Aesthetic Sports Research Articles

Risk profiles for athlete burnout in adolescent elite athletes: A classification analysis

ObjectivesAll adolescent elite athletes are subjected to extensive additional stressors compared to their age-mates, but only some show symptoms of athlete burnout (ABO). In this study, we aim to decipher which features characterize adolescent elite athletes with especially high and low ABO symptomatology. Methods and designWe used data from the GOAL study (“German Young Olympic Athletes' Lifestyle and Health Management Study”) in which 1138 young elite athletes (M = 16.33 years, SD = 1.10) were assessed regarding ABO symptomatology (via the ABQ) and several correlate features. Cross-sectional data were analysed via Classification Tree Analysis in order to identify and characterize groups with extreme levels of ABO symptomatology. ResultsResults indicate different relevant correlates for each of the three burnout symptoms. Comprehensive analyses revealed specific combinations of high and low-risk characteristics. High-risk characteristics included being involved in a technical, endurance, aesthetic or weight-dependent sport, training under an autocratic or laissez-faire coach, high subjective stress outside of sport, a low willingness to make psychological sacrifices, lack of sleep, and being female. Low-risk characteristics included fewer hours of training, low social pressure, low subjective stress outside of sport, a high willingness to make psychological sacrifices, and a high health satisfaction. ConclusionOur results provide a necessary base for future hypothesis-testing studies in the field of adolescent ABO, as well as important insights for practitioners in the field, which can aid to create a base for optimal athletic performance.

A pilot study comparing the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in regular students and those in University sports teams

PurposeOrthorexia nervosa (ON) is a pattern of eating characterized by a pathological fixation on restricting foods based on their perceived health. Like many eating disorders, ON is thought to be more prevalent in athletes. This was a preliminary study to explore the prevalence of ON in University students to determine whether those who compete in University sports have higher orthorexic tendencies.Methods116 male and female student athletes (age 21 ± 1 years) and 99 non-athlete controls (21 ± 2) from Universities in the North East of the UK completed the ORTO-15 test (≤ 40 being the cutoff) used to screen individuals for ON.ResultsON symptoms were high in all students (76%); there was no difference in ORTO-15 scores between the athletes (36.6 ± 3.9) and non-athlete controls (37.2 ± 3.8; P = 0.279). There was a difference in scores between those who completed ≥ 10 h of exercise per week (36.65 ± 4.38) and those who do ≤ 10 h a week (37.38 ± 3.65) (P = 0.008; ES = 0.43). ORTO-15 scores were not higher in athletes competing in aesthetic and weight dependent sports (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBeing a student athlete for a University sports team did not affect ON prevalence; however, there appears to be a greater risk for students in general, and for athletes who undertake high volumes of exercise. Nonetheless, the high prevalence of ON symptoms may be attributed to flaws in the ORTO-15 questionnaire, and therefore, future studies should focus on developing a more valid method for ON diagnosis.Level of evidenceIII, case-control study.

Prevalence of Indicators of Low Energy Availability in Elite Female Sprinters.

Low energy availability (LEA), and subsequent relative energy deficiency in sport, has been observed in endurance, aesthetic, and team sport athletes, with limited data on prevalence in athletes in short-burst activities such as sprinting. We examined prevalence of signs and symptoms of LEA in elite female sprinters at the start of the training season (PRE), and at the end of a 5-month indoor training period (POST). Four of 13 female sprinters (31%) presented at PRE testing with at least one primary (amenorrhea, low bone mineral density, low follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or estradiol, resting metabolic rate ≤29kcal/kg fat-free mass, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score ≥8) and one secondary indicator of LEA (fasting blood glucose <4mmol/L, free triiodothyronine <3.5pmol/L, ferritin <25μg/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3.0mmol/L, fasting insulin <20pmol/L, low insulin-like growth factor-1, systolic blood pressure <90mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure <60mmHg). At POST, seven out of 13 athletes (54%) presented with at least one primary and one secondary indicator of LEA, three of whom had also presented with indicators of LEA at PRE. Five out of 13 (39%) athletes had previous stress fracture history, though this was not associated with current indicators of LEA (PRE: r = .52, p = .07; POST: r = -.07, p = .82). In conclusion, elite female sprinters may present with signs and symptoms of LEA, even after off-season rest. Medical and coaching staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of LEA and relative energy deficiency in sport and should include appropriate screening and intervention strategies when working with sprinters.

