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Hydration, nutrition, and energy expenditure of female collegiate gymnasts at Southern Utah University
Author(s) -
Schmidt Matthew Christopher,
Sorenson Savanna E,
Smailes Alyssa R,
Snelling Daneile J
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.555.4
Subject(s) - medicine , athletes , calorie , micronutrient , energy expenditure , population , nutrient , vitamin , zoology , physical therapy , environmental health , biology , pathology , ecology
Good nutrition and hydration of athletes is vital to injury prevention, performance, and physical health. The purpose of this study was to examine hydration, energy expenditure, and nutritional status of collegiate female gymnasts. Fifteen gymnasts, mean age 19.3 ± 1.1 years, participated. Seven‐day food records were collected. Urine specific gravity (USG) was determined for five practices and one meet. Body Media® armbands were used to measure caloric needs. The armband continuously monitored movement, heat flow, skin temperature, ambient temperature, and galvanic skin response. Armband data revealed that on average gymnasts burned 613.4 more calories on practice days compared to days with no scheduled practices. Gymnasts had a low caloric intake (66% of recommended), which resulted in low macronutrient and micronutrient consumption. Diet analysis indicated that nutrients of concern were water, vitamin D, vitamin E, omega‐3 fatty acids, magnesium, and potassium. Paired t‐test revealed a significant difference (p< 0.001 ) in the mean USGs before and after practices as well as the meet. USG indicated athletes came to practices minimally dehydrated and left significantly dehydrated. This population may benefit from nutrition education and implementation of strategies to help them meet their nutrient recommendations.