Authors
Hannah K. Eberhardt, [1] Department of Human Performance and Health, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA, [2] Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
Michael J. Ormsbee, [1] Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA, [2] School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Patrick G. Saracino, Department of Human Performance and Health, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(2): 2018, 2026.
Abstract
Low energy availability (LEA), which represents inadequate energy intake relative to exercise energy expenditure (EEE), is associated with adverse physiological and performance outcomes, yet limited data quantifying LEA prevalence in women’s artistic gymnasts exists. This study assessed LEA prevalence in adolescent female artistic gymnasts and compared diet and sleep characteristics between those with and without LEA. Twelve female gymnasts (15 ± 1 y; 160.6 ± 5.5 cm; 55.8 ± 4.6 kg; 14.9 ± 6.4% body fat; 47.4 ± 4.3 kg FFM) completed body composition testing, questionnaires, and a three-day observation of activity and dietary patterns. Mean EA was 28.9 ± 13.5 kcal·kg⁻¹ FFM, with six athletes classified as having LEA (≤ 30 kcal·kg⁻¹ FFM). Compared with athletes without LEA, those with LEA consumed less calories (1451 ± 447 vs 2388 ± 458 kcal; p = 0.005), protein (0.8 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.4 g·kg⁻¹; p = 0.007), and carbohydrate (3.1 ± 0.8 vs 4.8 ± 0.8 g·kg⁻¹; p = 0.004), while exercise energy expenditure did not differ. Athletes with LEA spent less time in bed (389.8 ± 55.7 vs 498.2 ± 35.2 min; p = 0.002) and had lower total sleep time (345.8 ± 57.2 vs 439.3 ± 32.8 min; p = 0.006), despite experiencing fewer awakenings (17 ± 6 vs 24 ± 4; p = 0.035). Most gymnasts experienced sleep impairments and failed to meet recommended intakes for protein and carbohydrate, underscoring the need for targeted nutritional interventions and education in this population.