Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Composition and Performance in Beach Handball Players: A Cross Sectional Study

Adolescent athletes have better general than sports nutrition knowledge and lack awareness of supplement recommendations: a systematic literature review

Nutrition knowledge (NK) impacts food choices and may be improved through educational programmes. Identifying knowledge gaps related to NK among adolescent athletes may guide future nutrition education programmes. This review aimed to systematically review the level of NK in adolescent athletes based on the currently available published literature. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022321765). A literature search was conducted in April 2022 using MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The study design was not restricted, provided that a quantitative NK score was reported for adolescent athletes. Studies were limited to the English language and published between 2010 and April 2022. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Appraisal Checklist. Data extracted included demographics, questionnaire name, number of items, validation status and mean total and subsection NK scores. Meta-analyses were inappropriate due to the heterogeneity of NK assessment tools; therefore, results were presented narratively. Thirty-two studies that assessed NK of 4553 adolescent athletes and 574 comparison participants were included. Critical appraisal of studies resulted in neutral rating 'moderate quality' for most (n 30) studies. Studies lacked justification for sample size and often used inadequately validated questionnaires. NK scores ranged from poor (33·3 %) to excellent (90·6 %). The level of NK across studies is difficult to determine due to heterogenous questionnaires often lacking appropriate validation. NK should be assessed using tools validated in the relevant population or revalidated tools previously used for other populations.

Dietary intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in semi-professional female soccer players: a cross-sectional study

Background

Adequate energy and nutrient intakes in athletes contribute to optimal performance and recovery, decrease the risk of injury, and help preserve athletes' health. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered suitable for covering the nutritional needs of athletes, while contributing to improve eating habits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the energy and nutrient intakes of semi-professional female soccer players and their adherence to the MD, during the competitive season.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on twenty-three female soccer players, who were invited to fill in a 3-day food diary twice, one month apart, to assess their energy and nutrient intakes and a validated questionnaire (MEDI-LITE) to evaluate their adherence to MD. Exercise energy expenditure during three training and match-play days was monitored by GPS.

Results

On average, the participants consumed 1,981 kcal/day, with 44% of their energy deriving from carbohydrates, 21% from protein, and 34% from fat; the mean MD adherence score was 10.1 ± 1.8, corresponding to a good MD adherence. A substantial percentage of athletes were at risk of insufficient nutrient intakes for vitamin D (100%), iodine (87%), potassium (87%), vitamin E (39%), iron and zinc (17 and 30%, respectively).

Conclusion

The evaluation of the dietary intake in female soccer players showed energy deficiency in relation to training level, mainly due to the insufficient intake of carbohydrates, and micronutrient deficiencies. The technical staff should promote adequate consumption of starchy foods in female athletes and emphasize the importance of a proper distribution of energy intake among different eating occasions, including snacks. Periodic monitoring of the nutritional status of micronutrients (vitamin D and some minerals) could help reduce deficiency risk. Over all, nutrition education to improve eating habits of athletes seems worthy of attention, in order to preserve athletes' health and performance.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Influence on Anthropometric and Fitness Variables in High-Level Adolescent Athletes

The objectives of the present research were to analyze adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), to observe which variables most affect AMD, and to analyze whether AMD affects physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in high-level adolescent athletes. A total of 96 adolescent athletes in the under-16, under-18, and under-20 categories selected by the Athletics Federation of the Region of Murcia, of whom 47 were male (age = 18.31 ± 2.31 years old) and 49 female (age = 17.27 ± 1.44 years old), participated in this study. They completed the KIDMED questionnaire to discover their AMD, as well as an anthropometric and physical condition assessment. Results: The findings show that 61.45% had an excellent degree of AMD, 31.25% a moderate one, and 7.30% a poor one. The parameters that most conditioned AMD were the consumption of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, breakfast cereals, and dairy products (p = 0.011-0.000). AMD did not show significant differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness (p = 0.057-0.996). Conclusions: The majority of high-level adolescent athletes have a moderate or excellent AMD. The degree of AMD seems to have no influence on physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in this population.

