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New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status,...
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New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 31262

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesco Campa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: anthropometry; bioelectrical impedance analysis; body composition; nutritional factors; exercise testing; growth; sports performance; lifestyle
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Body composition and nutritional status are crucial determinants of health status and sports performance. A subject can gain an advantage by changing their body composition features and diet habits, in life as well as in sports practice.

To date, most methods and/or devices developed for assessing body composition and nutritional status are expensive, time-consuming, and require qualified personnel, limiting both the research and the sports contexts. In the last few years, the scope of research in assessing body composition and physical performance improving them through sports practice have been thoroughly developed, leading to a concomitant achievement of a healthy status. The aforementioned aspects have laid the foundations for the development of innovative training strategies and new evaluation approaches aimed at improving and assessing body composition and sports performance.

The aim of this special issue is to present new frontiers regarding training strategies and evaluation methods for assessing and improving body composition, nutritional status, and sports performance while highlighting the relationships among them. The purpose of this research collection is to add information on:

  • New training strategies and/or supplementation programs for improving body composition and sports performance.
  • New evidence for body composition and physical performance assessment in sports practice.

The keywords listed below provide an outline of some of the possible areas of interest.

Dr. Francesco Campa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • athletes
  • body composition
  • exercise training
  • hydration status
  • physical fitness
  • older people
  • young people
  • sports performance
  • nutrition
  • wellness and health

