Knowledge and use of Nutritional Supplements among Hip-Hop Dancers

Abstract

Hip-hop is a cultural movement that captures different dance styles. The complexity of choreography is increasing, and the requirements for the physical condition are simultaneously higher. To reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries, it is essential that dancers understand the importance of proper nutrition. The purpose of our study was to analyse the use and knowledge about food supplements in the daily diet of hip-hop dancers. We also wanted to highlight the problem in the lack of nutritional knowledge and to determine if this affects their body composition. The sample consisted of 114 hip-hop dancers, average age 17.2±2.2 years, participating in adult categories, all members of the Dance Sport Federation of Slovenia and the International Dance Organization. For basic information, an anonymous questionnaire was used, followed by questions about food supplements, and doping. Body composition was analysed with an InBody 720 bioelectrical impedance device (Biospace Co., Ltd). The data were statistically processed using SPSS statistical software. We established that 42.1% of the surveyed dancers consume nutritional supplements, of which only 10.5% do so regularly. The use of food supplements and better nutrition knowledge is prevalent among more successful dancers. There is still a high percentage of those who do not consume dietary supplements, probably due to ignorance and insufficient information (48%). Better body composition in more successful dancers does not influence the knowledge and/or use of dietary supplements. Some interventional programmes about substance use and misuse might be useful in educating dancers and choreographers.