NCT07378007

Characteristics of Performance in Collegiate Cheerleaders and Dancers

Body Composition and Characteristics of Performance in Collegiate Cheerleaders and Dancers

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 65 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Florida State University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Low Energy Availability
• Physical Performance
• Nutrition

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-03
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2026-01-30
• Last updated: 2026-01-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States