RetirementNCT07408752
Residual Athletic Identity, Body Image, and Emotional Symptoms in Retired Rhythmic Gymnasts
An observational study of Retirement, run by University of Oviedo at 1 site in Spain.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Retirement
- What is being tested?
- Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 12 Feb 2026to 15 May 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
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.
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD contact
Spain1 site
Universidad de Oviedo
Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33006
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD, 0034 985 103 386, cuestaruben@uniovi.es
About this study
Official title: Residual Athletic Identity, Body Image, and Emotional Symptoms in Retired Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
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.
Read more
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
- Being tested
- Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts
- Keywords
- Gymnastics, Athletes, Body Image, Identity, Self, Retirement, Mental Health, Adaptation
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Adult retired rhythmic gymnastsOther
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Observational group | Not described Receives: Other: Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Screening visit
Secondary outcomes (5)
Measurement of age
This variable, considered an independent and predictive factor, will be recorded in years.
Measured: Screening visit
Measurement of age at initiation in rhythmic gymnastics
This variable, considered an independent and predictive factor, will be recorded in years.
Measured: Screening visit
Measurement of athletic career duration
This variable, considered an independent and predictive factor, will be recorded in years from the onset of competitive practice until retirement.
Measured: Screening visit
Measurement of highest competitive level achieved
This variable, considered an independent and predictive factor, will be recorded as an ordinal categorical variable classified as regional, national, or international.
Measured: Screening visit
Measurement of satisfaction with the athletic career
This variable, considered an independent and predictive factor, will be assessed using a Likert-type scale, with higher scores indicating greater overall satisfaction with the athletic career.
Measured: Screening visit
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2026
- Study start12 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion13 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for RetirementStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Oviedo
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ruben Cuesta Barriuso, University of Oviedo
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07408752
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GR-RETIRO
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Residual Athletic Identity, Body Image, and Emotional Symptoms in Retired Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07408752
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GR-RETIRO
- Conditions
- Retirement
- Keywords
- Gymnastics, Athletes, Body Image, Identity, Self, Retirement, Mental Health, Adaptation
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of OviedoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 13 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Observational group | – | Other: Adult retired rhythmic gymnasts |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- 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.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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).
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Adult retired rhythmic gymnastsAdult retired rhythmic gymnasts who have completed their competitive athletic careers, regardless of the time elapsed since retirement and whether retirement was voluntary or involuntary. | Other | Observational group |
Primary outcome
Measurement of body image
Time frame: Screening visit
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.
Measurement of residual athletic identity
Time frame: Screening visit
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.
5 secondary outcomes
Measurement of age
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of age at initiation in rhythmic gymnastics
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of athletic career duration
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of highest competitive level achieved
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of satisfaction with the athletic career
Time frame: Screening visit
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Retirement, run by University of Oviedo at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD (0034 985103386, cuestaruben@uniovi.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Measurement of body image (time frame: Screening visit). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Feb 2026.