Can disordered eating behaviors reduce maximum oxygen consumption in road cyclists?

Comportamentos de risco para os transtornos alimentares pode reduzir o consumo máximo de oxigênio em ciclistas de estrada?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max) between road cyclists with and without risk for eating disorders. The sample was composed of 43 cyclists aged 18-25 years, participants of the road cycling championship of the State of Pernambuco. VO₂max was measured by a computerized metabolic analyzer during an incremental test in cycleergometer. The initial test load was 50 W, with increments of 25 W every minute until volitional exhaustion or inability to maintain the current load. To evaluate disordered eating behaviors (DEB), the Eating Attitudes Test was used (EAT-26). Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the VO₂max between cyclists with (EAT-26 ≥ 21) and without (EAT-26 < 21) risk for eating disorders. The findings showed statistically significant VO₂max difference between cyclists with and without risk to eating disorders (F _(2,41)=28.44; p=0.01), indicating moderate effect size (d = 0.6). It was concluded that DEB was related to cyclists with lower VO₂max.

Key words
Cycling; Physical endurance; Sport medicine