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 379 KiB  
Article
Effects of 5-Week of FIFA 11+ Warm-Up Program on Explosive Strength, Speed, and Perception of Physical Exertion in Elite Female Futsal Athletes
by Antonino Patti, Valerio Giustino, Stefania Cataldi, Vito Stoppa, Federica Ferrando, Riccardo Marvulli, Giacomo Farì, Şahin Fatma Neşe, Antonino Bianco, Antonella Muscella, Gianpiero Greco and Francesco Fischetti
Sports 2022, 10(7), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10070100 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4085
Abstract
Futsal is a sport that originates from soccer and is increasingly practiced all over the world. Since training and warm-up protocols should be sport-specific in order to reduce injuries and maximize performance, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of [...] Read more.
Futsal is a sport that originates from soccer and is increasingly practiced all over the world. Since training and warm-up protocols should be sport-specific in order to reduce injuries and maximize performance, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program on explosive strength, speed, and perception of physical exertion in elite female futsal athletes. Twenty-nine elite female futsal athletes participating in the Italian national championships were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) underwent 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program, and the control group (CG) underwent 5 weeks of a dynamic warm-up. We evaluated any effect on explosive strength (by Squat Jump test), speed (by Agility T-test), and perception of physical exertion (by Borg CR-10 scale). All measurements were carried out by a technician of the Italian Football Federation before (T0), at the middle (T1), and at the end (T2) of the protocol. The EG showed significant improvements on performances between T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2 both in the Squat Jump test (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0030, respectively) and in the Agility T-test (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.0122). No significant differences were found in the Squat Jump test performances in the CG, while significant improvements were detected in the Agility T-test performances (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0053, T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2, respectively). As for the Borg CR-10 scale, we found a significant difference between T0 and T2 in the EG (p = 0.017) and no differences in the CG. This study showed that 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program improves the jumping performance of female futsal athletes without adversely affecting speed. These findings can be useful for coaches and athletic trainers in order to consider FIFA 11+ warm-up program also in female futsal athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
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12 pages, 1318 KiB  
Article
PGC-1α Methylation, miR-23a, and miR-30e Expression as Biomarkers for Exercise- and Diet-Induced Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Capillary Blood from Healthy Individuals: A Single-Arm Intervention
by Ulrike D. B. Krammer, Alexandra Sommer, Sylvia Tschida, Anna Mayer, Stephanie V. Lilja, Olivier J. Switzeny, Berit Hippe, Petra Rust and Alexander G. Haslberger
Sports 2022, 10(5), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050073 - 6 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3475
Abstract
Healthy mitochondria and their epigenetic control are essential to maintaining health, extending life expectancy, and improving cardiovascular performance. Strategies to maintain functional mitochondria during aging include training; cardiovascular exercise has been suggested as the best method, but strength training has also been identified [...] Read more.
Healthy mitochondria and their epigenetic control are essential to maintaining health, extending life expectancy, and improving cardiovascular performance. Strategies to maintain functional mitochondria during aging include training; cardiovascular exercise has been suggested as the best method, but strength training has also been identified as essential to health and healthy aging. We therefore investigated the effects of concurrent exercise training and dietary habits on epigenetic mechanisms involved in mitochondrial (mt) functions and biogenesis. We analyzed epigenetic biomarkers that directly target the key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, PGC-1α, and mtDNA content. Thirty-six healthy, sedentary participants completed a 12-week concurrent training program. Before and after the intervention, dried blood spot samples and data on eating habits, lifestyle, and body composition were collected. MiR-23a, miR-30e expression, and mtDNA content were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. PGC-1α methylation was analyzed using bisulfite pyrosequencing. MiR-23a, miR-30e expression, and PGC-1α methylation decreased after the intervention (p < 0.05). PGC-1α methylation increased with the consumption of red and processed meat, and mtDNA content increased with the ingestion of cruciferous vegetables (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that concurrent training could improve mitochondrial biogenesis and functions by altering the epigenetic regulation. These alterations can also be detected outside of the skeletal muscle and could potentially affect athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
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11 pages, 4965 KiB  
Article
Regional Bioelectrical Phase Angle Is More Informative than Whole-Body Phase Angle for Monitoring Neuromuscular Performance: A Pilot Study in Elite Young Soccer Players
by Tindaro Bongiovanni, Alessio Rossi, Athos Trecroci, Giulia Martera, F. Marcello Iaia, Giampietro Alberti, Giulio Pasta and Mathieu Lacome
Sports 2022, 10(5), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050066 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2902
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between regional and total phase angle (PhA) with lower-body neuromuscular performance in young elite soccer players. Methods: Sixteen elite male soccer players (14.3 ± 1.0 years) participated in this study. Lower (LPhA)- [...] Read more.
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between regional and total phase angle (PhA) with lower-body neuromuscular performance in young elite soccer players. Methods: Sixteen elite male soccer players (14.3 ± 1.0 years) participated in this study. Lower (LPhA)- and upper (UPhA)-hemisome PhA together with whole-body PhA (WBPhA) were measured by a bioelectrical-impedance analysis (BIA), while appendicular arm and leg lean soft tissue (ALST and LLST, respectively) were estimated. Urine osmolarity (UOsm) and urine-specific gravity (USG) were also considered. Sprints over 10 m and 20 m and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were employed to evaluate neuromuscular performance. Results: LPhA (p = 0.003) and UOsm (p = 0.012) explained 62% of the variance in the 10 m sprint. UOsm (p = 0.001) and both LPhA (p < 0.001) and WBPhA (p = 0.024) explained 81% of the total variance in the 20 m sprint. The CMJ height was affected by LPhA (p < 0.001) and UOsm (p = 0.024), which overall explained 68% of its variance (p < 0.05), while 93% of the CMJ power variance was explained by LPhA (p < 0.001), ALST (p < 0.001), and WBPhA (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Regional PhA is a relevant and non-invasive tool to monitor lower-body neuromuscular performance in elite youth soccer. Specifically, LPhA may be favored over WBPhA as more informative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
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18 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Olympic Cycle Comparison of the Nutritional and Cardiovascular Health Status of an Elite-Level Female Swimmer: Case Study Report from Slovenia
by Boštjan Jakše, Silvester Lipošek, Nataša Zenić and Dorica Šajber
Sports 2022, 10(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050063 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3486
Abstract
Monitoring the many aspects that are crucial to an athlete’s performance progress is vital for further training planning and for the development of performance and the sport. We evaluated a four-year change (2018 vs. 2022) in the current nutritional and cardiovascular health status [...] Read more.
Monitoring the many aspects that are crucial to an athlete’s performance progress is vital for further training planning and for the development of performance and the sport. We evaluated a four-year change (2018 vs. 2022) in the current nutritional and cardiovascular health status of the most successful elite-level female swimmer in Slovenia. Body composition and dietary intake were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a standardized food questionnaire. The concentration of blood lipids, blood pressure, and serum micronutrients (B12, 25(OH)D), potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron) were measured. The four-year comparison showed an improved body composition status (i.e., increased body mass and decreased body fat (percentage and mass), increased lean soft tissue and total bone mineral density (BMD) (i.e., significantly decreased BMD of a left femoral neck and increased BMD of a spine and head)). We also measured an improvement in the cardiovascular health status of some markers (i.e., decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure but increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), most likely due to the differences in assessed dietary intake (i.e., lower carbohydrate intake, higher total and saturated fat intake, and lower sodium intake). Notably, nutrient intakes that are generally of concern (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin B12 and D, calcium, iron, and zinc (except for fiber intake)) were all within recommended ranges. However, the athlete’s vitamin K and potassium intake were not adequate. Furthermore, in 2018, the athlete did not consume dietary supplements, while she now regularly uses several dietary supplements, including EPA and DHA omega-3, vitamin D, multivitamins, carbohydrate powder, and sports drink. Moreover, from the micronutrient serum, only iron levels deviated from the reference values (37 μmol/L vs. 10.7–28.6 μmol/L). The presented screening example using valid, sensitive, and affordable methods and with rapid organizational implementation may be a viable format for regular monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
9 pages, 956 KiB  
Article
Changes in Intra-to-Extra-Cellular Water Ratio and Bioelectrical Parameters from Day-Before to Day-Of Competition in Bodybuilders: A Pilot Study
by João Pedro Nunes, João P. M. Araújo, Alex S. Ribeiro, Francesco Campa, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Edilson S. Cyrino and Michele C. C. Trindade
Sports 2022, 10(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10020023 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4668
Abstract
The present study analyzed the effects from day-before to day-of bodybuilding competition on intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) parameters (resistance, R; reactance, Xc; and derived scores) in bodybuilding athletes. We assessed anthropometry and BIA [...] Read more.
The present study analyzed the effects from day-before to day-of bodybuilding competition on intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) parameters (resistance, R; reactance, Xc; and derived scores) in bodybuilding athletes. We assessed anthropometry and BIA (foot-to-hand; tetrapolar; 50 kHz) in 11 male bodybuilders (29 ± 4 year-old; 81 ± 8 kg; 172 ± 7 cm; 27 ± 2 kg/m2) both on the pre-competition day and on the contest day. Results revealed significant increases in ICW (31.6 ± 2.9 to 33.1 ± 2.8 L), with concomitant decreases in ECW (19.8 ± 1.8 to 17.2 ± 1.4 L) and TBW (51.4 ± 4.6 to 50.3 ± 4.2 L) from the day-before competition to contest day, which resulted in relatively large increases in the ICW/ECW ratio (1.60 ± 0.03 to 1.92 ± 0.01 L). Moreover, significant increases in R (391 ± 34 to 413 ± 33 ohm), Xc (64 ± 7 to 70 ± 6 ohm), and phase angle (9.3 ± 0.6 to 9.6 ± 0.7 degree) were observed between time periods. The phase angle scores reported on show-day of 9.6 and 11.2 appear to be the highest group mean and individual values observed in the literature to date. In conclusion, the strategies carried out on the final day of peak-week bodybuilding preparation lead to changes in BIA parameters and body water, with fluids shifting from the extra- to the intracellular compartment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
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Review

