Anthropometric and dietary intake assessment of brazil national cheerleading team

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Cheerleading is an emerging, dynamic and intense sport, with a strong aesthetic appeal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anthropometric profile, body composition, food consumption and energy needs of athletes from the Brazilian cheerleading team. Materials and Methods: 53 athletes, men (n=18) and women (n=35), with an average age of 23.6 ±4.5 years answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and underwent an an anthropometric assessment (height, body mass, circumferences and skinfolds). Of these, 29 responded additionally to a 24 -hour food record. Results: The anthropometric values found for men (1.74 ±0.06 m; 79.3 ±12.2 kg; 11.5 ±5.4%) and women (1.60 ±0.06 m; 60, 0 ±12.5 kg; 22.5 ±7.2 %) are similar to those of athletes from other nationalities, with adequate BMI values and body fat percentage. The different positions held have significant differences, in which bases have higher values than flyers in all variables. Mean macronutrient intake (1.8 ±0.8 g/kg PTN, 3.4 ±1.1 g/kg CHO and 0.8 ±0.3 g/kg LIP) was in line with reference values and all have low energy availability (18.6 ±8.8 kcal/kg FFM). Correlations between variables were indirect between BF and EI (-0.44; moderately) and BF and PTN (-0.61; strong). Conclusion: This was the first study to evaluate Brazilian high-performance cheerleading athletes, then the results will support the work of professionals involved in the preparation of athletes and future research. Cheerleaders are athletes at risk for RED's, which reinforces the importance of proper nutritional support.