Short-Term Cocoa Supplementation Influences Microbiota Composition and Serum Markers of Lipid Metabolism in Elite Male Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVES: Dietary strategies to improve arachidonic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid (AA:EPA) ratios are of interest due to potential reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress following exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel dietary intervention, that is, the ingestion of 30 g of dark chocolate, on blood lipid profiles and gut microbiota composition in elite male soccer players. METHODS: Professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to the experimental group (DC) provided with 30 g of dark chocolate or to the control group (WC), provided with 30 g of white chocolate, for 30 days. Before and after intervention, blood, fecal sample, and anthropometry data were collected. For each outcome, two-way repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to identify differences between baseline and endpoint (Week 4), considering treatment (dark chocolate, white chocolate) as intersubjects' factors. Metagenomic analysis was performed following the general guidelines, which relies on the bioBakery computational environment. RESULTS: DC group showed increased plasma polyphenols (from 154.7 ± 18.6 µg gallic acid equivalents/ml to 185.11 ± 57.6 µg gallic acid equivalents/ml, Δ pre vs. post = +30.41 ± 21.50) and significant improvements in lipid profiles: total cholesterol (Δ -32.47 ± 17.18 mg/dl DC vs. Δ -2.84 ± 6.25 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), triglycerides (Δ -6.32 ± 4.96 mg/dl DC vs. Δ -0.42 ± 6.47 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), low-density lipoprotein (Δ -18.42 ± 17.13 mg/dl vs. Δ -2.05 ± 5.19 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001), AA/EPA ratio (Δ -5.26 ± 2.35; -54.1% DC vs. Δ -0.47 ± 0.73, -6.41% WC, Time × Treatment interaction p < .001) compared with WC group. In addition, 4 weeks of intervention showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein concentration in DC group (Δ + 3.26 ± 4.49 mg/dl DC vs. Δ -0.79 ± 5.12 mg/dl WC). Microbial communities in the DC group maintained a slightly higher microbial stability over time (exhibiting lower within-subject community dissimilarity). CONCLUSION: Ingesting 30 g of dark chocolate over 4 weeks positively improved AA:EPA ratio and maintained gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion represents an effective nutritional strategy to improve blood lipid profiles in professional soccer players. What Are the Findings? Ingesting 30 g of dark chocolate for 4 weeks positively influences blood lipid AA: EPA ratio while maintaining gut microbial stability. What This Study Adds? Dietary intake of specific foods such as dark chocolate represents an alternative strategy to support the health and recovery of elite soccer players. What Impact Might This Have on Clinical Practice in the Future? From a clinical and translational perspective, dark chocolate ingestion positively modulates favorable blood lipid profiles and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism while maintaining gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion may be considered as an effective nutritional strategy in elite sport environments during periods of high-intensity training and congested competitions. Further research is required to determine functional outcomes associated with the observed improvements in blood lipid profiles.

Gut microbiota and physical activity level: characterization from sedentary to soccer players.

Evidence of the relationship between physical activity and gut microbiota composition is steadily increasing. The purpose of the study is to compare the gut microbiota composition of a group of elite male soccer players with a group of subjects with different physical activity levels. Cross-sectional studies were performed on 91 healthy young males, in detail: 17 elite soccer players (23.7 ± 4.2 yrs, BMI 23.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2); 14 with high levels of physical training (24.5 ± 5.6 yrs, BMI 22.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2); 23 with moderate levels of physical training (29.3 ± 3.9 yrs, BMI 22.5 ± 0.8 kg/m2); and 37 healthy men without exercise habits (28.1 ± 5.9 yrs, BMI 22.4 ± 1.0 kg/m2). Relative microbiota composition was determined by analyzing DNA extracted from stool samples. The quality and quantity of extracted DNA were assessed using a Qubit Fluorometer. Differences between subjects' populations were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test was employed to identify localized effects. Elite soccer players and subjects with high physical activity levels showed a significantly higher prevalence of the nine microbiota populations analyzed than subjects with moderate physical training or who were sedentary. No differences were found in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio among the different study populations. This study reports the gut microbiota parameters of elite footballers for the first time. In addition, it brings new insights into the effects of different levels of physical activity on the composition of the gut microbiota.