Influence of limb dominance on body and jump asymmetries in elite female handball

Handball is a team sport subjected to asymmetric actions that require high physical capacity demands on players. The development of large asymmetries could negatively affect sports performance. However, few studies have analyzed body composition and the force asymmetries in elite female handball players. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of asymmetries based on limb dominance in body composition parameters and lower limb power in jumping performances in an elite women's handball team. An entire elite women's handball team, comprised by of 14 players, was analyzed. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and bioimpedance were used to analyze body composition. Force plates were used to evaluate jump performance. Results show the presence of differences between all the players in the different parameters of the CMJ jump. In addition, an asymmetry between the power of the dominant and non-dominant lower limb was observed between the players. The results show differences in muscle mass between the upper limbs, but not in the lower limbs in terms of both muscle and fat mass. However, there were no crossed asymmetries or significant differences between members based on dominance. The results suggest that the presence of asymmetries does not have to be one of the main parameters to be taken into account by coaches in elite athletes and to highlight the importance of including specific analyzes of body composition and sports performance in an individualized way.

Effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on the exercise performance and lactate elimination on adolescent athletes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mediterranean diet is an environmentally friendly and healthy diet model. The diet offers many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and olive oil to consumers. In addition, it provides moderate amounts of fish and chicken, smaller quantities of dairy products, red meat, and processed meat. The Mediterranean diet has a high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content, and it causes many physiological changes that can provide a physical performance advantage. This study examined the effects of a 15-day menu, which was planned using foods with a low acid load within the Mediterranean diet rules, on the exercise performance, lactate elimination, anthropometric measurements, and body composition.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Fifteen professional male athletes between the ages of 13 and 18, who were engaged in ski running, were included in the experimental study. Dietary intervention was applied for 15 days. The athlete performances were evaluated by applying the vertical jump test, hand grip strength, 20 meters shuttle run test, and Borg fatigue scale. After the shuttle run test (every 3 min for 30 min), blood was drawn from the finger, and the lactate elimination time was calculated. Performance and lactate measurements, body analysis, and anthropometric measurements were taken before and after dietary intervention.

RESULTS

The vertical jump height and hand grip strength increased after the intervention (P < 0.05). The test duration, total distance, the number of shuttles, and maximum oxygen consumption parameters of the shuttle run test increased (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the athletes' perceived fatigue scores decreased in several stages of the shuttle run test (P < 0.05). The lactate elimination time and athlete's body composition were similar in repeated measurements (P > 0.05). In the last measurements, the upper middle arm circumference decreased while the height of the athletes increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that the Mediterranean diet is a safe and feasible dietary approach for aerobic performance and strength increase.

Knowledge and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in individuals practicing regular amatorial physical activity: a cross-sectional study conducted in the Metropolitan Area of Palermo, Italy

Introduction

Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a universal model of nutrition that prevents several metabolic, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases. Main objective of the present study was to analyze adherence and knowledge regarding MD principles in a sample of individuals practicing amatorial sports from the Metropolitan Area of Palermo.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 Sports Centers, between October 2020 and September 2021, through a previously validated anonymous questionnaire structured in five sections including 74 items.

Results

Overall, 337 subjects answered to the questionnaire. Based on the multivariable analysis conducted, a higher knowledge score (KS) on MD principles was observed among individuals daily consuming vegetables (OR: 3.32; CI95%: 1.82-6.02) and in the ones more adherent to MD principles (OR: 10.15; CI95%:5.47-18.85). More in depth, using MEDAS score to analyze the adherence to MD, a significant lower adherence was observed among overweight/obese (OR: 0.57; CI95%:0.33-0.99) and among employed subjects (OR: 0.52; IC95%: 0.28-0.98); while, a higher adherence was highlighted among daily consumers of vegetables (OR: 2.52; CI95%:1.52-4.17), daily consumers of fruit (OR: 1.77; CI95%:1.08-2.90), and in individuals that have daily breakfast (OR: 4.29; CI95%:1.15-15.96).

Discussion

In accordance with the WHO Europe Gaining Health Campaign, Public Health Authorities should simplify accessibility to healthy food among general population, promoting principles and accessibility to MD.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, kinanthropometric characteristics and physical performance of young male handball players

Introduction

Handball is a team sport whose performance depends on a large number of factors. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the differences in physical performance, kinanthropometric variables, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), in handball players according to sports category, as well as the possible relationships between these variables.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-three male handball players (35 infant; 46 cadets; 26 juniors and 26 seniors players) underwent a kinanthropometric analysis following the ISAK protocol, self-completed the KIDMED questionnaire, and their physical condition was evaluated with different physical tests.

Results

Significant differences (p < 0.001-0.007) were found between the sports categories in most of the physical condition variables and anthropometric characteristics, but not in the degree of adherence to the MD. The predominant level of adherence to the MD was medium (47.4%), followed by good (42.1%), and correlated with the body mass, the height, the BMI, the muscle mass and the ∑3-girths sum corrected, but not with physical test results. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fat mass and muscle mass variables had a more specific weight in the results of the physical fitness tests.

