| Studies of female sports such as figure skating, dance and gymnastics, especially at the elite levels, have raised serious concerns related to overtraining and disordered eating. However, very little is known about the nutrition and fitness levels of cheerleaders. The present study was designed to identify the fitness levels of female high school cheerleaders, their nutritional intake, and potential eating disorders. Twenty-five female high school cheerleaders underwent a treadmill and Wingate test to measure aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels, while body composition was measured via underwater weighing. The subjects also completed a 3-day diet record, overseen by a registered dietitian, and participated in the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) questionnaire to identify the possibility of eating disorders. Mean VO2 max was 40.4 ml/kg (SD = 4.8). Peak power was 483 W (SD = 66.1), and mean power was 362 W (SD = 44). Fitness levels of the cheerleaders indicated that the cheerleaders were similar to cheerleaders at the college level, and anaerobic power was significantly higher as compared to other female adolescent athletes. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
