-use lancets and having a trained first-aider on hand.

What if you change your mind during the study?

Please be aware that individuals who volunteer to takepart in the study have the right to withdraw from the project at any time
without the need to provide a reason or notice period. Should you feel at any
stage that you want to stop taking part in the study, then this is dealt with
in a sensitive and confidential manner.

Whathappens at the end of the study?

At the end of the study, the data gathered will be analysedand submitted for publication in an academic journal. A summary of the results will be provided to all Gaelic Games teams who participate. All data will be held securely, in line with GDPR regulations, for a period of ten years, as per the ATU records retention policy.

What if you have more questions or do not understand something?

It is important that you feel completely at ease during the research. If you do not understand any aspect of the research, please contact me to discuss any questions that you might have. Alternatively, you may contact the Head of Department, if you wish to speak to someone independent from the study.

Researcher: Nóra Ní Fhlannagáin nora.nifhlannagain@atu.ie

Head of Department : Damien Costello Damien.costello@atu.ie

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would be grateful if youwould consider participating in this study.

Yours sincerely,

Name: Nóra NíFhlannagáin

Date: 21/01/25

Contact Details: 085 7360386 nora.nifhlannagain@atu.ie

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