Kinanthropometry and dietary habits of non-professional rugby players.

Introduction: Evaluating the body composition and dietary habits of non-professional athletes can help identify areas for improvement to enhance sports performance. The present study aimed to describe the anthropometric and body composition features, as well as the dietary habits, of non-professional rugby players in Argentina. Methods: Fifty-seven rugby players from a Group III Club of the Unión de Rugby de Buenos Aires (URBA) were assessed using extensive anthropometric measurements according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Reference data from professional rugby players in Group I clubs were used as a control for body composition comparisons. Dietary intake was evaluated using the 24-h recall method, and nutrient analysis was performed with SARA software. Results: Non-professional rugby players were shorter (Forwards: 175.9 vs. 181.5 cm; Backs: 172.5 vs. 175.7 cm), had higher body fat percentages (Forwards: 16.4 vs. 12.3%; Backs: 11.0 vs. 9.3%), and were less muscular (Forwards: 46.0 vs. 48.8%; Backs: 48.4 vs. 50.2%) compared to professional rugby players. The average dietary intake was 3,363 Kcal, with protein and carbohydrate intakes of 1.4 g kg-1 day-1 and 4.1 g kg-1 day-1, respectively, and 35% of energy intake from fat. Backs reported a higher caloric intake than forwards (3,682 vs. 2,827 Kcal). There was a high prevalence of insufficient intake of calcium (58%), vitamin A (49%), and vitamin C (65%), the latter two corresponding with a low intake of fruits and vegetables (6% of total energy intake). Meal pattern analysis showed that 46% of total energy was ingested at dinner. Conclusions: The body composition of non-professional rugby players from low-income clubs could be improved to enhance rugby performance, as compared to players in more competitive tiers. Economic constraints might contribute to a sub-optimal nutritional profile, potentially affecting body composition and on-field performance negatively. Recommendations to improve dietary intake should be made considering the budget constraints of these players.

Somatotype and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis of Italian CrossFit® practitioners.

Objectives: CrossFit® is a high-intensity sport characterized by various workouts that require strength, speed, endurance, or agility, impacting participants' body composition. This observational study aimed to determine the morphological (anthropometrical and bioelectrical) profile of CrossFit® athletes and to compare them with other athletic populations. Methods: Anthropometrical measurements and bioelectrical vector analysis (classic and specific approaches) were performed on 145 CrossFit® practitioners (107 men aged 30.7 ± 8.4 years and 38 women aged 28.1 ± 6.7 years). Each participant's relative somatotype was calculated and compared between sexes and with a Spanish CrossFit® athletes' group. Resistance-reactance graphs and Hotelling's T2 test were applied to characterize the sample, compare them with an athletes' reference population, and identify differences between somatotype groups. Results: The most represented somatotype in both groups was the balanced mesomorph (male 3.5-5.2 - 1.7 and female 4.4-4.5 - 1.8). Compared with Spanish CrossFit® athletes, significant differences were denoted for men but not women (SAD = 2.3). The bioelectrical graphs indicated that the distribution of CrossFit® athletes is quite heterogeneous and within average values for the athlete's reference. The mesomorphic and endomorphic components were associated with a higher phase angle. Conclusions: CrossFit® practitioners predominantly present a mesomorphic component and show a body type like other power athletes, although with less pronounced characteristics. The somatotype may influence the vector's position in the RXc graphs. This study provided the bioelectrical tolerance ellipses for CrossFit® practitioners in classic and specific approaches for the first time.

ISAK-Based Anthropometric Standards for Elite Male and Female Soccer Players.

