Physiologic profile of the fitness status of collegiate cheerleaders

Abstract

Cheerleading, traditionally considered a nonathletic activity, has evolved into a competitive sport requiring high levels of fitness. Despite the trend of cheerleaders performing increasingly difficult and athletic skills, very little is known about their fitness levels. The purpose of this study was to provide a physiological profile of the fitness status of a squad of collegiate cheerleaders. Eighteen cheerleaders (11 men and 7 women) participated in this study. Each subject completed a Bruce protocol maximal treadmill test, underwater weighing, 1 repetition maximum bench press, sit-and-reach test, push-ups, curl-ups, and isokinetic strength testing. The mean and SD were calculated to provide the physical fitness profile for each parameter. A comparison to normative data demonstrated that cheerleaders have a high level of fitness and scores similar to other collegiate athletes.