Принципы формирования команд и подбора соревновательных программ на основе индивидуальных особенностей спортсменов в эстетических видах спорта

Цель работы – разработать и обосновать принципы комплектации команд для соревновательных выступлений с использованинм методов многомерного анализа в эестетических видах спорта. &#x0D; Участники. В исследовании приняли участие 46 квалифицированных аэробисток, 22 спортсменки составили контрольную группу, 24 – экспериментальную, и 19 аэробистиров, 9 спортсменов составили экспериментальную группу, 10 – контрольную. Методы исследования: теоретический анализ литературных данных; метод оценки результатов соревновательной деятельности; педагогический эксперимент; методы математической статистики с применением компьютерных программ "EXEL" и "SPSS". Полученные данные анализировались с помощью непараметрических тестов Колмогорова-Смирнова для независимых выборок и Уилкоксона для зависимых выборок. Результаты. Показано, что применение методов многомерного анализа является эффективным, быстрым и надежным способом определения групп спортсменов для оптимальной комплектации команд в эстетических видах спорта. Показаны принципы подбора соревновательных программ для спортсменов разных групп в зависимости от индивидуальных психофизиологических особенностей спортсменов. Показано положительное влияние применения разработанных принципов на соревновательную результативность спортсменов. До проведения эксперимента по результатам соревнований контрольная и экспериментальная группы статистически не различались между собой (р&gt;0,05). После проведения эксперимента были выявлены статистически значимые различия соревновательной результативности спортсменов экспериментальной и контрольной групп (р&lt;0,05). Выводы. Построение учебно-тренировочного процесса с применением принципов комплектации команд на основе индивидуальных особенностей спортсменов оказало положительное влияние как на уровень специальной физической подготовленности, так и на эффективность соревновательной деятельности спортсменов.

Шляхи інтеграції хореографічного мистецтва та техніко-естетичних видів спорту

The problem of integrating the sport of art is not new, but it has acquired special significance at the present time. In this regard, the analysis of ways that promote the integration of art and sports, on the example of choreographic art and technical and aesthetic sports is relevant and of theoretical and practical interest. The aim of the study was to analyze the ways of integrating choreographic art and technical and aesthetic sports in the light of current trends in their development. Research methods. The theoretical analysis of data from scientific and methodological and specialized literature, documentary materials (competition rules, training programs for choreographic schools and dance groups, and technical and aesthetic sports), video analysis of ballet performances, performances and practical exercises of choreographic collectives, ballet studios, leading athletes, etc. The scientific novelty of the research is that a detailed analysis of the factors determining the possible ways of their integration due to the historical aspects of the emergence of both types of human activity, the aesthetic beginning, the significance of expressiveness, the similar means and methods of teaching and upbringing, the list of structural groups and the similarity of the technique, , the presence of a pre-compiled program of actions (composition), methods of musical accompaniment, requirements for morphological, functional physical indicators, execution of performances, costumes and the like. Conclusions. The analysis allowed to identify common and distinctive features, as well as possible ways of integration, synthesis, interpenetration and mutual enrichment of choreographic art and technical and aesthetic sports, thanks to which new sports appeared where aesthetic significance has a pronounced character (rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, freestyle, cheerleading, aesthetic gymnastics, etc.). It was revealed that due to the modern trends in the development of the art of choreography and technical and aesthetic sports, their mutual integration will continue to take place, which will contribute to the emergence of new sports and trends in choreographic art.

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

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 vitamin-mineral levels, vitamin D, Ca and Fe, are inadequate for especially female athletes. The 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.

The Role of Division III Sports Participation in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Disordered Eating Symptomology

Perfectionism functions as a transdiagnostic risk factor for a variety of negative mental health outcomes, including eating disorders. Female athletes are believed to be especially vulnerable to eating pathology and some aspects of perfectionism. However, it is unknown whether perfectionism functions similarly as a risk factor in athlete and non-athlete groups with regards to negative eating behaviors and body attitudes. The present study assessed the moderating effect of athletic involvement on the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism and disordered eating symptomology among collegiate women competing at an amateur level. Female undergraduates (N = 478) were categorized into the following subgroups based on athlete status: aesthetic sport athletes, team/individual sport athletes, and non-athletes. Results indicated that levels of perfectionism and disordered eating symptomology did not differ between groups. However, both athletic involvement as a whole and type of sport played each moderated...

Changes in body image perceptions upon leaving elite sport: The retired female athlete paradox.

