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The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

Energy deficits are often observed in athletes, especially in female athletes, due to the high expenditure of sport and strict diets. Low energy availability can cause serious health problems and affect sport performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different personalized dietary plans on physiological and physical factors related to energy deficit syndrome in female professional handball players. Twenty-one professional female handball players, aged 22 ± 4 years, 172.0 ± 5.4 cm and 68.4 ± 6.7 kg, divided into three groups (FD: free diet; MD: Mediterranean diet; and AD: high antioxidant diet), participated in this 12-week randomized controlled trial. Energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry, energy availability, 7 day dietary intake analysis, blood pressure, cholesterol, menstrual function, body composition by both anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance, and strength performance were assessed. All participants showed low energy availability (< 30 kcal/lean mass per day); despite this, all had eumenorrhea. Significant improvements were found after the intervention in all components of body composition (p <0.05). In the remaining variables, despite slight improvements, none were significant neither over time nor between the different groups. Low energy availability has been observed in all professional female handball players, which may lead to serious consequences. A longer period of intervention is required to assess the differences between diets and improvements in other parameters.

Low energy availability may precede or be caused by cognitive disturbances in professional athletes. Related psychological problems include disordered eating patterns, body shape preoccupation, depression or anxiety. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different personalised dietary plans on psychological factors in young professional female handball players with low energy availability. This 12-week randomised clinical trial involved 21 female players aged 22 ± 4 years, 172.0 ± 5.4 cm and 68.4 ± 6.7 kg divided into three groups (FD: free diet; MD: Mediterranean diet; HAD: high antioxidant diet). Eating behaviour (Eating Attitude Test, EAT-26: diet, bulimia and oral control subscales), body image (Body Shape Questionnaire, BSQ) and mood state (Profile of Mode State, POMS: tension, vigour, anger, depression, fatigue) were assessed. All participants showed low energy availability (<30 kcal/lean mass per day). The different plans showed no significant differences between them but significant differences over time within groups for the variables: body image, Tension, Vigour and Depression (p < 0.05). Eating behaviour improved slightly but did not show statistically significant changes. Following an adequate nutritional planning for athletes seems to improve the mood and body perception of young female handball players. A longer intervention period is required to assess the differences between diets and improvement of other parameters.

Background: Adherence to a nutritional program and physical activity are the fundamental aspects of treatment for weight loss and associated problems. Previous research has shown that self-monitoring using a mobile device improves self-management. Methods: A total of 35 subjects (40.6 ± 9.24 years) participated in the study. During the control period (3 months), they received physical exercise guidelines and a personalized nutritional program, with the aim of promoting health status. In the experimental period (3 months), there was also a connection between the physical world (health care processes) and the digital world (app). All participants had their body composition and cardiovascular variables measured. They also underwent calcaneal densitometry to determine bone quality. Descriptive statistics, correlations and analysis of variance were performed (by a researcher who was not involved in the data collection) to study the changes between before and after interventions, as well as to make a comparison between treatments. Results: The use of an app, in which there exist a prediction of the evolution, messages of results and advice, among others, mediated by the assistance of dietitians/nutritionists and sports scientists, had a positive impact on the improvement of health parameters, showing significant differences in all variables except troponin. Conclusions: The combination of healthy habits with the use of the app provided benefits, improving health.

Consumer digital technology is rapidly evolving, allowing users to manage their health in a simple, non-invasive manner. However, there are few studies revealing if using digital technology as part of an intervention really has an impact in consumer health compared with traditional strategies. The objective of the current study is to compare two groups (MTB; n = 18, 46.1 ± 10.4 years and MTBAPP; n = 19, 45.3 ± 6.40 years) of overweight, prehypertensive individuals in losing weight and lowering their blood pressure. Both were provided with nutritionist-guided recommendations, a wearable tracking device and a dietary supplement that has previously been proven to help lose body weight and lower blood pressure. In addition, one of the groups (MTBAPP) used a mobile app specifically designed for the intervention. Blood pressure, body composition, triglyceride level, peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in the first second and maximum oxygen volume were measured at different time points. In addition, participants were monitored with an activity bracelet throughout the intervention. As a result, both groups significantly lost body weight, while the group using the app additionally improved blood pressure levels and lowered fat mass. Furthermore, the app users significantly increased the number of daily steps and decreased sedentary time. In conclusion, the addition of a mobile app with daily reminders to follow healthy lifestyle recommendations increased physical activity and overall improved blood pressure and fat mass levels when compared with a group performing the same intervention but in absence of the mobile application.

