Abstract
The current study aimed at analyzing the relationship between body composition, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and physical fitness (PF) in a young active population. A total of 1198 athletes (boys = 875; girls = 323) enrolled in different municipal sports schools participated in this study. Data on adherence to the MD (KIDMED questionnaire), anthropometric measurements, and PF (20 m shuttle run test, handgrip strength, vertical jump and forced spirometry) were collected. Results show that the pubertal boys had a higher score in the KIDMED test than the prepubertal ones (+0.38, p = 0.28). Moreover, boys with better adherence to the MD had significantly higher results in handgrip strength (+12.20 regarding low MD group and +9.13 regarding medium MD group, p < 0.05), as well as in forced vital capacity (FVC) (+0.66 regarding low MD group and 0.29 regarding medium MD group, p < 0.05). No differences were found in the girls. Finally, the result of the KIDMED test is a variable with a positive and significant relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness, along with the FVC, percentage of fat mass, and performance in the vertical jump (p < 0.05). It is concluded that adherence to the MD could show a relationship with various PF variables in boys and could be a predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in both cases.
Highlights
Childhood is one of the most important periods of life because this is the time when life habits are established, and a large number of physiological and psychological changes happen [1]
Group presented significantly higher values in handgrip strength compared to low (+12.20, p = 0.007, ES: 0.42) and medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) (+9.13, p < 0.001, ES: 0.28)
This study examined the relationship between adherence to the MD, body composition and physical fitness (PF) in a cohort study of 1198 young active population
Summary
Childhood is one of the most important periods of life because this is the time when life habits are established, and a large number of physiological and psychological changes happen [1]. Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence are associated with adverse health consequences throughout the later stages of life [2]. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has increased in recent years, leading to increased cardiovascular risks and metabolic diseases [3]. Healthy lifestyle interventions are the most common strategies for children and adolescents with obesity. Habits acquired at these early ages can be a good predictor of health, preventing. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 3337; doi:10.3390/ijerph17093337 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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