Little is known about the evolution of female athlete body image into retirement. In this study, 218 retired athletes from aesthetic sports answered a series of closed and open ended questions regarding bodily changes since retirement. Years since retirement was unrelated to current weight status (e.g., underweight, normal weight), what they were doing about current weight (e.g., lose weight), and satisfaction with current weight (all p’s > .69). Overall, 74.3% thought they were normal weight, yet 55% were dissatisfied with their weight and 59.6% were trying to lose weight. A rigorous thematic analysis of the qualitative data yielded 4 core themes that characterized participants’ experiences: 1) A move towards the feminine ideal; 2) Feeling fat, flabby and ashamed; 3) A continued commitment to a former self; and 4) Conflicting ideals: The retired female athlete paradox. Perceived muscle loss was considered indicative of either increased fat (dissatisfaction) or increased femininity (satisfaction). For some retired athletes, the satisfaction brought on by newfound femininity was complicated by a coinciding and conflicting commitment to a muscular athletic physique. Practical applications include strategies for sport psychologists to better support athletes in coping with the body changes that occur on retirement from elite sport.

Prevalence of Primary and Secondary Exercise Dependence and Its Correlation with Drive for Thinness in Practitioners of Different Sports and Physical Activities

Relatively few studies directly compared the prevalence of exercise dependence (EXD) in different sports. Different conceptualizations and measures of EXD limit the possibility of comparing results from different studies. In this study, we measured the prevalence of EXD and its correlation with drive for thinness (DT) in four different categories of sports and exercise. Participants were 427 people engaging in endurance sports, esthetic sports, team sports, or fitness activities. The Exercise Dependence Scale was adopted to measure EXD; the Drive for Thinness scale was used to measure DT and to distinguish between primary and secondary EXD. Results suggested that none of the considered sport categories seems to be more at risk for EXD than the other ones. A correlation between EXD and DT was found in the fitness group, suggesting, together with previous literature, that EXD could be related to the reward a person strives to achieve trough exercising.

Clinical Application of Impact Capacitive – Resistive Electric Transfer 448 kHz on Human Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into more than one type of specialist cells in our body. They are a potential source of progenitor cells for osteoblasts, chondroblasts, adipocytes, skeletal muscles, and cardiomyocytes. They may also differentiate into ecto- and endodermal cell lines, e.g., neural cells, glial cells, hepatocytes and karetinocytes. Mesenchymal cells represent only 0.001–0.01% of all bone marrow cells, are a crucial population of cells participating in the proliferative phase of damage regeneration, and they are present in nearly all body tissues, the largest number of them is in adipose tissue and blood. Properties of MSCs have formed foundations for a new interdisciplinary field, tissue engineering. Its extensive applications include aesthetic medicine, dermatology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, physioaesthetics, and sports medicine. The aim of this study is to present selected properties of the mesenchymal stem cells exposed to an electric stimulus of frequency of 448 kHz using Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) technology.

Body Image of Highly Trained Female Athletes Engaged in Different Types of Sport.

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in body image across different types of sports in highly trained female athletes. Methods 242 female individuals, aged 13–30 years (M = 20.0, SD = 4.5), representing aesthetic sports (n = 56) and nonaesthetic sports (n = 186), were recruited from different sports clubs in Poland. Body image, BMI, age, the level of competition attained, and the training background of participants were recorded. Results One-way ANOVA showed differences in the body image of athletes engaged in different types of sport (F(11,230) = 4.10, p < 0.001, and η2 = 0.16). The model predicting the body image of female athletes was significant (F(5,236) = 10.40, p < 0.001); the adjusted R2 = 0.163. Type of sport explained 7.1% (β = –0.263, p < 0.001), age explained 4.5% (β = 0.341, p < 0.001), BMI explained 3.6% (β = –0.230, p < 0.001), and level of competition explained 0.9% (β = 0.153, p < 0.05) of variance in body image. Conclusions The findings provide vital new knowledge which can be used by researchers and practitioners in designing educational programs on weight-related behaviors in female athletes. Such programs should be implemented especially in young female athletes participating in high-level sporting activities at an early stage.

Compete or rest? Willingness to compete hurt among adolescent elite athletes

ObjectiveTraining and competing despite underlying health problems is a common social practice in sport. Adolescent elite athletes are particularly vulnerable to possible health consequences of this risky behavior due to their very sensitive developmental stage. Conceptualizing this phenomenon of playing hurt as sickness presenteeism, and taking the concept of absence/presence legitimacy into account, this paper analyzes the propensity of adolescent elite athletes to compete in the face of health problems. The central aim is to empirically identify characteristics of elite sport subcultures which affect athletes’ willingness to compete hurt (WCH). Materials & methodsBased on a comprehensive sample of 1138 German elite adolescent athletes from all Olympic sports (14–18 years), the paper applies classification tree analysis to analyze the social and individual determinants of the WCH. ResultsDeterminants on three hierarchical levels were identified, including type of sport, perceptions of social pressure, coach's leadership style and athletes' age. The group with the highest WCH were athletes from technical sports who have a coach with an autocratic leadership style. Second was athletes from ball games, and those in aesthetic and weight-dependent sports, aged between 17 and 18 years old. The lowest mean WCH-score, by some distance, occurred amongst the group of endurance and power sports athletes who experienced no direct social pressure to play hurt. ConclusionsThe findings enhance our understanding of absence/presence legitimacy in highly competitive social contexts and contribute to the development of more effective target-group-specific health prevention programs for young athletes.

