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This study investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and athletic performance of elite female gymnasts. Subjects were the top 36 finishers in the allaround competition at the 1991 World Gymnastics Championships. Findings suggested that, in general, a lower BMI was related to better performance, but performance was negatively affected as BMI became very low. Implications of these findings were discussed in relation to the health of the athlete, as well as to performance.
Cet etude analyse les rapports entre l'index de la masse du corps (IMC) et la performance athletique des gymnastes feminins. Les subjects furent les 36 meilleures gymnastes dans la competition sportive complete du Championnat du Monde de Gymnastique 1991. Les resultats sugge rent que, en general, un IMC inferieure est en rapport avec une meilleure performance mais des IMC trops bas ont des conseequences negatives sur la performance. On discute les implications de ces resultats pour la sante et la performance des athletes.
Recently, considerable emphasis has been given in the literature to eating disorders in athletes (Brownell & Rodin, 1992; Thompson & Sherman, 1933). Much of that emphasis has focused on female gymnasts, presumably because the appearance and performance demands of gymnastics lead these athletes to diet in an effort to attain or maintain suboptimal weights (Rosen & Hough, 1988; Thompson & Sherman, 1993; Yates, 1991). Dieting and attempted weight loss play a critical role in the development of eating disorders (Garfinkel & Gamer,1982; Hsu,1990). Thus, attempts to lose weight increase the athlete's risk of developing such a disorder.
Concern among female gymnasts regarding their weight has been well documented (Harris & Greco, 1990; Loosli, Benson, Gillien, & Bourdet, 1986; O'Connor, Lewis, & Kirchner,1995; Rosen & Hough,1988). This concern is reflected in a trend over the past thirty years showing that U.S. Olympic female gymnasts have become significantly smaller in terms of body size and weight (Nattiv & Mandelbaum, 1993). In order to comply with the size and weight standards that are emphasized in gymnastics, many gymnasts are attempting to lose weight. Harris and Greco (1990) reported that 61 % of their sample were trying to lose weight, while Rosen and Hough (1988) found that all of the gymnasts in their study were dieting. Relatedly, other studies with gymnasts...