Since rhythmic gymnastics is a sport which requires beautiful body appearance, it has been reported that a majority of gymnasts go through a strict diet. Furthermore, recent study reported that the gymnast possessed the same characteristics, such as low protein intake, high confectionery intake and skipping meals. The aim of this study was to observe the difference in the consciousness of the rhythmic gymnasts toward before and after group dietary education in lecture style. Twenty collegiate female rhythmic gymnasts participated in group dietary education on the effect of soybean intakes five times in two months. Subjects were assessed physical measurement, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and dietary life questionnaire during the intervention period at baseline, second months(at the end of education) and fourth months(second months after the education). Soybean intakes were significantly higher at second months and maintained the intakes at fourth months. Confectionery intake and meal skipping did not change during the intervention. In conclusion, group dietary education in lecture style may lead the improvement and continuity of proper eating habits.

View full abstract