Comparison of Body Composition and Energy Intake of Young Female Ballet Dancers and Ordinary School Girls

Abstract The aim of this study is to assess body fat level, energy and nutrient intake of adolescent ballet dancers and to compare these results with those of adolescents from ordinary school. Participants included 39 ballet dancers and 70 adolescents from ordinary school. Body composition was measured using a multi-frequency 8-polar bioelectrical impedance leg-to-hand analyser (X-Scan Plus II, Korea). Dietary intakes were assessed using a three-day estimated food record. Nutritional intake was calculated using the Nutri Survey software. Ballet dancers were slightly shorter, lighter, with less fat and fat-free mass compared to girls from ordinary school. 51.3% (95% CI 35.59 to 66.97) of ballet dancers and 4% (95% CI; 0.27 to 11.15) of ordinary school girls had a body fat level of 12% or less. The recommended amount of 35–45 kcal energy to kg fat-free mass for aesthetic sports was not reached by 42.1% (95% CI 27.61 to 50.65%) of ballet dancers. No statistically significant difference was found in percent body fat between ballet dancers who consumed energy less than the recommended amount compared to those who ate normally, but fatfree mass (p &lt; 0.05) was lower in those who consumed 35–45 kcal energy to kg fat-free mass or less compared to those who ate more. The investigated groups had an inadequate intake of minerals and vitamins during the winter period.

The Aesthetic Thought of Competitive Sports and the Value Study of Aesthetic Education in Health Education

The health and beauty of sports, the body and spirit, the perfect and unified cultural tradition has been an important source of the combination of beauty and beauty. Philosopher Plato first to claim the combination of aesthetic education and sports, that “the movement of the body and the movement of sound has a common rhythm. Therefore, beautification of mind and physical fitness are internal consistent”. The harmonious development of the body and heart pursued by modern school sports is the highest embodiment of sports aesthetic education. The implementation of aesthetic education in college physical education is an important content to promote the individual development of college students and comprehensively implement the quality education training and in-novation talents. Competitive sports can be divided into physical fitness and skills, is particularly pay attention to physical exercise, physical exercise and movement skills, personal competition, competitive or groups, which contains aesthetic thought and aesthetic value are very obvious, and about aesthetic education is often used with the athletic sports education. This paper focuses on the study of two kinds of sports with high aesthetic value. The results of the study showed that: from the physical quality, the cooperative spirit, the aesthetic ability and the innovation ability, the four sides faced the analysis of the aerobics, the aesthetic value weighted 45.3%, and the sports value was 39.0%. It shows that the value of aesthetic education plays a significant role in sports such as aerobics and exercise.

An Examination of the Differences of Characteristics Which are Psychologically Related to Disordered Eating of Female High School Athletes in Aesthetic and Non-Aesthetic Sports

A baseline study was conducted. There appears to be significant pressure for athletes in aesthetic sports to be thin, especially as physical and aesthetic aspects greatly influence judgements in competitions. Remarkable mental distress and extreme weight control are risk factors for eating disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological characteristics in female adolescent aesthetic athletes. The sample consisted of 12 female aesthetic athletes and 19 female non-aesthetic athletes, aged between 15 and 18 years. The psychological characteristics were assessed using POMS 2®-Y (Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Youth) scores before and after the games. Disordered eating was assessed using AEBS (Abnormal Eating Behavior Scale). The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, t-test and two-way ANOVA. The pre-game scores of POMS 2®-Y negative items in the baton twirling players were significantly higher than those in hand ball players. On the other hand, the post-game scores showed no significant differences between the two groups. Correlations were found between the scores in most of the negative items of POMS 2®-Y and AEBS total score. We suggested that aesthetic athletes had more negative mood states related to disordered eating than non-aesthetic athletes before games. Nutrition education should be conducted with an emphasis on these psychologically characteristics in aesthetic athletes.

Elite athletes and pubertal delay.

