Effects of Soluble Dietary Fibre on Exercise Performance and Perception of Fatigue in Young Basketball Players.

Research background: In this study, we investigated the effects of soluble dietary fibre on improving neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance and perception of fatigue in a closely monitored group of basketball players. Prebiotics have been sidelined in sports nutrition and their effect on performance remains poorly investigated and understood. Experimental approach: Eighteen healthy male basketball players were divided into two groups; one received 17 g/day of soluble dietary fibre (Nutriose®) for four weeks and the other group received placebo. Their morphological characteristics, neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance, and rating of perceived exertion according to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale were assessed. Measurements were taken before supplementation and after four weeks of supplementation. Faecal samples were collected from all participants immediately before and after the supplementation period, their total DNA extracted and sent for amplicon sequencing. Results and conclusions: In this study, fibre had no statistically significant effect on the vertical-type explosive power, no statistically significant effect on sprint-type explosive power, nor on aerobic and anaerobic endurance in the experimental group. Soluble fibre had a statistically significant effect on reducing the rating of perceived exertion of basketball players during the competitive part of the season (RPE 7.27±0.04 versus 8.82±0.81). This was confirmed by two-way ANOVA with replication, which showed that within-group interaction (p=0.0193), before and after dietary intake (p=0.0049), and between-group interaction before and after dietary intake (p=0.0313) had a significant effect on the result. The overall conclusion of the study is that soluble dietary fibre supplementation does not improve neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance over a 4-week period. However, fibre supplementation could have a significant effect on reducing the rating of perceived exertion, as shown by the statistics. Both amplicon sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics results suggest that this could be the result of the beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Novelty and scientific contribution: This work highlights the importance of prebiotics in sports nutrition. Dietary fibre has been a neglected component of sports nutrition. This study demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on the perception of fatigue, highlighting the need for further studies in this direction.

Macro-regional differences in motor abilities among the 5th grade primary school pupils in the Republic of Croatia.

The aim of this paper is to determine the differences in kinanthropological characteristics of elementary school pupils in relation to macro-regional characteristics of the Republic of Croatia. The research included 2358 subjects (1089 boys--average age 10.4 ± 0.6; height 150.27 ± 7.32; body mass 44.06 ± 9.74; and 1269 girls--average age 10.6 ± 0.5; height 152.02 ± 7.74; body mass 45.12 ± 10.39)--fifth grade elementary school pupils. Analyzed kinanthropological characteristics refer to statistically significant differences in the results based on the macro-region criterion (p < 0.05). It is possible to assume that climatic and temperature differences as well as gene frequency differences to a certain extent incite differences in the level of participating in physical activities, and with it the differences in kinanthropological characteristics of subjects.

Differences among Tennis Players Aged 12, 14 And 16 Years in Certain Morphological Characteristics: A Croatian Prospective.

A sample of young tennis players aged 12, 14 and 16 in Croatia. Sixty (60) tennis players ranked on the scale of the Croatian Tennis Association were analyzed through differences in morphological characteristics, as identified by a standard laboratory diagnostic procedure in Sports-diagnostic Centre of the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Zagreb. Significant differences were obtained in most of the monitored measures for the assessment of the morphological characteristics but the most significant differences were reflected in the variables for assessment of longitudinal dimensionality of the skeleton and body mass and voluminosity of the body. The statistical significance was defined at p<0.05. These differences may lead to decelerating the development of important fitness abilities (i.e., coordination), but also highlights the importance for changing the official propositions for the category of players between the ages due to the significant differences in certain morphological characteristics among all age categories. This study indicates an importance of understand grow characteristics of young players in order to effectively define tennis players playing style.

Urban and rural fitness level: comparison between Italian and Croatian students.

The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness in relation to urban or rural living environment and between two countries: Italy and Croatia. Over 14,000 students were tested during physical education (PE) lessons. Croatian students were taller and heavier than Italian students, with women achieving better results in flexibility. Urban students were fitter in abdominal strength than rural students. Age seemed to be the major factor influencing the performance. This study's results indicate a trend: urban students performed "indoor" tests better than rural students; the opposite may be true for rural students. Living environment, socio-economic-status, or cultural correlation differences could be decreased during school experiences. Thus, PE programs could train all people toward an adequate, age-based fitness level.