This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, considering a group of individuals from the general population as controls. The anthropometric profiles of 357 elite soccer players [184 males (age 24.3 ± 4.3 y) and 173 females (age 25.2 ± 5.1 y)] participating in the first Italian league (Serie A) and 363 subjects from the general population [188 males (age 24.2 ± 4.8 y) and 175 females (age 25.0 ± 5.1 y)] were measured according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Reference percentiles for stature, body mass, circumferences, eight skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, supraspinal, abdominal, front thigh, and calf), breadths, and somatotype were calculated and stratified by player position and sex. No difference (p > 0.05) was found in age between the two groups. Soccer players showed lower values for the sum of the eight ISAK skinfolds than individuals from the general population of the same sex. This suggests lower adipose tissue, as indicated by a lower endomorphic component. The somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph and mesomorphic endomorph for the male and female individuals from the general population, respectively. The male soccer players were ectomorphic mesomorphs, while the females were balanced mesomorphs, defining a sport-specific morphology. This study provides sex- and role-specific anthropometric standards for elite soccer players. Raw anthropometric reference values may be useful for evaluating body composition without using any predictive equations or assumptions.

Body Composition Changes in Male and Female Elite Soccer Players: Effects of a Nutritional Program Led by a Sport Nutritionist.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is a game in constant evolution and the intensity of play is increasing. Nutrition can play a role in the physical performance of elite players, maintaining their health and facilitating recovery. It is important to cover players' energy demands, and low energy availability may therefore result in impaired performance. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in body composition to determine the effects of a nutritional program led by a sport nutritionist. METHODS: A group of 88 elite soccer players from a Serie A club in Italy (44 males aged 26.5 ± 3.0 years and 44 females aged 27.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. To evaluate changes in body composition, bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements were obtained following the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). RESULTS: Compared with females, males had more muscle mass and less fat mass in both seasons evaluated. Comparing the first and last seasons, the male soccer players showed increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass while the female soccer players only showed decreased fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a specialist sport nutritionist on the staff of professional soccer clubs could be important to ensure energy availability and evaluate body composition during the season.

Heart rate variability, recovery and stress analysis of an elite rally driver and co-driver during a competition period.

To ensure both optimal health and performances, monitoring physiological and psychological states is of main importance for athletes. It is well known that monitoring heart rate variability and using validated questionnaires is useful for monitoring both the health and training status of athletes of different sports. Motorsports such as rally require high levels of physical and mental preparation thus information about psychophysiological status of rally athletes is fundamental. The aim of this study was to assess the autonomic regulation, stress, recovery conditions of one driver and one co-driver competing at the Italian National Rally Championship during their competition period. Heart rate variability parameters, acute recovery and stress states were assessed the day before, during the two days of race and the day following the races. Results showed that driver and co-driver had a sharp decrease of mean RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, and standard deviation of the N-N interval during race days, while the stress index showed the inverse trend, and this behaviour was clearly visible in the Poincaré plots and power spectrum density graphs. The acute recovery and stress states questionnaire showed significant differences in recovery and stress scoring for the driver but not for the co-driver, although the trends were similar. This study describes the psychophysiological demands of a rally competition period suggesting that a daily evaluation of heart rate variability, recovery, stress states is useful for monitoring health status in rally athletes and could be implemented to make decision about training and recovery strategies.

In-Season Longitudinal Hydration/Body Cell Mass Ratio Changes in Elite Rugby Players.

