Year: 2010
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: Analyze body composition and characterize the food intake in a sample of Portuguese rowers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with the participation of 25 rowing athletes. To characterizethe food intake an indirect semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was applied to athletes.For the evaluation of body composition indirect methods were used: bioelectrical impedance and skinfolds to measure the percentage of fat and also direct methods: height, weight and waist circumference.The statistical analysis of data was made using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: The sample consisted of 6 female athletes and 19 male. Rowers' average age was 17.4 ± 4.3 years.88% of the athletes had normal weight. No agreement was found in the determination of the percentageof body fat in both sexes, by the methodologies used (bioimpedance and skin folds). Higher values of bodyfat were found by impedance. Regarding food intake, it was found that respondents practice unhealthyeating habits, particularly concerning the insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and pulsesand excessive consumption of soft drinks and sugar products.Conclusions: The continuous monitoring of athletes by nutrition professionals is essential, particularlyin younger age groups, to rectify unbalanced diets and to improve health status aiming to achieve maximumsports performance.
Authors: Margarida Alves Martins, Ada Rocha
Language: Portuguese
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2238456494