Physical self-concept of adolescents in Western Balkan countries: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to explore physical self-concept of adolescents of the Western Balkans (Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) according to sex and country. The participants were 2,606 students, ages 13 and 14 years (M = 13.5, SD = 0.9). The Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) was used to assess multidimensional physical self-concept. The results show the interaction of sex and country for three dimensions of physical self-concept (Appearance, Global Physical Self-Concept, and Self-Esteem). It was shown that female and male adolescents' perception of physical appearance, self-esteem, and global physical self-concept is more susceptible to influences of socio-cultural factors in the monitored countries. In all other dimensions of Physical self-concept, sex differences were consistently manifested in favour of male adolescents, except in Flexibility. Regardless of adolescents' sex, under the increasing influence of Western culture in the Western Balkan countries, adolescents more critically evaluate their body and motor abilities.

A 16-week school-based intervention improves physical fitness in Slovenian children: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week school-based physical activity (PA) intervention on physical fitness (PF) (speed, hand-eye coordination, flexibility) of 8- to 9-year-olds. Methods: A total of seventy-eight boys and girls (boys: n = 45, aged 8.4 ± 4.9 years; girls: n = 42, aged 8.6 ± 0.5 years) from a school in Slovenia were randomly assigned to either a group with an after-school PA program (EXP) or a control group (CON) that participated exclusively in mandatory physical education (PE). The EXP group engaged in the extracurricular PA program for 60 min twice a week for 16 weeks, concurrent with regular PE classes. The program primarily involved elementary PE games that included elements of athletics (e.g., skipping, push- off running, hopping, crossstepping, and jumping) and gymnastics (e.g., handstand, forward roll, backward roll, hand support jumps, squat jump on a vault box, climbing on horizontal bars, incline benches and ropes, crawling, and jumping rope). Standardized tests appropriate for this age group were used to assess PF, including the sit and reach test (SAR), the 30-meter sprint, and the alternate hand wall toss test at distances of 1.0 and 2.0 m (AHWT 1.0 and 2.0). Results: There was a significant group-time interaction for SAR test (EXP group increase: +1.6 cm, +6.3%; CON group decrease: -0.1 cm, -0.4%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.361), and the 30 m sprint (EXP group improvement: -0.4 s, -6.3%; CON group decrease: +0.1 s, +1.6%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.193). Similarly, the EXP group improved by +2.1 points (+25.6%) in the 1.0 m wall throw with the alternating hand, while the CON group showed only minimal changes (-0.2 points, -2.4%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.545). No significant interaction was found for the 2.0 m toss (EXP and CON group both -0.1 points, -2.6%; p = 0.888, ηp2 = 0.001). Post-hoc analyses with paired t-tests revealed that the EXP group showed significant improvements in SAR test (p < 0.001), 30 m sprint (p < 0.001) and AHWT 1.0 test (p < 0.001), while the CON group showed no significant changes in SAR test (p = 0.533), 30 m sprint (p = 0.150), AHWT 1.0 test (p = 0.186) and AHWT 2.0 test (p = 0.430). Discussion: The results of the study showed that the extracurricular program with only two additional weekly sessions significantly improved the components of PF in 8- to 9-year olds. Significant improvements were observed in the areas of flexibility, speed and coordination, as shown in the SAR test, 30-meter sprint and 1.0-meter handwall toss tests. However, no similar improvements were observed in the 2.0-meter handwall toss, which illustrates the specific areas of impact of the program.

The relationship between agility, linear sprinting, and vertical jumping performance in U-14 and professional senior team sports players.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between the modified agility T-test (change of direction speed ability), 20-meter sprint test (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump test (vertical jumping performance) in U-14 and professional senior team sports players. Methods: The sample included 78 (59 female and 19 male) U-14 athletes (age 11.70 ± 1.33 years, height 153.00 ± 12.20 cm and body mass 47.10 ± 11.20 kg) and 43 (18 female and 25 male) senior professional athletes (age 24.80 ± 6.58 years, height 169.00 ± 9.13 cm and body mass 71.20 ± 15.10 kg). Both samples participated in different team sports including basketball, field hockey, and football. Participants underwent a series of tests to assess their speed, change of direction speed, and explosive power. Speed assessments involved 20-meter sprints (sec), while change of direction speed was measured using the modified agility T-test (sec). Explosive power was evaluated through countermovement jumps (CMJ), where concentric mean force (N), concentric peak force (N), concentric peak velocity (m/s), eccentric peak force (N), jump height (cm), peak power (W), peak power/BM (W/kg), RSI (m/s) and vertical velocity (m/s) were determined. Pearsons product moment-correlation coefficient (r) served to determine correlations and linear regression was conducted to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and independent variables (S20 m and CMJ). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and the confidence interval was 95%. Results: The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis in the U-14 athletes indicated no correlation (r = 0.11, p = 0.34) between the 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test. Additionally, the results revealed that 4 out of 10 CMJ values showed a significant moderate correlation (r = 0.3, p < 0.05) between CMJ and the modified change of direction T-test. In contrast, senior players exhibited statistically significant correlations in all variables. A significant correlation (r = 0.90, p = 0.01) was found between 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test, while CMJ values showed a range of correlations from moderate to large. In both competitive categories, according to the linear regression model, only linear sprint speed over 20-meters significantly explained (p < 0.05) the CODS speed ability, while the other CMJ parameters did not reach the significance level (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study emphasized the influence of explosive power performance (CMJ) and linear speed (S20 m) on agility (CODS) within the sample, particularly among professional senior team sports players. These findings indicate that agility, linear sprinting, and jumping abilities may share common underlying factors.

Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players.

In tennis, the serve plays a key role in determining the success of a player. The speed of a serve is influenced by a multitude of interconnected skills and abilities. The objective of this study was to establish the correlation between the explosive strength of the throwing type, the grip strength and flexibility of the arms, and the shoulder girdle with the serve speed in young female tennis players. Additionally, the study aimed to develop a regression model that accurately predicts the serve speed by analyzing the interplay among these variables. The study was carried out on a group of 20 tennis players, who had an average age of 13.10 ± 0.74 years. Additionally, their height was recorded as 165.70 ± 4.90 cm, and their body mass was measured at 51.45 ± 5.84 kg. To assess the motor abilities of the upper extremities, four tests were used that aimed to measure the explosive strength of the throwing type; one test was for the strength of the hand and forearm muscles, and one test was for the flexibility of the arms and shoulder girdle. Of all the variables examined, the medicine ball throw shot put (MBTSP) (r = 0.75), overhead medicine ball throw (OMBT) (r = 0.70), and grip strength (GS) (r = 0.71) displayed a notable correlation with serve speed (p < 0.05). The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis indicate that the combination of selected predictors (MBTSP-medicine ball throw shot put, OMBT-overhead medicine ball throw and GS-grip strength) explained 75% of the variability in serve speed. Significantly, MBTSP surfaced as the predominant predictor, autonomously elucidating 51% of the variability in serve speed. The importance of improving the analyzed motor skills of young female tennis players to enhance their serve in terms of speed is emphasized by the findings of this research.

Differences in energy capacities between tennis players and runners.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine differences between elite athletes and tennis players in order to provide a clearer picture regarding the energy demands in modern tennis. Forty-eight (48) athletes and 24 tennis players from Croatian national leagues were compared in morphological and physiological parameters of an all-out incremental treadmill test with gas exchange measurements. Tennis players' HRmax (192.96+/-7.75 bpm) shows values that are most different to 400-meters sprinters (200.13+/-6.95 bpm). Maximum running speed of tennis players on the treadmill (vmax) is no different with the speed achieved by sprinters, while there are significant differences among other athletes. Values in running speed at anaerobic threshold (vAnT) show no statistically significant difference with the values for athlete sprinters and 400-m sprinters. Values of RvO2max for tennis players indicate significant similarities with athlete sprinters and 400-m sprinters while the values of RvO2AnT are nearly identical with the values for sprinters and show no statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The results indicate that values achieved by tennis players approximate most different those of the middle and long distance runners. This singles out the possible importance of the anaerobic capacity and the high level of sprint endurance in tennis players. Knowing these characteristics is the basis for planning and implementing training systems that will enable the increase and optimal usage of energy capacities of tennis players in possibly improving sports results.

What makes a Grand Slam champion? Early engagement, late specialization and timely transition from having fun to dedication.

In order to provide adequate support for young tennis players, it is important to understand the development path and factors which can have a positive or negative impact on the development of a player. The aim of this research was to determine the factors that affected sports specialization in tennis by means of qualitative analysis (early, optimal, or late). As well as to deepen the knowledge around the phenomenon of specialization in tennis among players of differing success levels through their personal experiences, in order to contribute to a better understanding of their specialization. The authors interviewed 30 tennis players of differing levels, including 10 participants from the most elite level (Grand Slam champions), exploring their contrasting experiences of development. The data set was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three topics were generated, which included the following: engaging in sport, decisions, and time of specialization. The obtained results offer a stimulus to reflect on numerous aspects of athlete development.