BACKGROUND: Hydration status has a direct role in sports performance. Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Urine Specific Gravity (USG) are commonly used to assess hydration. The study aims to identify the sensitivity and relationship between BIVA and USG in a field sports setting. METHODS: BIVA and USG measurements were conducted five times throughout one rugby season. 34 elite male rugby players (25.1 ± 4.4 years; 184.0 ± 7.8 cm; 99.9 ± 13.4 kg) were enrolled. Differences over time were tested using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test was applied in pairwise comparisons. Resistance-reactance graphs and Hotelling's T2 test were used to characterize the sample and to identify bioelectrical changes. A repeated measures correlation test was conducted for BIVA-USG associations. RESULTS: Two clear trends were seen: (1) from July to September, there was a vector shortening and an increase of the phase angle (p < 0.001); and (2) from December to April, there was a vector lengthening and a decrease of the phase angle (p < 0.001). USG reported neither changes nor correlation with BIVA longitudinally (p > 0.05). Vector variations indicated a body fluid gain (especially in the intracellular compartment) and a body cell mass increase during the preseason, suggesting a physical condition and performance improvement. During the last months of the season, the kinetic was the opposite (fluid loss and decreased body cell mass). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that BIVA is sensitive to physiological changes and a better option than USG for assessing hydration changes during a rugby sports season.

New bioelectrical impedance vector references and phase angle centile curves in 4,367 adults: The need for an urgent update after 30 years.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) represents a qualitative analysis of body composition. The vector, defined by resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) standardized by stature, can be evaluated compared to the 50%,75%, and 95% tolerance ellipses representative of the reference populations. The tolerance ellipses for healthy adults have been provided in 1995 and were developed by mixing underage, adult, and elderly subjects, possibly misrepresenting the actual adult population. The current multicentric, cross-sectional study aimed to provide new tolerance ellipses specific for the general adult population and as a secondary aim to present centile curves for the bioelectrical phase angle. METHODS: R, Xc, and phase angle were measured in 2137 and 2230 males and females using phase-sensitive foot-to-hand analyzers at 50 kHz. A minimum of 35 subjects were included for each sex and age category from 18 to 65 years. RESULTS: The new mean vectors showed a leftward shift on the R-Xc graph with respect to the former reference values (males: F = 75.3; p < 0.001; females: F = 36.6, p < 0.001). The results provided new 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, and 97th percentile curves for phase angle, identifying time point phases of decrement (males: -0.03° per year at 33.0-51.0 years and -0.05° per year after 51 years; females: -0.03° per year from 37.2 to 57.9 years). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the original references, the new data are characterized by a different distribution within the R-Xc graph with a higher phase angle. Thirty years after the BIVA invention, the current study presents new tolerance ellipses and phase angle reference values for the adult population.

The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) international database: aims, scope, and call for data.

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a technique widely used for estimating body composition and health-related parameters. The technology is relatively simple, quick, and non-invasive, and is currently used globally in diverse settings, including private clinicians' offices, sports and health clubs, and hospitals, and across a spectrum of age, body weight, and disease states. BIA parameters can be used to estimate body composition (fat, fat-free mass, total-body water and its compartments). Moreover, raw measurements including resistance, reactance, phase angle, and impedance vector length can also be used to track health-related markers, including hydration and malnutrition, and disease-prognostic, athletic and general health status. Body composition shows profound variability in association with age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic ancestry, lifestyle, and health status. To advance understanding of this variability, we propose to develop a large and diverse multi-country dataset of BIA raw measures and derived body components. The aim of this paper is to describe the 'BIA International Database' project and encourage researchers to join the consortium. METHODS: The Exercise and Health Laboratory of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon has agreed to host the database using an online portal. At present, the database contains 277,922 measures from individuals ranging from 11 months to 102 years, along with additional data on these participants. CONCLUSION: The BIA International Database represents a key resource for research on body composition.

Morphological Characteristics of Elite International Soccer Referees: Somatotype and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis.

