title: Elite premenarcheal rhythmic gymnasts demonstrate energy and dietary intake deficiencies during periods of intense training.
abstract: This study determined dietary intake and energy balance of elite premenarcheal rhythmic gymnasts during their preseason training. Forty rhythmic gymnasts and 40 sedentary age-matched females (10-12 yrs) participated in the study. Anthropometric profile and skeletal ages were determined. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed to estimate daily energy intake, daily energy expenditure, and resting metabolic rate. Groups demonstrated comparable height, bone age, pubertal development, resting metabolic rate. Gymnasts had lower body mass, BMI, body fat than age-matched controls. Although groups demonstrated comparable daily energy intake, gymnasts exhibited a higher daily energy expenditure resulting in a daily energy deficit. Gymnasts also had higher carbohydrate intake but lower fat and calcium intake. Both groups were below the recommended dietary allowances for fiber, water, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin intake. Gymnasts may need to raise their daily energy intake to avoid the energy deficit during periods of intense training.
authors: Dept. of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece.
authors: Eleni
authors: E
authors: Michopoulou
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Avloniti
authors: Antonios
authors: A
authors: Kambas
authors: Diamanda
authors: D
authors: Leontsini
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Michalopoulou
authors: Symeon
authors: S
authors: Tournis
authors: Ioannis G
authors: IG
authors: Fatouros
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size; D002648:Child; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006115:Greece; D006173:Gymnastics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients; D009043:Motor Activity; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012885:Skinfold Thickness
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D018977:Micronutrients