Prevalence of eating disorder, body image dissatisfaction and musculoskeletal complaints among former spanish rhythmic gymnasts: a retrospective study.

Abstract

Retired athletes from aesthetic sports such as rhythmic gymnastics may experience issues related to eating disorders (EDs), body image and musculoskeletal injuries. However, quantitative studies on the long-term effects of participation in retired rhythmic gymnasts are scarce. This study aims to assess the prevalence of EDs, body dissatisfaction, and injuries in former Spanish rhythmic gymnasts, considering years of practice and the competitive level achieved. A total of 216 former rhythmic gymnasts were recruited through social media and sports clubs. Data were collected via online questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale to measure body dissatisfaction, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess musculoskeletal injuries. The sample had a mean age of 26.3 ± 8.4 years and an average of 11.7 ± 3.2 years of practice. A total of 10.6% of participants scored above the threshold on the EAT-26, while 68.1% reported body dissatisfaction. Participants with higher body mass index (BMI) was identified as a predictive factor for showing body dissatisfaction. Lower back pain was the most prevalent musculoskeletal symptom, affecting 83.3% of participants, followed by neck pain (74.5%). The findings suggest that although the prevalence of EDs is relatively low in this sample, body dissatisfaction remains a significant concern, particularly among individuals with higher BMI. Furthermore, lower back pain is highly prevalent among former gymnasts. These results highlight the need for injury prevention strategies and psychological support following athletic retirement.