Sleep Quality in CrossFit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective Based on the relationship between sleep and sports performance, the present study aimed to evaluate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness among adult CrossFit (CrossFit, LLC, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) practitioners and to verify possible associations with intestinal health. Methods This cross-sectional study involved males and females aged ≥ 18 years who had been regularly practicing CrossFit for at least 3 months. This survey used an online questionnaire addressing demographic and socioeconomic data, disease history, dietary characteristics, and questions regarding CrossFit. To assess intestinal health, the ROME IV Consensus Criteria and Bristol Scale were used. The Pittsburgh International Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess sleep quality. Results A total of 1,090 people (73.3% females) with a mean age of 31.2 ± 7.5 years were included. Considering the diagnosis of constipation, 36.9% of the patients were classified as constipated, especially females when compared with males ( p < 0.001). On the sleepiness scale, 22.4% of the volunteers showed excessive daytime sleepiness, which was also observed more frequently among females ( p = 0.013). In the PSQI-BR, 47.4% of participants were classified as having poor sleep quality (poor sleepers). The overall PSQI-BR score was 5.81 ± 2.85, with no difference between males and females ( p = 0.360). There was a positive correlation between the PSQI-BR global score and a diagnosis of constipation and excessive daytime sleepiness. There was a negative correlation between the stool type on the Bristol scale and the PSQI-BR global score. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that sleep quality was poor among CrossFit users, especially females, which can compromise their training performance.

Comparison of the effects of pea protein and whey protein on the metabolic profile of soccer athletes: a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.

Introduction: Pea protein (PP) concentrate is a plant-based alternative to animal protein sources, such as whey protein (WP). In addition to its valuable amino acid composition, PP has a low environmental impact, making it a sustainable, nutritious, and viable alternative for enhanced sports performance, such as in soccer. PP Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of PP and WP supplementation on biochemical and metabolic parameters in soccer players. Methods: Twelve male under-20 soccer players were included in this double-blind, randomized crossover intervention study. For 10 consecutive days, each participant received either 0.5 g/kg of the PP or WP supplementation after training, starting 7 days before the test game, and continuing until 2 days after. After a 4-day washout period, the athletes switched groups and the intervention was restarted. Blood samples were collected before and after the game, as well as 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h intervals thereafter. Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate (LA), urea, creatinine, and uric acid were analyzed using commercial kits. Exploratory metabolic profiling of the serum samples was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: A comparison of biochemical markers showed that the PP group had lower CK in the post-game moment, 24 h, and 48 h. Lower LA in the post-game moment, and lower ALT in the post-game moment and at 24 h. Of the 48 metabolites analyzed, 22 showed significant differences between the time points, such as amino acids, ketone bodies, and glucose metabolism. Glutamate and lactate levels significantly increased between the pre- and post-game moments in the WP group. After the game, the WP group exhibited reduced levels of metabolites such as arginine and taurine, whereas no such change was observed in the PP group. There was no difference in metabolites 72 h after the game. Conclusions: Despite the slight advantage of the PP group in specific biochemical markers, these differences are not sufficient to justify the choice of a particular type of protein. However, the results highlight the viability of plant protein as a potential alternative to animal protein without compromising athletic performance or recovery.

Effect of gas exchange data selection methods on resting metabolic rate estimation in young athletes.

This cross-sectional study analysed the effect of the gas exchange data selection methods on the resting metabolic rate (RMR) estimation and proposed a protocol shortening providing a suitable RMR estimation for young athletes. Sixty-six healthy young Brazilian athletes performed a 30-minute RMR assessment. Different methods of gas exchange data selection were applied: short and long-time intervals, steady-state (SSt), and filtering. A mixed one-way ANOVA was used to analyse the mean differences in gas exchange, RMR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and coefficients of variation across all methods. Additionally, paired Student's t-test were used to compare the first and best SSt RMR values for each SSt method (3, 4, and 5-min). The 5-min SSt method provided the lowest RMR estimate (1454 kcal.day-1). There was a statistical difference between methods (F = 2.607, p = 0.04), but they presented a clinically irrelevant absolute difference (~36 kcal.day-1). There were no differences in RER among methods. In addition, using the SSt method, 12 minutes of assessment were enough to obtain a valid estimation of RMR. The 5-min SSt method should be employed for assessing the RMR among young athletes, considering the possibility of obtaining a shortened assessment (~12 min) with an acceptable and low coefficient of variation.

Effectiveness of current protein recommendations in adolescent athletes on a low-carbon diet.

