| Summary: | Objective. To compare energy balance and nutrient intake of elite and non-elite
school-aged gymnasts, as well as to evaluate their nutritional knowledge and eating
attitude and its effect on dietary intake and practices.
Methods. Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, menstrual
status, sources of nutritional information, nutritional habits as well as supplement use
was documented. Eating attitudes were measured by the EAT26 test and nutritional
knowledge by a standardised questionnaire. Dietary intake and practices were
determined with a 3-day weighed food record, while energy expenditure was
measured with an Actical® accelerometer (Mini Mitter Co., Inc. Bend, OR, USA).
Results. The total daily energy intake (non-elite = 6 944.37 ± 1 272.28 kJ vs. elite =
6 543.01 ± 2 570 kJ) in both groups was similar to their daily energy expenditure
values (non-elite = 6 393.77 ± 1 244.19 kJ vs. elite = 6 696.09 ± 1 676.58 kJ). Elite
gymnasts tended to have higher protein (21.37 vs. 15.4% total energy intake (TE),
small effect size, d = 0.1) and lower fat (28.9 vs. 33.6% TE, medium effect size, d = -
0.6) intakes. More non-elite gymnasts (n = 7, 88.88%) used micronutrient
supplements than elite gymnasts (n = 4, 45.45%, medium effect size, d = 0.45). Most
of the gymnasts (55%) ate snacks during the day, which consisted mostly of refined
carbohydrates. In the total group of gymnasts the most frequently used source of
nutritional information was the coach (60%). There was no difference in nutritional
knowledge between the groups (elite = 61.8% vs. non-elite = 62.8% respectively).
Lastly, elite gymnasts had a practically significantly higher risk than non-elite
gymnasts to follow a diet (large effect size, d = 1.32), while non-elite gymnasts
exercised practically significantly more self-control over their food intake com pared to
elite gymnasts (large effect size, d = - 1.03). Conclusions. South African elite
gymnasts do not differ from non-elite gymnasts in terms of energy-, carbohydrate-,
protein-, or fat intake. There is also no difference in energy expenditure or risk in
developing an eating disorder, probably due to less competitiveness compared to
other international gymnasts. === Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
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