# Energy Availability, Body Composition, and Phase Angle Among Adolescent Artistic Gymnasts During a Competitive Season

## TL;DR

This study examined energy availability, body composition, and phase angle in young gymnasts during a competitive season, finding normal body composition and no signs of low energy availability.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into energy availability and body composition in non-elite adolescent gymnasts during competition.

## Key findings

- Most gymnasts had normal BMI and body composition with no signs of low energy availability.
- Energy availability was significantly correlated with energy balance and body composition variables.
- Impedance vector analysis showed significant differences from a reference population.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Energy availability (EA) is associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport syndrome. This study assessed the EA, body composition, and phase angle (φ) of adolescent artistic gymnasts during a competitive season. Methods: Thirty non-elite artistic gymnasts aged 11–14 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data were collected and body mass index (BMI) was assessed using the World Health Organization growth charts. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed and diet and physical activity were recorded for three days. Dietary and physical activity records were analyzed to estimate energy intake, total energy expenditure (TEE), and exercise energy expenditure, from which energy balance (EB) and EA were calculated. The 95% confidence ellipses of the impedance (Z) vectors were compared with a reference population using the two-sample Hotelling’s T2 test. Correlations between variables were examined by Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation analysis. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: All participants were classified within the normal BMI category, except for one who was classified as being overweight. Mean (± SD) fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and φ were 16.1 ± 3.4%, 83.9 ± 3.4%, and 6.0 ± 0.6°, respectively. The 95% confidence ellipses of Z vectors differed significantly from the reference population. Energy balance was 32 ± 223 kcal/day and EA was 49.2 ± 11.4 kcal/kg FFM/day. Energy availability was significantly correlated with EB, TEE, and body composition variables. Conclusions: Adolescent non-elite artistic gymnasts showed no clear indications of LEA and exhibited a normal body composition and φ during the competitive season, consistent with their EA.