The period of Ramadan induces changes in the usual eating patterns of individuals. During this period, Muslims must abstain from drinking and eating from dawn to dusk. Therefore, some research conducted on professional soccer players has observed that during and/or after Ramadan, performance, running speed, agility, dribbling speed, and endurance and/or skill performance in athletic events may be negatively affected by Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of a dietary plan during RIF on performance and body composition in a professional soccer player. A 20-year-old elite player (86.0 kg, 188.5 cm) followed a dietary-nutritional plan with an isocaloric diet and was supplemented with glycerol. The athlete’s strength and power in the lower limbs was assessed by performing a countermovement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov vertical jump (ABK) before and after Ramadan. After nutritional planning, the patient’s body composition improved in terms of fat loss (6.61 to 5.70%) and muscle mass gain (50.26 to 51.50%). In addition, this translated into improvements in performance tests, both in the CMJ (36.72 to 40.00 cm) and ABK (39.16 to 49.34 cm). In conclusion, during a period of fasting, personalised nutritional planning and an appropriate supplementation and rest protocol can improve the body composition and performance of soccer players.

Triathlons are endurance events that include swimming, running, and cycling. Triathletes need to eat optimally during training and competitions to maximize their potential for success. The presence of carbohydrates in the mouth could activate regions in the brain to enhance athletic performance in exercise. Methods: This study examined the effects of glucose and mouthwash in ten male triathletes (age: 26.0 ± 8.7 years, height: 173.6 ± 10.4 cm, BMI 22.0 ± 1.7 kg/m2). The four oral test solutions included (A) Rinse with placebo, (B) Water + gel with placebo, (C) Rinse with 15% CH concentration, and (D) Water + gel with 15% CH concentration (25 g gel in 165 mL water). The Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Sensation Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), blood glucose, sprints, and dietary habits were assessed in each subject. All preceded ingestion of the oral-based test solution during workouts. Results: RPE showed no significant differences for subjective perceptions. The same was observed for FS and sprints. FAS scores increased over time (p = 0.039) in all groups. POMS score increased significantly in group D (p = 0.041). There was no effect of time on plasma glucose levels (p = 0.737). As for correlations, positive correlations were observed between sprint and FAS variables (p = 0.011). Conclusions: It appears that CH intake correlates positively with mood, but in all other variables, there are no differences depending on the product.

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

Background: Gluten intolerance is a systemic process of autoimmune nature; it develops in genetically predisposed subjects with gluten ingestion. The only treatment for celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This study was designed to evaluate adherence to a GFD, risk of an eating disorder, and nutritional status in adult CD patients undergoing different interventions. Methods: A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The training was prescribed by a sport scientist. It was based on resistance training with elastic bands; beforehand a warm-up was performed and the resistance was increased progressively. The variables studied were adherence to the GFD, risk of eating disorders, blood values, and body composition. Results: Celiac women with personalized nutritional planning presented greater adherence to a gluten-free diet (p < 0.001). Regarding leukocytes, significant differences were observed between the GFD and control groups (p = 0.004). Perimeters and folds did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: Women with celiac disease who follow an adapted and personalized diet have a better adherence to a GFD compared to those who follow a non-professional diet, and therefore have a better immune system status (blood leukocytes).

Women’s elite sports have experienced an exponential increase in the last decade, as has beach handball (BH). The high demands of this sport mean that athletes need to be in superior physical condition, so nutrition and body composition are determining factors in their sporting performance. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze, compare and correlate the most relevant variables of food intake (quantitative), body composition (focus on the bone mass characteristics) and sprint performance in female professional BH players. Thirty-three women from the National Spanish Team participated in this study. Dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements and sprint tests were performed. In general, the players had a low carbohydrate intake and adequate protein intake, with no significant differences depending on the category and playing position. For senior players, positive correlations were found between protein intake and bone mass (r = 0.584, p = 0.022), polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and muscle mass (r = 0.387, p = 0.026) and finally between fat mass and animal protein intake (r = 0.569, p = 0.027). Body composition was similar in both categories; however, goalkeepers had the highest fat (22.6 ± 3.86%, 16.2 ± 4.84 kg) component (vs. wings: 17.4 ± 3.53%, p = 0.031/vs. specialists: 11.1 ± 1.91 kg, p = 0.034), and senior players had higher muscle mass (kilograms). It is worth noting the finding that players with a greater trochanter height had significantly lower sprint times (p = 0.014 and p = 0.048 for 5 and 10 m, respectively). Certain bone characteristics, such as iliospinale height, biacromial and bimalleolar diameters, mesosternal perimeter and biceps skinfold, differ depending on the position. In addition, the greater speed of the senior players may be due to the greater specialization, number of training sessions performed and specific bone characteristics, such as trochanter height. In this regard, the data provided in this study will assist wit

