[Adherence to a mediterranean diet and sport performance in a elite female athletes futsal population]

Abstract

Introduction: Low energy intake may lead to the loss of muscle mass, menstrual dysfunction, increased risk of fatigue, injures and the need for prolonged recovery process.

Objectives: 1) To analyse the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of a elite female athletes futsal population, 2) To analyse the relationship between the Dietary Mediterranean index, body composition and sport performance, and 3) To analyse if the differences in the index of adherence to the Mediterranean diet generates test differences in sports performance and body composition.

Methods: The adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, body composition test, isokinetic test, vertical jump test (CMJ and SJ), kicking ball, speed test and test Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) was measured.

Results: we found that 7 out of 12 players (58.33%) showed a low index and 5 of the 12 players (41.67%) showed a means index. We found that 7 out of 12 players (58.33%) showed a low index and 5 of the 12 players (41.67%) below the optimum index. Moreover, this adhesion index did not correlate with the values of the body composition or athletic performance test. No significant differences between the players that scored below the optimal index with those with a low level of adhesion were observed. However, mass fat (%) correlated to the ability to repeat sprint.

Conclusions: Low levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in futsal players, the values shown in the KIDMED questionnaire did not correlate with the performance of the players nor body composition.