"New Balls Please": Physical Load Imposed on Ball Boys during the Roland Garros 2022.

The process of becoming a ball kid at the French Open consists of different stages of selection and training. Selection and training of the ball kids is organized by the French Federation of Tennis (FFT) and is intended to be an immersive and educational experience. A sample was made up of ball kids participating at the 2022 French Open (Roland Garros). For this study, 26 ball kids were analyzed during several rotations of their activity on the court with different durations (N = 26; age = 15.00 ± 0.84; height = 169.03 ± 9.62; weight = 52.26 ± 7.35). Each ball kid participated in several analyzed rotations (data entry N = 94). Two groups are analyzed: ball kids at the net and in the back of the court. The result of the statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the variables: meters covered per minute on court (t = 6.85, p = 0.00), total number of decelerations per minute (t = 8.39, p = 0.00), walking and jogging meters per minute (t = 4.68, p = 0.00), and maximum velocity achieved (t = 3.02, p = 0.00). Participating as a ball kid during a professional tournament presents a unique experience for young athletes. Young people that are participating can improve their fitness, social skills, mental abilities, and well-being due to requests for the ball kids' duties during match play and out of play activities.

The Effects of Biological Age on Speed-Explosive Properties in Young Tennis Players.

Biological maturity can affect performance on motor tests, thus young players can have advantages or disadvantages during testing by being more or less mature than their peers of the same chronological age. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biological age on speed, agility, and explosive power in young tennis players. Fifty tennis players (age 12.3 ± 1.2 years, height 156.7 ± 12.8 cm, body mass 45.9 ± 8.9 kg) who were ranked up to 50th place in the ranking of the National Tennis Association, as well as up to 300th place on the international "Tennis Europe" ranking, participated in the study. They were divided into three groups according to their maturation status, that is, the peak height velocity (PHV) maturity offset: pre-PHV [<0] (n = 10); circa-PHV [0 to 1] (n = 10); and post-PHV [>1.5] (n = 25). They performed tests of speed (5, 10, and 20 m sprints), agility (20 yards, 4 × 10 yards, T-test, TENCODS, and TENRAG), and explosive power (countermovement jump, one-leg countermovement jump, squat jump, long jump, and one-leg triple jump). Results showed significantly higher height of the vertical jump in the post-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group, in the range of ~16% to ~27%. Moreover, linear and change of direction speed was significantly faster in the post-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group, in the range of ~5% to ~8%. Height of the squat jump and speed in the T-test were significantly better in the post-PHV group compared to the circa-PHV group, in the range of ~7% to ~15%, while height of the single-leg triple jump was significantly higher in the circa-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group by ~7%. This study showed that tennis players of older biological age achieve better results in almost all variables of speed, agility, and explosive power compared to players of younger biological age. Coaches should be aware of the differences found in physical performance and consider the practical implications that maturation can have in the long-term development of young tennis players.

The Effects of a Short Virtual Reality Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Tennis Players.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 5 min virtual reality training program (VR) on dynamic balance in tennis players. Fifty-eight college tennis players (mean age 22.9 ± 3.1 years, weight 73.9 ± 10.8 kg, height 176.6 ± 8.4 cm) were allocated to either the control group (placebo) (CG, n = 20) or the right-handed experimental group (RTG, n = 20) and left-handed experimental group (LTG, n = 18), both of which took part in the 5 min VR intervention program. Pre-tests included anthropometric measures and the Y Balance Test (YBT), and the post-test was the Y Balance Test (YBT). Three YBT trials were performed in anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions. After the training intervention, in the right-handed experimental group (RTG), significant differences were observed for two variables: anterior reach (right foot) (p = 0.00) and posterior medial reach (right foot) (p = 0.03). In other analyzed variables, there were no significant differences. Additionally, the effect size was small. In the left-handed experimental group (LTG), statistically significant improvements were identified in five out of six analyzed variables: anterior reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior medial reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior lateral reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior medial reach (right foot) (p = 0.00), and posterior lateral reach (right foot) (p = 0.00). The effect size ranged between small and medium. No significant changes were observed in the control group (CG) after the training intervention. Moreover, for all variables, the time*group interaction is determined. Anterior reach (left foot), posterior medial reach (left foot), posterior medial reach (right foot), and posterior lateral reach (right foot) showed significant interactions (F = 3.04, p = 0.05; F = 3.50, p = 0.03; F = 6.08, p = 0.00; and F = 4.69, p = 0.01). The outcome of this study leads us to a further understanding that if a player were to partake in VR activity, it could show a positive effect on their dynamic balance performance.

