Open AccessAssessment of body composition and nutritional risks in young ballet dancers – the bioelectrical impedance analysis
Author(s) -
Maria Alessandra Gammone,
Nicolantonio D’Orazio
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of electrical bioimpedance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.292
H-Index - 16
ISSN - 1891-5469
DOI - 10.2478/joeb-2020-0005
Subject(s) - bioelectrical impedance analysis , ballet , ballet dancer , body mass index , body fat percentage , physical therapy , medicine , anthropometry , population , body weight , fat mass , gerontology , environmental health , art , dance , literature
Background Young ballet dancers are at risk of health issues associated with altered nutritional status and of relative energy deficiency in sport compared to the general population. Aim To evaluate the nutritional status and body composition in ballet dancers. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 40 young ballet dancers (mean age 19.97 years). Height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated in all subjects (mean BMI value 19.79 kg/m 2 , SD: 2.051). Body composition was estimated using the bioelectrical impedance method. Results The dancers’ fat-free mass was 47.33 kg (SD: 5.064) and, on the average, body fat represented the 15.92% (SD: 16.91) of their body weight. Conclusions Ballet dancers, who usually show significantly lower BMI values compared to the general population, also displayed body fat values under the suggested range. Some screening for altered nutritional status should be performed. In addition, education programs should be recommended in young ballet dancers, in order to inform about energy and nutrition requirements for health and training and to prevent malnutrition-related problems.