This study aimed to assess the physical characteristics of elite international soccer referees, compare them with other referee populations in the literature, and establish reference tolerance ellipses for the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) point graph. Forty-one elite international soccer referees (age 38.8 ± 3.6 years) participated in the study. The participants underwent body composition assessments, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, BIVA, and somatotype. The Somatotype Attitudinal Distance (SAD), the two-sample Hotelling's T2 test and the Mahalanobis test were used to determine somatotype and bioelectrical vector differences with the literature. The average somatotype of the referees was a balanced mesomorph (2.8, 6.5, 2.8). Elite international referees significantly differed from other samples in the literature (SAD = 2.1, 2.6, 2.9 with respect to Zimbabwean, Brazilian, and South African referees, respectively). The bioelectrical vector was significantly different from the general population (T2 ≤ 76.6; F = 38.8; D = 1.44; p < 0.001) and athletes (T2 ≤ 25.3; F = 12.6; D = 0.8; p < 0.001). Somatotype values and tolerance ellipses from this study may be useful as a reference for developing training programs and improving the selection process of referees in soccer.

Bioimpedance Patterns and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) of Body Builders.

Bodybuilders are athletes characterized by high muscle mass. During competitions, the evaluation is performed based on aesthetic parameters. The study aims to provide normative references of body composition with the vector bioimpedance methodology (BIVA). A second aim is to compare BIVA assessments performed on both sides and the upper and lower body. A group of 68 elite bodybuilders (41 males aged 30.1 ± 9.2 years and 27 females aged 32.1 ± 8.0 years) was enrolled. A BIVA assessment was performed the day before the 2021 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Italian Championships. As a result, male and female bodybuilders ranked to the left in the BIVA ellipse relative to the general population. Furthermore, unlike females, males also ranked lower than the general athletic population. In addition, in the symmetry assessment, males show a significantly greater upper body than the lower, right, and left parts, while in women, this is observed for the lower part of the body. The differences in the results obtained between males and females can be attributed to the different patterns of endocrine production between the sexes and the different criteria used by the juries to attribute the final score during the competitions. Therefore, BIVA references in bodybuilders could help adjust the training and nutritional program during the peak week before a competition.

Intra- and Inter-Seasonal Fitness and Training Load Variations of Elite U20 Soccer Players.

Inherent physical and anthropometric traits of elite soccer players, influenced by nature and nurture, account for the emergence of performances across time. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate inter- and intraseasonal differences and the influence of playing position on training and fitness metrics in talented young soccer players. Methods: A total of 74 male players from U20 teams of a single elite club were tested both at beginning, during, and at the end of three consecutive competitive seasons. Players under went anthropometric measurement and were tested for aerobic, jumping, and sprinting performances; the GPS-derived measures of metabolic power (MP) and equivalent distance index (ED) of every athlete were analyzed. Results: Difference between teams emerged in Mognoni's test, while it did not in countermovement jump and anthropometrics. ED was different across seasons. The model selection criteria revealed that the Bosco-Vittori test achieved the best fit. BMI and countermovement jump (CMJ) increased, and fat mass decreased, during season; different intraseasonal trends for CMJ. MP was slightly greater in midfielder. Conclusion: Network approaches in modeling performance metrics in sports team could unveil original interconnections between performance factors. In addition, the authors support multiparametric longitudinal assessments and a huge database of sports data for facilitating talent identification.

Reference Percentiles for Bioelectrical Phase Angle in Athletes.

The present study aimed to develop reference values for bioelectrical phase angle in male and female athletes from different sports. Overall, 2224 subjects participated in this study [1658 males (age 26.2 ± 8.9 y) and 566 females (age 26.9 ± 6.6 y)]. Participants were categorized by their sport discipline and sorted into three different sport modalities: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. Phase angle was directly measured using a foot-to-hand bioimpedance technology at a 50 kHz frequency during the in-season period. Reference percentiles (5th, 15th, 50th, 85th, and 95th) were calculated and stratified by sex, sport discipline and modality using an empirical Bayesian analysis. This method allows for the sharing of information between different groups, creating reference percentiles, even for sports disciplines with few observations. Phase angle differed (men: p < 0.001; women: p = 0.003) among the three sport modalities, where endurance athletes showed a lower value than the other groups (men: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.010, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.04; vs. team sports: p < 0.001, 95% CI = -0.48 to -0.02; women: vs. velocity/power: p = 0.002, 95% CI = -0.59 to -0.10; vs. team sports: p = 0.015, 95% CI = -0.52 to -0.04). Male athletes showed a higher phase angle than female athletes within each sport modality (endurance: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.14; velocity/power: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.07; team sports: p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.23). We derived phase angle reference percentiles for endurance, velocity/power, and team sports athletes. Additionally, we calculated sex-specific references for a total of 22 and 19 sport disciplines for male and female athletes, respectively. This study provides sex- and sport-specific percentiles for phase angle that can track body composition and performance-related parameters in athletes.

