Effect of educational training on nutrition and weight management in elite Spanish gymnasts

Abstract

The aim was to study the effect of a formative program about nutrition as well as weight management and its risks in elite gymnasts. The sample was 37 under-18 Spanish athletes from rhythmic and aesthetic gymnastics (national level). The sample was divided into a control group (n = 21) and an intervention group (n = 16). A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test was used. The dependent variable was the knowledge of nutrition, weight management, and its risks. The independent variable was the educational program. The program had three 30-minute sessions which combined talks, videos, and tasks to complete. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done. The educational program was ineffective with regard to increasing the gymnasts' knowledge about nutrition, weight management, and its risks. The gymnasts' knowledge of nutrition and weight management was high before beginning the intervention. Gymnasts and the coach expressed the need for individualized training adapted to each gymnast's needs and for incorporating a follow-up that provides feedback that is applicable in the gymnast's daily life.