La etapa universitaria es un buen momento para promover estrategias de alimentación saludable. Los cambios sociológicos y culturales que sufren los estudiantes los llevan a saltarse comidas, ingesta de comida rápida, alimentos hipercalóricos, siendo la adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea baja. Los profesionales relacionados con la alimentación, como los nutricionistas y dietistas, además, son considerados población de riesgo en desarrollar trastornos alimentarios, debido al amplio conocimiento que poseen, pudiendo utilizarlo tanto para buena como para mala praxis. El contexto de la investigación fue el alumnado de primer curso del Grado en Nutrición Humana y Dietética. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar el efecto de factores de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, de composición corporal y trastornos del comportamiento alimentario en estudiantes del grado de nutrición humana y dietética, comparar los resultados en función del porcentaje de masa grasa y establecer correlaciones entre variables. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres que mayor autocontrol y restricción dietética presentan son las que menor porcentaje de masa grasa tienen. La prevalencia de estudiantes con bajo peso es de 8,49% mientras que de sobrepeso y/o obesidad es de 10,38%. De forma general la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea es adecuada en hombres y debe mejorar ligeramente en las mujeres.

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten in those with a genetic predisposition. This study was designed to evaluate menopause-associated symptoms, mood, bone quality, and IgA antibody levels in women with CD, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), and with or without resistance exercise. The randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 Spanish women (>40 years old). Participants were divided into the following intervention groups: personalised gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); personalised gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); celiac controls (NO-GFD); and non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The participants responded to the Menopause Rating Scale and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Bone quality was measured with ultrasound and IgA with a blood test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the GFD + E group showed significant improvement in urogenital symptoms and scored higher on the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS. Negative associations were found between the total score on the Menopause Rating Scale and the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Only those women who underwent a personalised GFD nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise demonstrated significant changes after the intervention.

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.

[EN] The university population is a particularly vulnerable group from the point of view of nutrition and physical condition, which increases the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. It has been seen that ICTs and TACs improve the learning of university students, so the aim is to carry out strategies based on the use of ICTs and TACs for comprehensive training, leading to the implementation of healthy habits and improved health indicators in the university population. The development of the educational innovation action was carried out in the academic year 2019-2020, in which a total of 42 students participated. The results obtained show that those students who have participated in the IIEACSA innovation action present better values in relation to body composition and physical condition, although no changes in eating habits were observed. It is concluded that the strategies carried out based on the use of ICTs and CTs for the integral and competent training of the student, has led to an adequate implementation of healthy habits and improvement of health indicators in the university population., [ES] La población universitaria es un grupo especialmente vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional y de condición física, lo que aumenta el riesgo para la salud en etapas posteriores. Las Tecnologías de: la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), o del Aprendizaje y la Comunicación (TAC), podrían ayudar a mejorar el aprendizaje del alumnado universitario al respecto. Por ello, el objetivo fue realizar una acción de innovación educativa en hábitos saludables y estudiar los cambios en los indicadores de salud en estudiantes universitarios. El desarrollo de la acción de innovación educativa fue la implementación de la investigación en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de las ciencias de la salud (IIEACSA) en el grado de nutrición humana y dietética utilizando metodologías TIC y las TAC para la formación integral. Se evaluaron los hábitos alimentarios, la composición corporal y la condición física de los estudiantes de siguieron la acción educativa y en otros estudiantes sin intervención (control). Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes IIEACSA presentaron mejores resultados en la composición corporal y la condición física frente al grupo control, pero no hubo diferencias en la alimentación. Cabe concluir que la acción IIEACSA puede presentar mejorías en determinados indicadores de la salud de estudiantes universitarios.

