Abstract
Many athletes in aesthetic and weight dependent sports are at risk of energy imbalance. However little is known about the exercise and eating behaviours of highly trained dance populations. This investigation sought to determine the energy intake and energy expenditure of pre-professional female contemporary dancers. Twenty-five female contemporary dance students completed the study. Over a 7-day period, including five week days (with scheduled dance training at a conservatoire) and two weekend days (with no scheduled dance training at the conservatoire), energy intake (self-reported weighed food diary and 24 h dietary recall) and expenditure (tri-axial accelerometry) were recorded. Mean daily energy intake and expenditure were different over the 7-day period (P = 0.014) equating to an energy deficit of -356 ± 668 kcal·day-1 (or -1.5 ± 2.8 MJ·day-1). Energy expenditure was not different when comparing week and weekend days (P = 0.297). However daily energy intake (P = 0.002), energy availability (P = 0.003), and energy balance (P = 0.004) were lower during the week compared to the weekend, where energy balance became positive. The percentage contribution of macronutrients to total energy intake also differed; with higher fat (P = 0.022) and alcohol (P = 0.020), and lower carbohydrate (P = 0.001) and a trend for lower protein (P = 0.051) at the weekend. Energy balance and appropriate macronutrient intake are essential for maintaining the demands of training, performance and recovery. Whilst aesthetics are important, female contemporary dancers may be at risk of the numerous health and performance impairments associated with negative energy balance, particularly during periods of scheduled training.
Highlights
Dance is characterised as a moderate-high intensity, high skill, and predominantly intermittent activity [1]
Average energy intake was lower than energy expenditure during the 7-day period (2428 ± 458 kcal or 10.2 ± 1.9 MJ vs 2784 ± 569 kcal or 11.6 ± 2.4 MJ, P = 0.014, [95% confidence intervals (95% CI): -632, -80]) equating to an energy deficit of -356 ± 668 kcalÁday-1 or -1.5 ± 2.8 MJÁday-1
To conclude this research demonstrates that, as with many athletes in aesthetic or weight dependent sports, female contemporary dancers are at risk of energy deficiency, during periods of scheduled dance training
Summary
Dance is characterised as a moderate-high intensity, high skill, and predominantly intermittent activity [1]. These characteristics can vary, largely dependent on the style of dance and the capacity in which it is performed. Energy intake and expenditure of dancers but typically includes multiple training sessions, consisting of technique classes, rehearsals, and/or performances. Since dance is principally an art form, it demands artistry and expression as well as physical and technical skill. As with many comparable aesthetic sports, while extremely low body mass and fat mass are known to negatively influence performance potential, low levels are often considered to be advantageous for movement efficacy and artistic expression [3]. A dichotomous issue arises in dance, whereby attaining the desired body composition can be a conflicting component in the pursuit of optimal performance
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