Evaluation of diet, growth, sexual maturation and training of children and adolescents athletes of rhythmic gymnastics
Abstract
Young females who engage in sports that demand low body weight like Rhythmic Gymnasts (RG), have low calorie and intensive physical training. These factors can stunt growth and sexual maturation. The aim of this study is to evaluate diet, growth, sexual maturation, and training, and compare this data with scientific literature The study included measurements of height and weight, assessment of breast and pubic hair development (Tanner Stages), and a questionnaire that included personal, family, and training data of nine female athletes (12±1.84 years). Of these 77.8% were below the 50th percentile for weight/age, and 55.6% were below 50th percentile for height/age respectively. 88.9% don’t report menarche. All the athletes showed below average calories, calcium and iron intake for their recommended for ages. The athletes train on average 24.11±6.11 hours per week. The intensive physical training above 18 hours per week, over many years immediately before and during the puberty, represents a chronic stress to the body capable of influencing growth and the delay of the menarche. In conclusion, Rhythmic Gymnasts can develop anemia, fractures and/or osteoporosis, stunted growth, and sexual maturation.
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