ObjectiveAcrobatics & Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging sport in the National Collegiate Athletic Association that lacks research regarding the dietary intake and health of A&T student-athletes (A&Tsa). This study assessed the dietary intake adequacy, estimated energy availability (EA), self-reported menstrual health, and body composition of A&Tsa.MethodsTwenty-four female A&Tsa participated during week 8 of the preseason (11 top: Age= 20.1 +/- 0.9 years; BMI= 22.1 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2); 13 base: Age= 19.5 +/- 1.3 years; BMI= 26.2 +/- 2.7 kg/m(2)). Total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient intakes were assessed via a paper-based 3-day dietary recall. Resting Metabolic Rate [RMR = 500 + 22 * fat-free mass (FFM)] and energy availability [EA = (TEI - exercise energy expenditure)/FFM)] were estimated; and LEAF-Q assessed menstrual health. Body composition was measured using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Macronutrient intakes and EA were compared to sports nutrition recommendations (carbohydrate: 6-10 g/kg; protein: 1.2-2.0 g/kg) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (carbohydrate: 45-65%; protein: 10-35%; fat: 20-35%).ResultsTEI was 1753 +/- 467 kcal (top) and 1980 +/- 473.8 kcal (base). A total of 20.8% of A&Tsa failed to meet RMR with TEI, with a higher prevalence in the top (-266 +/- 219.2 kcal, n = 3) vs. base (-414.3 +/- 534.4 kcal, n = 2) A&Tsa. Top and base A&Tsa had both low EA (28.8 +/- 13.4 kcals center dot FFM-1; 23.8 +/- 9.5 kcals center dot FFM-1) and inadequate carbohydrate intake averages (4.2 +/- 1.3 g/kg; 3.5 +/- 1.1 g/kg, p < 0.001), respectively. A total of 17% of A&Tsa reported secondary amenorrhea, with a higher prevalence in the top (27.3%, n = 3) vs. the base (7.7%, n = 1).ConclusionTEI and carbohydrate intake of the majority of A&Tsa were below recommendations. Sports dietitians should encourage and educate A&Tsa about following an adequate diet that meets energy and sports-specific macronutrient needs.

Objective: Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T), an emerging National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sport, involves athletes with rigorous training backgrounds, usually extending from youth through early adulthood. This study examines the sleep health, diet quality, and lipid profile of A&T athletes clustered by their performance position. Methods: Forty-two A&T athletes, clustered as tops (n = 19; age = 19.6 +/- 1.0 years; body mass index [BMI] = 22.3 +/- 1.7 kg/m2) and bases (n = 23; age = 19.6 +/- 1.3 years; BMI = 25.7 +/- 2.5 kg/m2), completed preseason sleep and diet quality (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Shortened [REAP-S]) surveys. Fasting blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Most athletes (71.4%; base n = 14, top n = 16) reported insufficient sleep (<= 7 hours) and "good" sleep quality (90.4%, n = 38; base n = 18, top n = 20). Average REAP-S score was 29.24 +/- 3.74. Approximately 31% (n = 13) displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration according to medical guidelines for normal levels (total cholesterol [TC] < 200 mg/dL, triglycerides [TG] < 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] > 40 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] < 130 mg/dL). Approximately 20% exhibited elevated TC (top n = 4, base n = 4), 12.5% had elevated TG (base n = 5), 2.5% showed low HDL-C (base n = 1), and 10% presented elevated LDL-C (top n = 2, base n = 2). Conclusions: Most athletes experienced suboptimal sleep (<= 7 hours/night) and 31% displayed at least one undesirable lipid concentration (elevated TC, TG, or LDL-C or reduced HDL-C). Tailoring interventions with sports dietitians is recommended, focused on increasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fat consumption. These interventions could mitigate cardiovascular risks, improve recovery, and possibly enhance athletic performance.

Background: Medical staff for indoor aesthetic sports such as acrobatics and tumbling (A&T) is often concerned with athletes’ bone mineral density (BMD), serum vitamin D (SvD), and associated injury risks. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between BMD, SvD, and injury among A&T athletes. Methods: 42 (19 tops, 23 bases) female A&T athletes aged 19.6 (±1.17) years participated. Two samples of SvD were taken. Injury and BMD data were provided by support staff. Bivariate and multivariate analysis assessed relationships between and among variables. Results: Participants experienced a decrease in SvD (6.093 ± 10.973). Spine BMD was significantly higher in bases compared to tops (p = 0.039). BMD and SvD did not differ based on injuries sustained. Conclusion: Relationships between SvD, BMD, and injury were not identified. Positional differences in BMD may be related to the demands of each role. Participants possessed low SvD and high BMDs, which may provide useful information for medical staff.

Employment in collegiate athletics often involves a fast-paced, high-pressure, stressful environment for employees that may lead to the development of burnout. This study examined the perceived stress and burnout of support staff members (e.g., athletic training, marketing). Surveys were delivered to 15,513 current support staff members via email in August 2024 and March 2025. A total of 314 (2.02%) completed both surveys (35.63 ± 9.77 years; 49.5% female). Participants reported moderate perceived stress (PSS) (T1: 15.97 ± 6.39; T2: 16.40 ± 6.74), personal burnout (PB) (T1: 48.98 ± 18.86; T2: 50.03 ± 18.93), work-related burnout (WR) (T1: 48.78 ± 17.39; T2: 50.52 ± 17.15), and low client-related burnout (CR) (T1: 31.99 ± 19.30; T2: 36.01 ± 20.78). PSS was positively correlated with all three subscales of burnout at both time points. WR and CR were significantly greater in March. PSS and burnout did not differ by institution type (Power Four, Mid-major) or football responsibilities. However, individuals consistently interacting with student athletes reported greater PB (p=0.031). Age and years of experience were both positively correlated with changes in PSS and WR between time points. This study provided insight into the stress and burnout of all athletic department support staff, with previous work focused on athletic trainers alone. Administrators can utilize this information to understand the current well-being of their employees. By providing early intervention through resources (e.g., employee assistance programs) and departmental changes (e.g., staffing, work hours), administrators can aim to decrease the risk of burnout and related consequences.