Las medidas establecidas para frenar la transmisión del virus COVID-19 han incorporado un nuevo modelo de docencia dual en las aulas del Grado en Nutrición Humana y Dietética de la Universidad de Alicante. La imposibilidad de llevar a cabo prácticas presenciales para el abordaje del estudio teórico-práctico del contenido de la valoración del estado nutricional, relacionado con la composición corporal, ha suscitado que se plantee una experiencia educativa innovadora. Esta experiencia trata de implementar una experiencia educativa innovadora, mediante la utilización de las TIC, y que el alumnado de Fundamentos de Alimentación y Nutrición, y Nutrición en la Actividad Física y el Deporte sean capaces de adquirir las competencias teórico-prácticas en materia de composición corporal. Para ello, se planteó una evaluación mediante cuestiones relacionadas con competencias concretas en relación con la composición corporal y la cineantropometría, a partir de un cuestionario online. Los resultados mostraron que tanto el alumnado de Fundamentos de Alimentación y Nutrición, como el de Nutrición en la Actividad Física y el Deporte, tuvieron una adecuada adquisición de las competencias. Por lo tanto, parece que la implementación de la experiencia educativa innovadora desarrollada, ha tenido buena acogida entre el alumnado y ha contribuido positivamente con la adquisición de competencias del alumnado.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten-induced intestinal inflammation. Dietary restrictions and symptoms may have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life, body composition (BC), and strength. This study was designed to assess the impact of an isocaloric gluten free diet and resistance exercise in women. A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years old or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The variables studied were quality of life, BC and isometric hand strength. After 12 weeks of intervention, celiac women that followed a gluten-free diet and exercise showed higher scores on the psychological health scale than celiac women without intervention. The women in group 1 were the only ones who presented improvements in BC variables; fat mass, BMI, and fat-free mass. Negative correlations were found between the perception of quality of life and age, however a positive correlation between quality of life and isometric strength test results was found. In addition to a gluten-free diet, resistance training is essential to improve BC, strength, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The university population is a particularly vulnerable group from the point of view of nutrition and physical condition, which increases the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. It has been seen that ICTs and TACs improve the leaming of university students, so the aim is to carry out strategies based on the use of ICTs and TACs for comprehensive training, leading to the implementation of healthy habits and improved health indicators in the university population. The development of the educational innovation action was carried out in the academic year 2019-2020, in which a total of 42 students participated. The results obtained show that those students who have participated in the IIEACSA innovation action present better values in relation to body composition and physical condition, although no changes in eating habits were observed It is concluded that the strategies carried out based on the use of ICTs and CTs for the integral and competent training of the student has led to an adequate implementation of healthy habits and improvement of health indicators in the university population., La población universitaria es un grupo especialmente vulnerable desde el punto de vista nutricional y de condición física, lo que aumenta el riesgo de obesidad y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se ha visto que las TIC y TAC ayudan a mejorar el aprendizaje del alumnado universitario, por lo que el objetivo es llevar a cabo estrategias basadas en el uso de las TIC y las TAC para la formación integral, que lleve a la implementación de hábitos saludables y mejora de los indicadores de salud en la población universitaria. El desarrollo de la acción de innovación educativa se llevó a cabo en el curso 2019-2020, en la que en total participaron 42 estudiantes. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que aquellos estudiantes que han participado en la acción de innovación IIEACSA presentan mejores valores en relación a la composición corporal y la condición física, aunque no se observaron cambios en los hábitos alimentarios. Se concluye que las estrategias llevadas a cabo basadas en el uso de las TIC y las TAC para la formación integral y competencial del alumno, ha llevado a una adecuada implementación de hábitos saludables y mejora de los indicadores de salud en la población universitaria.

