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Staśkiewicz-Bartecka W, Kardas M, Zydek G, Zając A, Chycki J. Changes in Body Composition and Nutritional Periodization during the Training Macrocycle in Football-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1332. [PMID: 38732581 PMCID: PMC11085159 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutrition periodization in football training is an important determinant of adaptation to cyclic training loads. Personalizing an athlete's diet is crucial to ensure optimal performance and body composition, depending on the phase of training. The purpose of this review is to answer the question of how the body composition of football players changes over the training macrocycle and how dietary recommendations should be tailored to specific training periods. The review of scientific evidence was conducted based on the available literature, typing in phrases related to training and nutrition periodization using the PubMed and Google Scholar database methodology tools. A literature search resulted in the selection of 346 sources directly related to the topic of the study, and then those with the highest scientific value were selected. There is a need to adjust energy and nutrient intake according to the different training phases in a football player's preparation cycle. During the preparatory phase, it is recommended to increase protein and energy intake to support anabolic processes and muscle mass development. During the competitive period, due to the intensity of matches and training, the importance of carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment and recovery is emphasized. The transition phase requires the regulation of caloric intake to prevent adverse changes in body composition. Hydration has been identified as a key element in each phase of training. Cooperation between coaches, nutritionists, and players is essential to optimize sports performance and rapid recovery, and the authors recommend continuous adaptation and nutritional optimization as an integral part of football training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka
- Department of Food Technology and Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland;
| | - Marek Kardas
- Department of Food Technology and Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Zydek
- Department of Sport Nutrition, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, ul. Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Adam Zając
- Department of Sports Training, Institute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, ul. Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland; (A.Z.); (J.C.)
| | - Jakub Chycki
- Department of Sports Training, Institute of Sport Sciences, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, ul. Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland; (A.Z.); (J.C.)
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Staśkiewicz-Bartecka W, Kardas M. Eating Disorders Risk Assessment and Body Esteem among Amateur and Professional Football Players. Nutrients 2024; 16:945. [PMID: 38612979 PMCID: PMC11013787 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of eating disorders and attitudes toward one's own body among football players at amateur and professional levels. METHODS The study included 90 players from football clubs located in the Upper Silesia Metropolitan Area, participating in the 4th and 5th leagues in Poland. A survey questionnaire was used to conduct the study, which consisted of a metric section, an Eating Attitudes Test, and Body Esteem Scale questionnaires. The players were divided into two groups according to their sports level. RESULTS Results showed that 24.4% of players were overweight, while 75.6% had a normative body weight. Approximately 16.7% met the criteria indicating susceptibility to an eating disorder. Body Esteem Scale interpretations revealed moderate body appraisal among players. CONCLUSIONS Both amateur and professional athletes showed no significant difference in eating disorder risk, but professionals rated their bodies higher. Social media use, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, is correlated with eating disorders, with longer daily use associated with lower body ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka
- Department of Food Technology and Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland;
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Callis L, Russell M, Hurst H, Hardwicke J, Roberts CJ. Room for Improvement in Sports Nutrition Knowledge amongst Parents and Caregivers of Male Academy Soccer Players in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4331. [PMID: 37892407 PMCID: PMC10609980 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In professional soccer clubs in the UK, nutrition support is often polarised towards senior players or those in the senior academy age groups seeking first team selection/involvement. Accordingly, there is an increased reliance on parents and caregivers to provide support regarding nutritional intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of nutrition knowledge of parents and caregivers of male youth soccer players within developmental academies in the UK. Across a single competitive season, 360 registered parents and caregivers of male soccer players from English Premier League under 9-11 (Foundation Phase) and under 12-16 (Youth Development Phase) age group academies completed an online version of the 88-item validated Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge scores were classified as "poor" (43 ± 23%). Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly greater in respondents with dependents representing Category 1 (45 ± 13%) vs. Category 2 (39 ± 15%) academies and in Foundation Phase (44 ± 13%) vs. Youth Development Phase (41 ± 15%). These results demonstrate that there is room for improvement in the nutrition knowledge levels of parents and caregivers of male soccer academy players. We recommend that club academies provide appropriate resources towards nutritional education for parents and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Callis
- Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK;
| | - Mark Russell
- School of Sport and Wellbeing, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds LS18 5HD, UK;
| | - Howard Hurst
- Centre for Applied Sport Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK;
| | - Jack Hardwicke
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK;
| | - Charlie Jon Roberts
- Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK;
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Sebastiá-Rico J, Soriano JM, Sanchis-Chordà J, Alonso-Calvar M, López-Mateu P, Romero-García D, Martínez-Sanz JM. Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex. Nutrients 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37892399 PMCID: PMC10609682 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation—University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain;
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe—University of Valencia, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Alonso-Calvar
- Area of High Conditional Performance, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Pedro López-Mateu
- Area of Medical Services, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - David Romero-García
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Staśkiewicz W, Grochowska-Niedworok E, Zydek G, Grajek M, Krupa-Kotara K, Białek-Dratwa A, Jaruga-Sękowska S, Kowalski O, Kardas M. The Assessment of Body Composition and Nutritional Awareness of Football Players According to Age. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030705. [PMID: 36771410 PMCID: PMC9920210 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The optimal body composition for health is an individual trait and is determined by genetic factors, sex, age, somatotype, physical activity, and individual variability. The present study aims to assess how professional football players' body composition has changed over the training macrocycle in various age groups and to determine the correlation between nutritional awareness and body composition maintenance. Thirty-eight football players participated in the study, with 16 players classified in the younger age group (19-25) and 22 in the older age group (26-31). Using the direct segmented multi-frequency electrical impedance analysis technique, the athletes' body composition was assessed six times across a training macrocycle made up of preparatory, competitive, and transitional periods. The Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge. The above correlations show that both younger and older athletes with higher awareness are better able to adjust their nutrition to meet the goals of the preparation period and can achieve greater gains in muscle mass and greater reductions in body fat. According to the study's results, athletes who are better conscious of their nutritional needs during competition experience less muscle loss and exhibit more consistent body weight and BMI levels. Football players' body composition suffers detrimental alterations throughout the transition period. Higher body mass, lean body mass content, and skeletal muscle mass are traits of older players. Higher nutritional knowledge reduces the negative modifications of body composition consisting of muscle mass reduction and fat gain. Nutritional knowledge influences the stability of body composition in both age groups during all the analyzed periods: Preparation, competition, and transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Staśkiewicz
- Department of Food Technology and Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(0-32)-275-51-95
| | - Elżbieta Grochowska-Niedworok
- Department of Health Sciences and Physical Culture, University of Applied Sciences in Nysa, Ul. Ujejskiego 12, 48-300 Nysa, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zydek
- Department of Sport Nutrition, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Ul. Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Grajek
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Piekarska 18, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Karolina Krupa-Kotara
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Piekarska 18, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa
- Department of Human Nutrition, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Sylwia Jaruga-Sękowska
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Piekarska 18, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Oskar Kowalski
- Department of Human Nutrition, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Marek Kardas
- Department of Food Technology and Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
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