This study aims to investigate performance differences between collegiate cheerleaders and dancers classified as normal weight obese and those classified as normal weight lean. The study will assess differences in physical performance, lifestyle behaviors, muscle quality, and nutrition-related factors between groups. Performance testing, body composition assessment, and questionnaire-based measures will be used to characterize these relationships.
This study focuses on understanding body composition-related differences in performance among collegiate cheerleaders and dancers, a population that relies heavily on strength, power, and aesthetic presentation for successful performance. Obesity is commonly classified using body mass index (BMI); however, BMI may fail to identify individuals with excess adiposity, particularly in athletic populations. One such classification is normal-weight obesity, which describes individuals with a normal BMI but elevated body fat percentage and increased risk for impaired muscle function and reduced physical performance. Aesthetic athletes, including cheerleaders and dancers, may be particularly susceptible to this condition due to sport-specific performance demands and body composition expectations. This study aims to determine whether performance outcomes differ between normal weight obese and normal weight lean cheerleaders and dancers, with specific focus on measures of power, strength, and muscle quality. In addition, the study examines differences in lifestyle behaviors, compositional and functional muscle characteristics of the upper leg, and nutrition-related factors between groups. By integrating body composition assessment, physical performance testing, and questionnaire-based measures, this study seeks to better characterize normal-weight obesity in this population. Ultimately, the findings may help clarify how body composition and lifestyle factors relate to performance in collegiate cheer and dance athletes.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
65
Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine (ISSM)
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
RECRUITINGEnergy Availability (kcals/kg FFM)
Energy availability will be assess by subtracting exercise energy expenditure from energy intake relative to fat free mass. This will be assessed daily for 7 continuous days.
Time frame: 7 days
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness will be assessed via maximal jump height (in inches) using a double leg (and single leg counter movement jump and a maximal isokinetic leg extension and leg curl (expressed in kgs).
Time frame: Day of study enrollment
Subjective Sleep
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be used to assess subjective sleep quality, while the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) will be used to assess subjective sleep behavior. A score of \>42 on the ASBQ indicates poor sleep behavior. A score \>5 on the PSQI indicates poor sleep quality.
Time frame: Day of study enrollment
Body Composition
Body Composition will be assessed via Air Displacement Plethysmography on the first day of study enrollment.
Time frame: Day of study enrollment
Muscle Quality - Echo Intensity
Ultrasound echo intensity will be used to assess intramuscular fat.
Time frame: Day of study enrollment
Nutrition Knowledge
Knowledge of nutrition based on the Abbreviated Nutrition for Sports Knowledge Questionnaire (ANSKQ). The maximum score is 100%. The minimum score is 0%. Higher scores indicate better nutrition knowledge.
Time frame: Day of study enrollment
Muscle Quality - Muscle Thickness
Muscle thickness of the rectus femoris will be assessed via ultrasound
Time frame: day of study enrollment
Michael J Ormsbee
CONTACT
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.