Body composition and cardiac dimensions in elite rhythmic gymnasts.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Rhythmic gymnasts maintain low body weight and leanness for performance.
• Intensive training from a young age may pose risks for malnutrition.
• Understanding the impact of training on body composition and cardiac health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of physical activity on body composition in adolescent elite gymnasts.
• To assess cardiac morphology and function in relation to training in rhythmic gymnasts.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen national level rhythmic gymnasts and 16 controls underwent anthropometric measurements.
• Bioelectric impedance was used to assess body composition.
• Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac morphology and function.

Main Results:

• Gymnasts had lower body mass index, lower body fat percentage, and higher fat-free mass percentage compared to controls.
• Elite gymnasts showed increased left ventricular dimensions and mass, both absolute and indexed.
• Left ventricular mass correlated positively with fat-free mass.

Conclusions:

• Rhythmic gymnasts display distinct body composition with reduced body fat and increased fat-free mass.
• Echocardiographic findings suggest left ventricular remodeling as a training-induced adaptation in elite gymnasts.
• The leanness and training regimen in rhythmic gymnasts are not associated with pathological cardiac abnormalities.