Adolescent athletes require adequate energy and nutrient supply to support growth, development, and the demands associated with exercise and training. However, they are susceptible to nutritional inadequacies affecting their health and physical performance. Food choices with nutrient adequacy and environmental protection is crucial for a sustainable diet. Therefore, we aimed to assess the adequacy of low-carbon diets to meet the protein requirements of adolescent athletes. Therefore, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 91 adolescent athletes from sports clubs in Rio de Janeiro who underwent anthropometric and food consumption assessments. To estimate the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities, the sustainability indicators carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) were used. The CF of the athlete's diet was compared with the benchmark of 1,571 g CO2eq/cap/d estimated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Protein recommendations according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for athletes and protein food groups according to the low-carbon EAT-Lancet reference diet were used as references. The results were stratified by sport modality, age, sex, and income range. The Mann-Whitney test was performed, followed by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc test to assess the differences between groups using the statistical program GraphPad PRISM® version 8.0. CF and WF were directly associated with total energy intake, total protein intake, animal-origin protein intake, and the food groups of meat and eggs. Significant differences were observed in the environmental impact of diet based on sports groups and gender. The athletes' profile with higher environmental impact was male, middle-income class, and of any age group. The quartiles of CF of the overall diets were above the 1,571 g CO2eq/cap/d benchmark. Additionally, ADA's recommended range of daily protein consumption was met by most athletes, even in the lowest quartile of CF. Thus, a diet with a lower environmental impact can meet protein recommendations in adolescent athletes. The results found are of interest to the sports and food industries. It could help in designing a balanced diet for athletes as well as ensure less negative environmental impacts of food production and consumption.

Validity of Skinfold Equations, Against Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, in Predicting Body Composition in Adolescent Pentathletes.

PURPOSE: Body composition of adolescent athletes is often evaluated scientifically and in sports by using reference equations developed from nonathlete adolescent populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of predictive equations based on skinfold measurements, as compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to estimate body fat in adolescent modern pentathlon athletes. METHODS: 51 athletes, 27 male (mean age = 15.1 years; standard deviation, SD = 1.5 years) and 24 female (mean age = 14.2 years; SD = 2.5 years), were assessed using DXA, anthropometric parameters, sports practice anamnesis, and pubertal stages. Agreement between methods was tested with boxplots of mean comparisons using Student's t test (p < .05), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The body density equations of Durnin & Rahaman (1967) and Durnin & Womersley (1974) showed better agreement with DXA than the other predictive equations, for both females (difference between means=-2.03; 2SD = 8.44) and males (difference between means = 0.98; 2SD = 7.30). There were no mean differences between these equations and the reference method (DXA; p > .05), but they did display high variability (2SD). CONCLUSION: The high variability among results indicated imprecision. Predictive skinfold equations developed for nonathlete adolescents do not offer good validity for modern adolescent pentathlon athletes, and should be avoided.

Basal Metabolic Rate of Adolescent Modern Pentathlon Athletes: Agreement between Indirect Calorimetry and Predictive Equations and the Correlation with Body Parameters.

PURPOSE: The accurate estimative of energy needs is crucial for an optimal physical performance among athletes and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) equations often are not well adjusted for adolescent athletes requiring the use of specific methods, such as the golden standard indirect calorimetry (IC). Therefore, we had the aim to analyse the agreement between the BMR of adolescents pentathletes measured by IC and estimated by commonly used predictive equations. METHODS: Twenty-eight athletes (17 males and 11 females) were evaluated for BMR, using IC and the predictive equations Harris and Benedict (HB), Cunningham (CUN), Henry and Rees (HR) and FAO/WHO/UNU (FAO). Body composition was obtained using DXA and sexual maturity data were retrieved through validated questionnaires. The correlations among anthropometric variables an IC were analysed by T-student test and ICC, while the agreement between IC and the predictive equations was analysed according to Bland and Altman and by survival-agreement plotting. RESULTS: The whole sample average BMR measured by IC was significantly different from the estimated by FAO (p<0.05). Adjusting data by gender FAO and HR equations were statistically different from IC (p <0.05) among males, while female differed only for the HR equation (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The FAO equation underestimated athletes' BMR when compared with IC (T Test). When compared to the golden standard IC, using Bland and Altman, ICC and Survival-Agreement, the equations underestimated the energy needs of adolescent pentathlon athletes up to 300kcal/day. Therefore, they should be used with caution when estimating individual energy requirements in such populations.

COMPOSIÇÃO CORPORAL DE PENTATLETAS ADOLESCENTES AVALIADA COM A ABSORTOMETRIA RADIOLÓGICA DE DUPLA ENERGIA / BODY COMPOSITION OF ADOLESCENTS PENTATHLETES ASSESSMENT USING THE DUAL ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY

RESUMO Os objetivos do estudo foram elaborar referências e analisar as características da composição corporal de atletas adolescentes de pentatlo moderno nos sexos feminino e masculino, por meio do DXA, em diferentes fases da puberdade. Participaram 48 atletas adolescentes praticantes de pentatlo moderno, sendo 21 meninas (14,67±2,35) e 27 meninos (15,15±1,51 anos). Em atletas do sexo feminino o percentual de gordura foi considerado alto no grupo de púberes; o aumento da massa magra e a estabilidade da gordura corporal, em púberes avançados e pós-púberes, são efeitos decorrentes dos efeitos do treinamento de pentatlo moderno. Os atletas masculinos apresentaram alterações comuns na composição corporal durante todas as fases da puberdade. A avaliação do BMC e BMD parecem pertinentes as adolescentes na mesma fase da puberdade praticantes de outras modalidades esportivas no masculino e feminino, demonstrando impacto positivo do treinamento.