Intensive physical training and participation in competitive sports during childhood and early adolescence may affect athletes' pubertal development. On the other hand, pubertal timing, early or late, may impact on an athlete selection for a particular sport. Genetic predisposition, training load, nutritional status and psychological stress determine athletes' pubertal timing. Athletes that practice esthetic sports, especially gymnasts, are predisposed to a delay in pubertal development. The growing evidence indicates that energy deficiency, not a systemic training per se, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of functional hypothalamic hypogonadism in female athletes. Metabolic and psychologic stress activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Female athletes who do not begin secondary sexual development by the age of 14 or menstruation by the age of 16 warrant a comprehensive evaluation and a targeted treatment. Somatic growth and sexual maturation of elite female athletes are largely sport-specific since each sport favors a particular somatotype and requires a specific training. Chronic negative energy balance resulting from a systemic physical training and inadequate energy intake may delay pubertal development in elite athletes. Youth athletes, especially those engaged in competitive sports that emphasize prepubertal or lean appearance, are at risk of developing relative energy deficiency in sport associated with disordered eating or eating disorders. Management strategies should address the complex conditions underlying functional hypothalamic hypogonadism.

Evaluation of a Theory-Based Intervention Aimed at Reducing Intention to Use Restrictive Dietary Behaviors Among Adolescent Female Athletes

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention to reduce the intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight among adolescent female athletes involved in aesthetic sports. DesignCluster-randomized controlled trial. SettingAesthetic sport teams of adolescent female athletes aged 12–17 years. ParticipantsTwo teams (n = 37 athletes) in the intervention group and 3 teams (n = 33) in the comparison group. InterventionsThe 2 groups received nutrition education during 3 weekly 60-minute sessions. The intervention group was further exposed to a theory-based intervention targeting the specific determinant of intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight, namely attitude. Main Outcome MeasuresDifference over time between groups in intention to use restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight and in nutrition knowledge. AnalysisMixed models for repeated measures. ResultsThe theory-based intervention contributed to maintaining a low intention of using restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight over time in the intervention group compared with the comparison group (P < .03). Nutrition knowledge score increased equally in both groups. Conclusion and ImplicationsComplementing nutrition education with theory-based behavior change intervention may help maintain a low intention of using restrictive dietary behaviors for losing weight among female high school athletes involved in aesthetic sports.

Evidence-Based Prerequisites and Precursors of Athletic Talent: A Review.

Extensive findings related to nature and nurture in determining athletic talent (AT) have been reviewed. Available data demonstrate the important contribution of hereditary factors as well as the crucial importance of environmental prerequisites for identifying and developing AT. Recent publications provide examples of contemporary approaches intended to solve the problem of how to discover and nurture AT. A number of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies highlighted possibilities of revealing a predisposition to certain sports among youthful prospects, but were unable to predict attainment of world-class status. Data pertaining to Olympic champions indicate that their superiority compared with other elite athletes is determined by high intrinsic motivation, determination, dedication, persistence, and creativity. These salient manifestations of personality could be successfully recognized even in the initial stages of their preparation, where exceptionally gifted individuals manifested high learnability and a high rate of athletic improvement. Moreover, future champions were characterized by an exceptional attitude to training and a willingness to perform more voluminous and high-quality training routines. Exceptionally talented athletes in endurance, power, and combat sports attained world-class status after 4-7years of specialized preparation, accumulating 3000-7000h of purposeful training. This stands in contradiction to Ericsson's theory of deliberate practice and the 10-year rule. In contrast, Olympic artistic gymnastics champions attained world-class status following an average of 9.7years of specialized preparation, accumulating an average of 8918h of specialized training. Apparently, the theory of 10,000h of deliberate practice and the 10-year rule are selectively applicable to highly coordinative esthetic sports but not to general preparation trends in endurance, power, and combat sports.

Bone Mineral Density in Aesthetic and Performance Sports in Female Collegiate Athletes

Bone Mineral Density in Aesthetic and Performance Sports in Female Collegiate Athletes

Criteria, Defeasibility and Rules: Intention and the Principal Aim Argument

This paper builds on a previous discussion of Stephen Mumford’s rejection of what he takes to be David Best’s argument for a distinction between purposive and aesthetic sports. That discussion concluded that Mumford’s argument misses its target, but closed by introducing a possible alternative argument, not made by Mumford, that might be thought to have the potential to secure Mumford’s conclusion. This paper considers that alternative argument, namely, the thought that the ascription of psychological predicates conceived of in terms of defeasible criteria that constitute logically good evidence could preserve Best’s claim to be making a logical point while allowing a place for intention in relation to aims and purposes in sport. It is argued that the relationship between rules and intention is such that this alternative argument cannot secure Mumford’s conclusion.