Articles : Comparison of the Body Composition and the Nutritional Status in High School Rhythmic Gymnasts and Nonathletic Control

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 2003;7(3):323-332.

Abstract

This study was accomplished to assess the body composition and the nutritional status of high school rhythmic gymnasts (RG. n=10) and nonathletic control group (NCG, n=10). Body composition was assessed through (1) body circumference, (2) skinfold thickeness, (3) percent of body fat by underwarer weighing, BIA and EDXA, and (4) regional fat of abdomen and thigh by CT. Nutrient intakes were determined from 24hr recall test and 2-day diet records. Data was analyzed by student`s t-test and Pearson`s correlation at p<0.05. Body circumference except chest did not differ significantly between the two groups. Skinfold thicknesses of triceps, suprailiac, mid-thigh and abdomen were thinner in RG compared with control (P<0.05 or p<0.001). Percent of body fat and regional fat of abdomen and thigh were lower in RG compared with NCG (p<0.05 or p<0.001). All nutrient intakes except iron and vitamin C were lower in RG compared with NCG (p<0.05 or p<0.001). Nonathletic control group had intakes less than 75% of RDA for calcium, iron, Vit. A, Vit. B_(1), and Vit. B_(2) and RG group for all nutrients except Vit. C. Body composition was correlated with several nutrient intakes, especially with animal fat intakem. Animal fat intake was positively correlated with skinfold thicknesses of triceps, abdomen, suprailiac and thigh, percent of body fat by underwater weighing, and subcutaneous abdominal fat, but not with body weight. In conclusion, there were significant differences in the body composition of the two groups despite of their similar body weight and BMI, which could be due to the differences in the nutrient intakes, especially in animal fat intake, of them. We suggest RGs should modulate themselves not body weight but body composition by adjusting animal fat intake, when they have to control weight for their competition.

Key Words: rhythmic gymnasts, body composition, nutritional status