Conclusions

There are differences according to sports category in kinanthropometric characteristics and physical fitness tests in adolescent handball players. The predominant degrees of adherence to the MD were medium and good. A relationship was found between anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in handball players.

Professional Male Beach Handball Players Performance Profile

Beach handball is a sport that has seen an increase in the number of players in the last decade. The aim of the study was to evaluate the basic measures of body composition, maturation, performance outcomes and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of professional beach handball players, as a function of category (junior vs. senior) and playing positions. Thirty-six professional beach handball players participated in the study: 18 seniors (age: 25.0 ± 5.19) and 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.46); Each player’s body composition and different sports performance variables were analysed using the CMJ test, the Abalakov test, the Yo-Yo Test IR1 and the handgrip test. The Mediterranean diet Adherence was analysed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Significant differences are observed for all performance variables, with the values of senior players being higher in all cases (p < 0.005). Moreover, the adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate. Positive correlations were observed between the CMJ and weight (p = 0.012) and the CMJ and the BMI (p = 0.003). The same was observed for the Abalakov test, with p = 0.004 for weight and p = 0.001 for the BMI. Regarding the dynamometry, it positively correlates with the height (p = 0.002), the sitting height (p = 0.008), wingspan (p < 0.001) and weight (p = 0.011). The opposite occurred with the Yo-Yo Test and the KIDMED variables. Conclusions: One aspect to improve, as a key performance factor, would be the adherence to the Mediterranean diet for both categories. Players with a better adherence, achieved better results in the performance tests.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet in athletes: a narrative review

Athletes’ diet should be adequate both in quality and quantity, to avoid deficiencies and limit fatigue. In recent years, several nutritional recommendations have been published and a multitude of diets based on empirical approaches have been employed in the sport setting. In the last decades, the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been extensively studied for its beneficial effects on health but its adoption in athletes has never been critically analyzed. This review was aimed to assess the current literature about the athletes’ adherence to the MD pattern, also in comparison with the general population. The majority of the studies show that athletes reach a mean level of MD adherence, higher than that of the general population. However, the current evidence is still limited and based on studies using different methods. Further research is needed to better characterize this habit among athletes.

Body Composition Assessment and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in U12 Spanish Male Professional Soccer Players: Cross-Sectional Study

Soccer is the most practiced team sport in the world. Due to the importance of nutrition in soccer performance, controlling the body composition and dietary guidelines of players takes place starting from lower categories. The objective of this study was to evaluate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of U12 players from a professional soccer team and to identify their dietary weak points. Seventy-one U12 male soccer players participated in the study. Weight, height, percentiles, skinfolds, and body fat were measured by a certified anthropometrist following the procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The Mediterranean diet adherence test (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In addition, a comparison was made among field positions. The results showed percentiles and body fat percentages appropriate for their age. Furthermore, the average score on the KIDMED test showed that the players generally adhered well to the Mediterranean diet, although they should improve their consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as avoid skipping breakfast. Moreover, goalkeepers and defenders had a higher percentile BMI and percentage of fat than midfielders and forwards. In addition, these players had lower KIDMED values than midfielders and forwards. Although U12 soccer players have an appropriate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, there are differences between the different field positions that should be assessed by coaches, doctors, and nutritionists/dietitians.

Study of Physical Fitness, Bone Quality, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Professional Female Beach Handball Players: Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes' strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.

Anthropometric Dimensions and Bone Quality in International Male Beach Handball Players: Junior vs. Senior Comparison

BACKGROUND

Beach handball is a recent team sport characterized by defensive and offensive actions on a sand surface. Scientific evidence has shown that body composition is fundamental in sports performance. The main objective of this study was to know the body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and bone mineral density of elite beach handball players. Furthermore, another purpose was to analyze the differences between categories (junior and senior) and playing position. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 36 male players (18 juniors and 18 seniors) of the Spanish National Beach Handball Team was conducted. Full profile anthropometry and calcaneal ultrasound measurements were used. Results: Significant differences between categories (p < 0.05) were found in: height, body mass, arm span, BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass, skinfolds, and body perimeters. The somatotype changes depending on the playing position. Bone mineral density of the players was adequate. No significant differences were found by playing position. Conclusions: Senior players had a better body composition due to the presence of less fat mass than junior players. This study provides reference values of elite junior and senior beach handball players and by playing positions. This data is useful for the identification of talents and players who should be trained to improve their body composition.