Effects of Plyometric Training with Resistance Bands on Neuromuscular Characteristics in Junior Tennis Players.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 weeks (conducted twice per week for a total of 12 sessions) of plyometric training with resistance bands on different neuromuscular characteristics among the sample of junior tennis players. Thirty junior tennis players between the ages of 12 and 14 years (age 13.5 ± 1.8 years; weight 51.3 ± 12.5 kg; height 162.7 ± 12.6 cm) were allocated to either the control group (standard in-season regimen) (CG; n = 15) or the experimental group, which received additional plyometric training with resistance bands (TG; n = 15). Pre- and post-tests included: anthropometric measures; 20 m sprint time (with 5, 10, and 20 m splits), squat jump (SQ Jump); vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); vertical countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ_free arms); single leg (left) countermovement jump (CMJ_L); single leg (right) countermovement jump (CMJ_R); standing long jump (L_Jump); single leg (left) triple jump (SLTH-L); single leg (right) triple jump (SLTH-R); generic change of direction speed (CODS) (20Y test and T-test); reactive agility test (WS-S). After the training intervention, the TG showed significant ("p < 0.05") improvements in CMJ (F = 7.90, p = 0.01), CMJ_L (F = 5.30, p = 0.03), CMJ_R (F = 11.45, p = 0.00), and SLTH-L (F = 4.49, p = 0.04) tests. No significant changes were observed in the CG after the training intervention. Our findings provide useful information for coaches to create a wide range of tennis-specific situations to develop a proper performance, especially for their player's neuromuscular fitness.

Exercise-Induced Fatigue Impairs Change of Direction Performance and Serve Precision among Young Male Tennis Players.

This study investigates the effect of exercise-induced fatigue on change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players. A group of 21 players (age 12.90 ± 0.76 years), ranked among the top 50 players on the national tennis federation scale and the top 300 on the "Tennis Europe" scale, participated in the study. They underwent a standardized physiological load protocol using the "300-m running test" which consists of consecutive runs for 15 shares of 20 m (15 × 20). Its intensity was determined using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale where subjects evaluated their level of experienced load on a scale from 0 to 10. Prior to and after the protocol, they performed a pre-planned change of direction T-test and serve precision test. Results showed significant increase of time in the T-test (from 11.75 ± 0.45 s to 12.99 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.00) and decrease in serve precision parameter from (6.00 ± 1.04 to 4.00 ± 1.26, p = 0.00) after the fatigue test protocol. The RPE increased from 5 to 9, after the fatigue protocol, indicating the desired fatigue effect. These findings indicate that exercise-induced fatigue impairs change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players.

The plyometric treatment effects on change of direction speed and reactive agility in young tennis players: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of 6 weeks of plyometric training on speed, explosive power, pre-planned agility, and reactive agility in young tennis players. Methods: The participants in this study included 35 male tennis players (age 12.14 ± 1.3 years, height 157.35 ± 9.53 cm and body mass 45.84 ± 8.43 kg at the beginning of the experiment). The biological age was calculated and determined for all participants. 18 of the participants were randomly assigned to the control group, and 17 were assigned to the experimental group. Running speed (sprints at 5, 10, and 20 m), change of direction speed (4 × 10, 20 yards, t-test, TENCODS), reactive agility (TENRAG), and explosive power (long jump, single leg triple jump, countermovement jump, squat jump, and single leg countermovement jump) were all tested. The Mixed model (2 × 2) ANOVA was used to determine the interactions and influence of a training program on test results. Furthermore, Bonferroni post hoc test was performed on variables with significant time*group interactions. Results: The results of this research indicate that an experimental training program affected results in a set time period, i.e. 5 out of total 15 variables showed significant improvement after experimental protocol when final testing was conducted. The experimental group showed significantly improved results in the 5 m sprint test in the final testing phase compared to the initial testing phase, this was also the case in comparison to the control group in both measurements. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significant improvement in the single leg countermovement jump in the final test, as well as in comparison to the control group in both measurements. The change of direction speed and reactive agility test also exhibited significant improvement in the final testing phase of the experimental group. Conclusion: The results of this research indicated that a 6-week program dominated by plyometric training can have a significant effect on the improvement of specific motor abilities within younger competitive categories. These results offer valuable insights for coaches in designing diverse tennis-specific scenarios to enhance overall performance, particularly focusing on the neuromuscular fitness of their players.