Atomic force microscopy analysis of the surface alterations of enamel, dentin, composite and ceramic materials exposed to low oral pH in GERD.

Dental erosion is a significant topic in medical literature, both for gastroenterology and dental medicine. Dental structure loss has a psychosocial and functional significance. The pathogenesis of dental erosion in patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) characterized by the presence of an acidic oral environment after reflux episodes, is not well understood. The present study was designed to observe the effect of low oral pH in time on natural surfaces including enamel and dentine, but also on materials used in treating these dental destructions such as composites and ceramics. The acidic oral environment was estimated in relation to salivary pH. In the dental laboratory, 5-mm2 and 1-mm composite pieces of thick enamel, dentine, Emax Ceramic and Nexco Ivoclar were cut in order to be analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and to observe the surface alterations. Gastric acid was collected and mixed with saliva until a pH value of 6.0 was obtained, in which the pieces were immersed for 24, 120, 240 h. Roughness of each surface was calculated at a microstructure and nanostructure level. The results showed significant alterations in enamel and dentine exposed to a lower pH level beginning even at a short immersion time, in comparison with composites and ceramics which had no alterations. In conclusion, multidisciplinary attention should be given to detect and manage acidity of the oral cavity caused by GERD, in order to prevent dental erosion.

Changes in physical activity levels, eating habits and psychological well-being during the Italian COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: Impact of socio-demographic factors on the Florentine academic population.

The confinement and lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have produced restrictions in the lifestyle of Italian citizens with variations in their psychological well-being. The aim of the study was to identify changes and relationship with socio-demographic parameters. An online survey was administered to 1383 subjects (1007 females and 307 males) working in the University of Florence, Italy. Three validated questionnaires were used for the survey: the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Med Diet Score and the Psychological General Well-Being Index-A. All the subjects were asked to complete the questionnaires twice, in order to attain a picture of the habits before and a later time point during confinement. Our results show that work-related physical activity was decreased, along with an increase in sedentary behaviour (from 07:22±03:20 to 08:49±03:41 h:min; p<0.001, ES = 0.38), whereas recreational physical activity was increased (vigorous exercise varied from 568.5 ± 838.6 to 833.7 ± 1263.0 METs; p<0.002, ES = 0.25). Eating habits changed according to the place where meals were eaten, with an increased habit for breakfast and snacks and a slight increase in alcohol consumption. Psychological well-being decreased (Index from 21.4±3.9 to 18.0±5.3; p<0.001, ES = 0.723), especially in terms of vitality and positive thinking. The socio-demographic variables affecting these variations were mostly represented by age, gender and working conditions: young age and self-employment conditions can be considered factors for the changes in daily habits induced by confinement that may affect psychological well-being.

Lifestyle and resulting body composition in young athletes.

