Date of Award
4-1986
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Performance and Health Education
First Advisor
Dr. Mary L. Dawson
Second Advisor
Dr. Harold L. Ray
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study investigated the incidence of regular menstrual cycles, secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea in collegiate female gymnasts, dance-majors and non-athletes. Menstrual cycle characteristics and eating attitudes were surveyed by questionnaire. Dietary status was determined by a 5 day dietary diary, and body composition was measured by hydrostatic weighing to determine the relationship of these variables with menstrual cycle status.
The frequency of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and regular cycles differed significantly (p<.05) between activity groups. The gymnasts reported the highest incidence of amenorrhea (16%) and oligomenorrhea (32%). A significant difference (p<.05) was found between activity groups for age at menarche, percent body fat, dietary status and eating attitudes.
Statistical analysis of the main effect of menstrual cycle status showed a significant difference for caloric intake and eating attitudes. The amenorrheic subjects consumed fewer calories and scored higher on the EAT compared to the regularly cycling subjects. A significant interaction, F(4,66)=2.88, p<.05, was found between activity group by menstrual cycle status for caloric intake.
Recommended Citation
Mills, Robyn Lesley, "Menstrual Cycle Status, Body Composition and Dietary Characteristics of Female Collegiate Gymnasts, Dance-Majors and Non-Athletes" (1986). Masters Theses. 1327.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1327