Residual Athletic Identity, Body Image, and Emotional Symptoms in Retired Rhythmic Gymnasts

NCT07408752 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: GR-RETIRO
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport characterized by high physical and aesthetic demands and typically early competitive retirement. In this context, athletic identity and body image play a central role during the athletic career and may be compromised after retirement, particularly in aesthetic disciplines. However, the relationship between these constructs in retired rhythmic gymnasts has been scarcely investigated. Objective. To analyze the relationship between athletic identity and body image in retired rhythmic gymnasts, in order to better understand the psychosocial factors influencing post-retirement adaptation. Methods. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study will be conducted using a self-administered online survey targeting retired rhythmic gymnasts aged ≥18 years. The primary study variables will be positive body image and residual athletic identity. Additional independent and predictive variables will include sociodemographic characteristics and sport career-related factors (age, age at initiation in rhythmic gymnastics, duration of the athletic career, highest competitive level achieved, and satisfaction with the athletic career). A set of potential confounding or moderating variables will also be considered (time since retirement and type of sport retirement). Statistical analyses will include descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Expected results. An association between residual athletic identity and body image after sport retirement is expected, moderated by time since retirement and type of retirement, with implications for identifying profiles of greater vulnerability and informing the design of preventive interventions.

Conditions

Retirement

Keywords

Gymnastics; Athletes; Body Image; Identity, Self; Retirement; Mental Health; Adaptation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Measurement of body image

  This variable will be assessed using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), a validated questionnaire that measures appreciation of and a positive relationship with one's body at the present time. The scale consists of 10 items with Likert-type response options. The total score will be calculated as the sum or mean of the items, with higher values indicating greater body appreciation.

  Screening visit

• Measurement of residual athletic identity

  This variable will be assessed using the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS-E), a widely used instrument to measure the extent to which athletic identity remains central to the self-concept after sport retirement. The scale provides a total score (and subscale scores, depending on the version used), with higher values reflecting greater residual athletic identity.

  Screening visit

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Measurement of age

  Screening visit

• Measurement of age at initiation in rhythmic gymnastics

  Screening visit

• Measurement of athletic career duration

  Screening visit

• Measurement of highest competitive level achieved

  Screening visit

• Measurement of satisfaction with the athletic career

  Screening visit

Other Outcomes (4)

• Measurement of time since retirement

  Screening visit

• Measurement of type of sport retirement

  Screening visit

• Measurement of anxiety

  Screening visit

Study Arms (1)

Observational group

Other: Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts

Interventions

Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts OTHER

Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts who have completed their competitive athletic careers, regardless of the time elapsed since retirement and whether retirement was voluntary or involuntary.

Observational group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Retired gymnasts with different levels of residual athletic identity (low versus moderate/high), as well as comparisons according to type of retirement (voluntary versus involuntary) and time since retirement, adjusting for emotional variables such as anxiety and depression.

You may qualify if:

• Are aged ≥18 years.
• Are female.
• Have practiced rhythmic gymnastics during their competitive stage at any competitive level.
• Are retired from competitive practice at the time of participation.
• Are able to report the time elapsed since retirement and the type of retirement (voluntary or involuntary).
• Agree to participate by providing informed consent and completing the online survey.

You may not qualify if:

• Are not truly retired (i.e., maintain active competitive participation at the time of the study).
• Have a time since retirement greater than 5 years.
• Have incomplete questionnaires for variables essential to the analysis.
• Provide clearly inconsistent or implausible responses in key variables (e.g., evident incompatibilities between age, age at initiation, and career duration) that preclude valid interpretation of the data.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Oviedo: lead

Study Sites (1)

Universidad de Oviedo

Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33006, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD

CONTACT

0034 985103386; cuestaruben@uniovi.es

Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD

CONTACT

cuestaruben@uniovi.es

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 6, 2026
• First Posted: February 13, 2026
• Study Start: February 12, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 13, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

ES (1)