Effects of 8-week alkaline diet and aerobic exercise on body composition, aerobic performance, and lipid profiles in sedentary women.

Background: Diet composition can affect systemic pH and acid-base regulation, which may in turn influence exercise performance. Purpose: It was aimed to determine the effects of the alkaline diet and 8 weeks of aerobic exercises on body composition, aerobic performance, and blood lipid profiles in sedentary women. Methods: Thirty-two sedentary women participated in the study voluntarily. The research was designed with a true-experimental design and the participants were divided into four different groups as the control group, aerobic exercise group, alkaline diet group, and alkaline diet + aerobic exercise group. The body compositions, aerobic exercise performances, and lipid profiles of sedentary women were measured as pre-test and post-test. In the analysis of the obtained data, One-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was used. Results: It was observed that the alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises caused a 5.17% decrease in BMI and an increase of 42.07 and 37.62% in VO2max and aerobic test durations, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, when lipid profiles were examined, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in HDL-C levels (p > 0.05). Despite that, there were statistically significant differences in TG and LDL-C levels (p < 0.05). According to this result, it was determined that there was a decrease in TG and LDL-C levels by 37.61 and 20.24%, respectively. Conclusion: An alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises in sedentary women has positive effects on improving body composition, aerobic exercise performances, and TG and LDL-C levels.

Social Capital Promotes a Healthier Diet among Young Adults by Reducing Psychological Distress.

Studies have revealed the links between social capital and diet. However, the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship has been understudied. This study aims to identify direct and indirect relationships between social capital and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian young adults and identify the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship. Data were collected from 1336 young adults, aged 18-36 years; 40.5% were males. MEDAS was used to measure adherence to a healthy diet. Social capital was measured by eight separate items in terms of family support, social support, social cohesion, social trust, communication, collaboration, participation, and distant communication. Kessler's six-item scale was used to assess psychological distress. Higher family support (ß = 0.105), higher social participation (ß = 0.294), and lower psychological distress (ß = 0.073) directly predicted higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Social capital was indirectly related to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with standardized effect sizes of 0.02-0.04, indicating small effect sizes. Thus, psychological distress mediates the relationship between social capital and a healthy diet. Given that social capital is related to psychological health and both directly and indirectly predicts healthy behavior in young adults, further longitudinal and experimental research is required to measure the effects of the intervention on incorporating, facilitating, encouraging, and implementing measures to strengthen the social connection between people and groups of people within the community, neighborhood, and organizations.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian and Croatian students during COVID-19 pandemic and its health behavior correlates.

Maintaining healthy behavior, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, is particularly important for staying healthy. Nutrition is an everyday behavior and along with other health-related behaviors is associated with many health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess and compare adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and particular food choices among the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean populations of university students and identify its lifestyle correlates at the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, self-reported data on health-related behavior and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from 1,388 study participants, 66.4% were Lithuanians, and 33.6% were Croatians. Results revealed that vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish were remarkably underconsumed among university students in the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the composite diet is similar between countries. The higher adherence to MedDiet is associated with physical activity (ß = 0.15) and non-smoking (ß = 0.08). In times of crisis, public health entities should provide knowledge, skills, and tools for healthy nutrition specifying them by age and subpopulation. Interventions at the university should be implemented to build infrastructure and provide an access to health behavior-friendly environments.

The association between social capital indicators and psychological distress in Catalan adolescents.

According to the WHO, globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, being in a detrimental situation toward educational achievement, social cohesion, future health and life chances. Calls to identify risk and resilience factors to develop effective preventive actions have been made. Following a systemic approach, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relationship between social capital and psychological distress in a sample of Catalan adolescents in Barcelona, taking into account a range of other relevant aspects at different levels influencing mental health, including gender, age, migrant status, family background, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and self-rated health. Data were collected through validated questionnaires in December 2016 from 646 of 14- to 18-year-old adolescents from three public and private high schools in Barcelona (Spain). Data analysis included descriptive analysis, a correlational study and logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio for social capital indicators to be associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that reporting higher levels of family support and higher levels of teacher-student trust reduce the likelihood of suffering psychological distress. Higher levels of neighborhood informal control were associated with mental health, but a possible detrimental effect cannot be ruled out. Being a girl, reporting low self-rated health or higher media use was also associated with higher likelihood of psychological distress. Current results may encourage interventions that focus on social capital as a means to reduce psychological distress and foster well-being in youth.