Abstract
Rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body mass and shape compared to untrained controls (UCs). However, due to the lack of information, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations of body image perception (BIP) with body composition, daily energy consumption and different blood biochemical markers in adolescent RGs compared to UCs. Thirty-three highly trained RG girls and 20 UC girls aged 14–18 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Height, body mass, body composition, energy intake, resting energy expenditure, training volume and different blood biochemical markers were measured. The body attitude test (BAT) was used to evaluate the BIP of the participants. There were no differences in the total BAT scores between the groups. In RGs, the BAT score correlated positively with the serum resistin level (r = 0.35; p = 0.047). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 40.8% of the variability in the BAT score was determined by resistin and BMI. The association of BIP with resistin values was observed only in RGs. In conclusion, our findings add to the increasing evidence that resistin may be a link between BIP and body composition, most likely through fat mass, in adolescent female RGs.
Highlights
High-level participation in different sport events demands a high physical ability, and a good mental capability [1]
Insulin, leptin, IL-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly lower in the rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) compared to the untrained controls (UCs) group (Table 2)
This study found that nearly every fourth rhythmic gymnast (24.2%) had an impaired body image perception (BIP) compared to every seventh girl in the untrained control group
Summary
High-level participation in different sport events demands a high physical ability, and a good mental capability [1]. Mental problems are not rare in elite athletes, with anxiety and depression being the most common disorders [1]. Body image perception (BIP) has been associated with obesity either as a cause or as a result that affects body mass control behaviours [3]. BIP misperception (either underestimation or overestimation) occurs more in obese individuals [3], it has been found that RGs have a negative self-perception of their body image and their body size [4]. An inadequate energy intake is common in elite RGs [5] and may lead to a negative energy balance in these athletes [6]. Abnormal eating habits are associated with permanent worries about their body mass and BIP [7] and this is pronounced during adolescence—
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