Body image and dissatisfaction among rhythmic gymnastics practitioners

Belén Portas-Núñez, Miguel A. Sanchez-Lastra, José C. Diz, Carlos Ayán

Body image and dissatisfaction among rhythmic gymnastics practitioners

Číslo: 1/2025
Periodikum: Acta Gymnica
DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.003

Klíčová slova: body image, body dissatisfaction, mental health, sports, rhythmic gymnastics

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Anotace: Background: In aesthetic sports, including rhythmic gymnastics (RG), slimness is associated with sporting success. As a consequence, the pressure that RG athletes are under to achieve this type of figure can lead to problems with their body image, among them problems with self-perception of body image and body image dissatisfaction. These problems are usually associated with adolescents and the highest levels but are present at all ages and competitive levels.

Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence on self-body perception inaccuracies and body dissatisfaction among both young and adult RG athletes.

Methods: Three electronic databases were searched: Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO until March 2025. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using a ten-item version of the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results: A total of 13 comparative studies were included, showing a high (n = 1), moderate (n = 9) and poor (n = 3) methodological quality. Research shows that RG athletes do not exhibit an altered self-perception of body image. According to the meta-analysis, body dissatisfaction is generally not prevalent among RG practitioners.

Conclusions: Practicing RG is not associated with body image or body dissatisfaction issues.