Profiling the diet and body composition of subelite adolescent rhythmic gymnasts

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2007 May;19(2):215-27. doi: 10.1123/pes.19.2.215.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the body composition and dietary intake of competitive club-level rhythmic gymnasts, who represent the larger cohort of the sport's practitioners. Fifty-five rhythmic gymnasts and 55 nonathlete females (13-19 years of age) were seen individually to collect a dietary recall and to take anthropometric data and bioelectric-impedance analysis. Gymnasts had lower body-mass index and lesser skinfold thickness, although middle arm-muscle circumference was similar in the 2 groups. Gymnasts had lower body-fat measures but normal levels of fat-free mass (FFM) and body-cellular mass. Gymnasts had better dietary habits than the age-matched controls. Low levels of calcium, phosphorous, iron, and zinc and a disparity between reported energy intake and estimated energy requirement were observed in both groups.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diet Records
  • Diet*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Dietary Fats / analysis
  • Dietary Proteins / analysis
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fever
  • Gymnastics / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory*
  • Nutritional Status

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Proteins