ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare the performance (best time in seconds) in 100m and 200m freestyle of swimmers according to disordered eating behaviors (DE). 84 women swimmers in infant, youth or junior classes were participants. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to assess the DE. We used the best time in seconds to determine the performance in 100m and 200m freestyle. The body fat percentage was estimated considering the skinfolds thickness. We utilized multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to compare the performance (time in seconds) in 100m and 200m freestyle between swimmers with (EAT-26≥21) and without (EAT-26 <21) DE. Findings indicated performance difference in 100m (F(2, 82)=12,86; p=0,01; d=0,5) and 200m freestyle (F(2, 82)=11,72; p=0,02; d=0,5) between groups with and without DE. It was concluded that the young women swimmers with greater DE frequency showed lower performance in 100m and 200m freestyle.
Keywords:
Eating disorders; Athletes; Swimming.