Nurses have long working hours with high psychological burdens. In addition, in the emergency department, nurses are required to quickly adapt emotionally. The aim of this study was to describe and relate emotional intelligence (EI) skills of emergency nurses, their body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality. For this purpose, a cross-sectional was carried out in which the perceived emotional intelligence test and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were applied. Sixty-two emergency nurses (48 women and 14 men) participated. The results indicated that the majority of them present adequate levels of EI, with no differences by gender. Younger nurses showed a better ability to feel, express and understand emotional states than the older ones, while the ability to regulate emotional states occurred in the opposite way. Nurses who have been working for several years showed a better ability to regulate emotions than those with less experience. Those who were overweight grade II and obese type I expressed their feelings better, also the regulation of emotional states decreased as weight increased. Finally, it has been observed that the quality of sleep of emergency nurses is significantly altered, and that this lack of sleep may affect their ability to process emotions.

Background and Objectives: Shift work has a significant influence on the mental health of workers. Nursing is characterised by a rotational work system. This study aimed to determine whether there was a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of suffering an eating disorder (ED) in nurses according to their work shift. Materials and Methods: A total of 240 women (nurses and nursing assistants) were evaluated and completed the PREDIMED-PLUS questionnaire on adherence to the MD and the EAT-26 (Eating Attitude Test, 26 items). Results: The results indicate that there are no differences in adherence to the MD depending on the work shift, being that adherence to the diet is already low. Statistically significant differences appear depending on the work shift in the following dimensions: restrictive behaviours and bulimia subscales (presenting higher scores in the 7-h rotating shift versus the fixed morning shift or 12-h rotating shift) and for total EAT-26 score. Conclusion: Whilst they do not condition adherence to a MD, the nursing shifts that are the most changing in terms of time patterns may condition restrictive behaviours and compensatory risk behaviours related to an ED.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-degenerative disease characterized by the presence of multiple symptoms such as chronic pain, which negatively influence the quality of life of sufferers, most of whom are women. Currently, there is no effective treatment to limit the impact of these symptoms. The aim of this research is to review the scientific evidence on the effect of following a vegetarian or vegan diet on fibromyalgia patients. A systematic review included the original articles that answered the research question. These articles were in 2021 in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The research used the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. No time restriction was applied, and grey literature was not included. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles was carried out using the following different scales: STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and MMAT (Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) scales. A total of 88 studies were analyzed, of which 6 investigations were included in this systematic review (n = 4 clinical trials and n = 2 cohort studies). These investigations show significant improvements in biochemical parameters, quality of life, quality of sleep, pain at rest and general health status when following mainly plant-based dietary patterns. In conclusion, these findings are promising but interpretation of the findings is limited due to the methodological quality of the studies. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to consolidate these dietary recommendations in FM patients.

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes’ strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However f

The human population is increasing due to lengthening life expectancy, but the quality of life and health of people is moving in the opposite direction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how aquatic resistance interval training can influence body composition, body image perception and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in older women participants in a nutrition education program and to study the relation between these variables. Thirty-four participants aged 69 ± 4 years were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (aquatic resistance interval training plus nutritional intervention) and control (nutritional intervention). The intervention consisted of resistance training in an aquatic environment carried out for 14 weeks (three sessions per week; 60 min each). Body composition, body image perception and adherence to MD diet were evaluated at baseline and 14 weeks. No significant differences were found between groups regarding body image perception and adherence to the MD. There was a significant increase in muscle mass (kg) (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in fat mass (kg) (p < 0.001) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. The addition of aquatic resistance interval training to a nutritional intervention was not sufficient to change body image perception and adherence to MD but produced improvement in body composition (through an increase in muscle mass and decrease on fat mass) in older women.

Background: Beach handball is a recent team sport characterized by defensive and offensive actions on a sand surface. Scientific evidence has shown that body composition is fundamental in sports performance. The main objective of this study was to know the body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and bone mineral density of elite beach handball players. Furthermore, another purpose was to analyze the differences between categories (junior and senior) and playing position. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 36 male players (18 juniors and 18 seniors) of the Spanish National Beach Handball Team was conducted. Full profile anthropometry and calcaneal ultrasound measurements were used. Results: Significant differences between categories (p < 0.05) were found in: height, body mass, arm span, BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass, skinfolds, and body perimeters. The somatotype changes depending on the playing position. Bone mineral density of the players was adequate. No significant differences were found by playing position. Conclusions: Senior players had a better body composition due to the presence of less fat mass than junior players. This study provides reference values of elite junior and senior beach handball players and by playing positions. This data is useful for the identification of talents and players who should be trained to improve their body composition.

Background: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. Objectives: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. Methods: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. Results: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. Conclusions: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior pla