ABSTRACT The aims of the study were to elaborate references and analyze the characteristics of body composition of adolescent modern pentathlon athletes in female and male, through DXA at different pubertal stages . A total of 48 adolescent athletes practitioners of modern pentathlon, 21 girls (14.67 ± 2.35) and 27 boys (15.15 ± 1.51 years). In female athletes the percentage of fat was considered high in pubescent group; increased lean body mass and the stability of body fat in advanced pubescent and post-pubescent, are effects of the practice of modern pentathlon training. Male athletes showed changes in body composition that are common during the puberty. The evaluation of BMC and BMD in male and female seem appropriate to adolescents at the same stage of puberty practitioners of other sports, demonstrating the positive impact of the training.

Impacto do destreinamento na antropometria de adolescentes pentatletas / Impact of detraining on anthropometry of adolescent pentathletes / Impacto del desentrenamiento en la antropometría de adolescentes pentatletas

INTRODUÇÃO: A caracterização do perfil antropométrico ao fim da fase de treinamento competitivo e após o destreinamento decorrente da fase de transição pode auxiliar a elaboração de estratégias que beneficiem pentatletas adolescentes no retorno ao treinamento. OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto do destreinamento, originado pela fase de transição, na antropometria de adolescentes pentatletas. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 16 meninos (15,12 ± 1,77 anos) e 10 meninas (14,57 ± 2,40 anos) praticantes de pentatlo moderno. A adesão à dieta específica no período de destreinamento foi avaliada por profissionais especializados. No fim das fases competitivas e de transição, foram avaliadas a maturação sexual e as variáveis antropométricas. RESULTADOS: Valores percentuais demonstram que meninas tendem a aderir mais à dieta do que meninos. Diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre os períodos foram observadas somente no sexo masculino, nas variáveis massa corporal (0,003), estatura (0,000), somatório de dobras cutâneas (0,033) e na mesomorfia (0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A massa corporal, o somatório de dobras cutâneas e a mesomorfia parecem ter sofrido impacto negativo do destreinamento. O aumento da estatura parece estar associado ao pico de velocidade da estatura. Em meninas, a tendência de aderirem mais à dieta pode ter contribuído para a não identificação de alterações antropométricas. .

INTRODUCTION: The characterization of the anthropometric profile at the end of competitive training phase and after detraining due to the transition phase can aid the development of strategies that benefit adolescent pentathletes on return to training. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of detraining caused by the transition phase on anthropometry of adolescent pentathletes. METHODS: The sample consisted of 16 male adolescents (15.2 ± 1.77 years) and 10 female adolescents (14.57 ± 2.40 years), all practitioners of modern pentathlon. The adherence to specific diet in the detraining period was evaluated by specialized professionals. At the end of competitive and transition phases, sexual maturation and anthropometric variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Percentages show that female adolescents tend to adhere more to the diet than male adolescents. Significant differences (p<0.05) between periods were observed only in males in the following variables: body mass (0.003), height (0.000), sum of skinfolds (0.033) and mesomorphy (0.001). CONCLUSION: Body mass, sum of skinfolds and mesomorphy appear to have suffered negative impact of detraining. The increase in height is associated to the peak height velocity. In females, the trend to follow the diet more strictly may have contributed to the failure to identify anthropometric changes. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: La caracterización del perfil antropométrico al fin de la fase de entrenamiento competitivo y después del desentrenamiento proveniente de la fase de transición puede auxiliar en la elaboración de estrategias que beneficien a pentatletas adolescentes en el retorno al entrenamiento. OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto del desentrenamiento, originado por la fase de transición, en la antropometría de adolescentes pentatletas. MÉTODOS: La muestra fue compuesta por 16 niños (15,12 ± 1,77 años) y 10 niñas (14,57 ± 2,40 años) practicantes de pentatlón moderno. La adhesión a la dieta específica en el período de desentrenamiento fue evaluada por profesionales especializados. Al fin de las fases competitivas y de transición, fueron evaluadas la maduración sexual y las variables antropométricas. RESULTADOS: Valores porcentuales demuestran que las niñas tienden a adherir más a la dieta que los niños. Fueron observadas diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre los períodos solamente en el sexo masculino, en las variables masa corporal (0,003), estatura (0,000), sumatoria de pliegues cutáneos (0,033) y en la mesomorfia (0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: La masa corporal, la sumatoria de pliegues cutáneos y la mesomorfia parecen haber sufrido impacto negativo del desentrenamiento. El aumento de la estatura parece estar asociado al pico de velocidad de la estatura. En las niñas, la tendencia de adherir más a la dieta puede haber contribuido para la no identificación de alteraciones antropométricas. .