Determination of physical, physiological and nutritional parameters of elite athletes in esthetic sports

Abstract

Aim: Nutritional deficiencies occur in elite athletes in aesthetic branches who suffer from intensive training programs and strict weight control. Increased disability, the weakening of the immune system, menstrual disorders and increased risk of bone fracture due to abnormal bone mineralization impair the quality of life and threaten the health of athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine body composition, nutrition and hydration status, bone mineral density levels and some physiological parameters in athletes interested in aesthetic sports. Material and Methods: The study was participated by a total of 15 healthy artistic gymnasts, ice skaters and ballet dancers aged 18 and over and 10 individuals of similar age and physical qualities as the control group. The body composition, resting metabolic rate, hydration status, bone mineral density, nutritional habit and menstruation period of the athletes were assessed and some health parameters in blood about bone metabolism, anaemia and infection were evaluated. Results: It was found that the athletes' daily energy consumption and dietary intake of vitaminmineral levels, vitamin D, Ca and Fe, are inadequate for especially female athletes. Fat ratio was higher and carbohydrate ratio was lower than the recommended daily energy distribution of athletes, 2/3 of athletes were dehydrated. The athletes did not have menstrual irregularities and eating disorder behaviours. The highest bone mineral density was in athletes, especially in gymnastics, while the lowest was in the control group. Conclusion: Although the athletes have higher values than the controls, due to insufficient energy, low carbohydrate and calcium intake and low bone density of female athletes, especially female athletes are suggested keeping under control for risk of female athlete triad. Bone mineral density Female athlete triad Ice skating Ballet Dehydration Weight control Article Info

Study on stress level in elite junior gymnasts

“…Several authors (Daroglou, 2011;Fan, Cao, & Tang, 2004) explain various psychological dimensions in elite rhythmic gymnastics, bringing relevant information about anxiety state and its influence on performance, as well as trait anxiety versus competitive state anxiety. Applying the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory with its three subscales (cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence) leads to the idea that only self-confidence has positive effects on performance, while cognitive and somatic anxiety has no influence on the results, these data confirming the Multidimensional Anxiety Theory of Martens, Vealey and Burton (1990) (Tsopani, Dallas, & Skordilis, 2011). Fletcher and Fletcher (2005) assert that each competition presents a potential stressor for athletes depending on the expected outcomes and the goal achievement, which leads to precompetitive anxiety.…”