Aspectos relacionados à imagem corporal em mulheres atletas de Cheerleading nas posições de flyer e base

Abstract

Cheerleading is characterized by contemplating acrobatic movements, dance, jumping, stunts and pyramid formation movements. In the stunts, there are the characteristic positions of flyer (athlete who is raised and performs different body positions) and base (athletes who lift the flyer). The pressure to achieve an ideal body for each Cheerleading position can influence the body image of its athletes. Thus, the present study is justified as a way to compare how much the influence of this sport is linked to changes in the athletes body image, considering their position in the sport. The present study aimed to compare body image variables (sociocultural influence on body image, muscularity concerns, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women Cheerleading athletes, in the flyer and base positions. The study was characterized as cross-sectional with a quantitative design. The sample was composed of women Cheerleading athletes from all over the national territory, aged between 18 and 30 years, affiliated to a Cheerleading team, with practice time of one year or more in the sport and participation in regional championships. The following questionnaires were applied online via Google Forms: a) Sociodemographic Questionnaire; b) Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire - 4; c) Female Muscularity Scale; d) Body Shape Questionnaire – 8; and, e) Eating Attitudes Test – 26. The statistical analysis was descriptive and comparative. The results showed significant differences between the base group and the flyer group in the following variables: body dissatisfaction, sociocultural influence (total score and family pressure and media pressure subscales) and disordered eating. Cheerleading athletes who occupy the base position present greater commitment of some aspects related to body image than those of the flyer position. Future studies may consider covering men Cheerleading athletes and comparisons between the genders and other sport’s characteristics.