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11 pages, 305 KiB  
Review
The Key Role of Nutritional Elements on Sport Rehabilitation and the Effects of Nutrients Intake
by Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Mantzorou, Foivi Kondyli-Sarika, Ioanna Alexandropoulou, Jannis Papathanasiou, Gavriela Voulgaridou and Pantelis T. Nikolaidis
Sports 2022, 10(6), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10060084 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 11318
Abstract
Adequate nutrition is of utmost importance for athletes, especially during rehabilitation after injury in order to achieve fast healing and return to sports. The aim of this narrative review is to define the proper nutritional elements for athletes to meet their needs and [...] Read more.
Adequate nutrition is of utmost importance for athletes, especially during rehabilitation after injury in order to achieve fast healing and return to sports. The aim of this narrative review is to define the proper nutritional elements for athletes to meet their needs and facilitate their fast return to sports after surgery or injury, as well as determine the effects of specific nutrients intake. Studies on antioxidants, which are substances that protect against free radicals, for the injured athlete are few and unclear, yet poly-phenols and especially flavonoids might improve healing and inflammation following an injury. Benefits of vitamin C or E on muscle damage are disputable in relevant studies, while optimal levels of vitamin D and calcium contribute to bone healing. Minerals are also essential for athletes. Other supplements suggested for muscle damage treatment and protein synthesis include leucine, creatine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate. Diets that include high-quality products, rich in micronutrients (like vitamins, minerals, etc.) bio-active compounds and other nutritional elements (like creatine) are suggested, while an individualized nutrition program prescribed by a trained dietitian is important. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of these nutritional elements, especially regarding injury treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Assessing and Improving Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Sports Performance in Sports Practice)
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