BACKGROUND: Key aspects in a lifestyle analysis are physical activity level and eating habits. An unhealthy lifestyle results in fat mass increase and in a predisposition to non-communicable chronic diseases even in young age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lifestyle and body composition in young athletes. METHODS: The subjects underwent to an assessment of body composition and they completed two questionnaires, one concerning the level of physical activity and the other regarding eating habits. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two young athletes (63 females and 89 males) aged 8 to 18 years (13.4±2.5 years, height 159±14 cm) were enrolled in this study. 80.3% of subjects were normal weight (13.4±2.6 years) and 19.7% subjects (13.5±2.5 years) were overweight or obese. Greater sedentary behaviors were found in the overweight or obese participants compared to normal weight (618±125 vs. 523±89 min; P<0.001) and a lower consumption of milk and yoghurt (5.0±3.2 vs. 6.9±4.1 times/week; P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Although competitive sports often increase physical activity levels in young people, this activity does not seem to reach the daily recommended amount of physical activity during youth. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive approach to create a primary prevention strategy from even a young age.

The Influence of Maturity Status on Anthropometric Profile and Body Composition of Youth Goalkeepers.

The anthropometric profile assessment is an important aspect to consider during the growth stages of youth sport practitioners due to its usefulness in controlling maturity status and overall health. We performed an anthropometric profile evaluation in a sample of youth goalkeepers (n = 42) during a training camp, dividing them into three categories based on their years from peak height velocity (YPHV). We also checked if the selection of goalkeepers was associated with the birth quartile. The results showed that most of the participants' anthropometric parameters followed the normal trend according to the maturation stages. However, several subjects showed an overweight/obese condition and/or high waist circumference. Non-optimal values were found, mostly in the group of goalkeepers around the PHV. In addition, no selection based on birth quartile was seen. Therefore, the anthropometric profile and body composition of youth goalkeepers are physiologically affected by maturity status. However, several subjects were found to be overweight/obese and at cardiometabolic risk, suggesting that children and adolescents, although practicing sport, should pay attention to potentially contributing factors such as the attainment of the recommended levels of physical activity, lowering sedentary time, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Levels of physical activity, nutrition and body composition in the workplace: reports from a distribution company.

INTRODUCTION: Lifestyle factors, as eating habits and physical activity, are associated with health and productivity of workers. The aim of this study is an assessment of lifestyle of the employees of an international company of household items. METHODS: 291 (170 female, 121 male) employees underwent body composition assessment and completed two questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire and National Institute for Research of the Food and Nutrition). RESULTS: The weight status of the sample is at the upper limits of normal weight. Products based on cereals are consumed about once a day, fresh meat 3.0 (0.0-12.0) per week, fresh fruit (5.0, 0.0-25.0) and vegetables (6.0, 0.0-14.0) less than one serving a day. No vigorous physical activity is performed (0.0, 0.0-240.0 min/week), moderate is performed 30.0 (0.0-450.0) min/week and only 106 subjects were aware of the number of daily steps. CONCLUSIONS: Job duties can have an influence on the daily habits. Workplaces have great potential to change personal lifestyle choices and a preliminary assessment should be performed in order to propose a tailored intervention.

Eating Habits and Body Composition of International Elite Soccer Referees.

Soccer referees are a specific group of the athletes' population whose careers peak from 30 to 45 years old. An athlete's performance is not only determined by physical training but also by a lifestyle, e.g. eating habits. The purpose of this study was to verify current eating habits and resulting body composition of a group of elite international soccer referees. At an international FIFA seminar 60 elite international soccer referees (aged 39.2 ± 4.2 years) were enrolled. A body composition assessment was performed with skinfold thickness and bio impedance analysis, while eating habits were evaluated with a multi-pass 24-hour dietary recall. The body composition showed a normal weight condition with a fat content of 11.4 ± 2.5%. Macronutrients showed a low level of carbohydrates (43.6 ± 5.4%) and a high level of fat (40.0 ± 4.5%). Micronutrients showed a low level of calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9. Even though their body composition was within the normal range, the current eating habits of elite international soccer referees did not appear to follow the nutrition guidelines. Therefore, it would be advisable to provide knowledge on nutrition for this particular category of sports subjects, an individualized nutritional plan would be advisable, in order to achieve and maintain better performance and appropriate body composition for their role.