Sports最新文献

{"title":"Physical Parameters in Young Competitive Padel Players: Strength, Power, Agility, and Smash Velocity Assessments.","authors":"Bernardino J Sánchez-Alcaraz, Iván Martín-Miguel, Rafael Conde-Ripoll, Diego Muñoz, Adrián Escudero-Tena, Alejandro Sánchez-Pay","doi":"10.3390/sports13040104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The main objective of this study was to analyze the physical fitness parameters of young competitive padel players, compare potential differences between male and female players, and examine the relationships among various physical fitness variables in this population. The sample consisted of 18 players (10 boys and 8 girls) aged between 12 and 16 years old belonging to the Technification program for minors of the Valencian Padel Federation. The players completed a test battery that consisted of different tests: CMJ jump, internal and external shoulder rotator strength, manual dynamometry, functional upper body strength (forehand throw, backhand throw, bilateral overhead throw, and serve throw), smash speed, 5 × 10 m agility test, and tapas test. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS software for Windows (Version 25.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The results showed that the boys obtained significantly higher values in the tests of dynamometry, speed, agility (tapas test), and throws (forehand, backhand, serve, and over the head), and the girls obtained significantly higher values in the test of shoulder external rotation (non-dominant). At the same time, the force variables were significantly and positively related to each other. The CMJ values are also significantly and positively correlated with the variables of shoulder rotation, sprint speed, and medicine ball throws. Regarding agility, significant and positive correlations were found in the tapas test. However, the 5 × 10 m test showed negative and significant correlations with some variables. It has been observed that the results obtained coincide with the results found in other studies carried out with players of the same age in other sports, such as tennis and soccer.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors of Ankle Sprain in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Amir Human Hoveidaei, Amir Reza Moradi, Amin Nakhostin-Ansari, Mohammad Mehdi Mousavi Nasab, Seyed Pouya Taghavi, Shayan Eghdami, Bijan Forogh, Masumeh Bagherzadeh Cham, Christopher J Murdock","doi":"10.3390/sports13040105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Soccer is associated with substantial injury risk, with reported between 13 to 35 injuries per 1000 player-hours of competitive play. Notably, approximately 77% of soccer-related ankle injuries are attributed to ankle sprain injuries (ASIs). ASI can lead to chronic ankle instability, obesity, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This study focuses on identifying factors such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and a history of ASIs, which contribute to the development of ASI in soccer players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2023 across databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest, without applying any filters. Keywords included ankle, ankle joint, sprain, risk factors, etc. Data extraction was performed on the included studies, with findings standardized and analyzed using Stata Statistical Software: Release 17 to determine a weighted treatment effect.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our systematic review included 26 studies. The meta-analysis revealed that a history of ankle sprain is the most significant risk factor for future ASIs. BMI emerged as a risk factor in three out of seven studies, while age and height were significant in one out of six studies each. Gender and weight were not found to significantly affect ASI occurrence. Other factors identified but not subjected to a meta-analysis due to methodological heterogeneity or insufficient studies included playing surface, joint laxity, muscle weakness, match congestion, strength asymmetries, ground reaction forces, balance maintenance, skill level, and playing position.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research contributes valuable insights into the prevention of ASIs in soccer, highlighting the importance of previous ankle sprains and playing surface quality. These findings assist sports professionals in developing optimal conditions and strategies for effective ankle sprain prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031617/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationships Between Sport-Specific Anaerobic Tests, Interlimb Asymmetry, and Bilateral Deficit as Measured from Vertical Jump Performances in Highly Trained Taekwondo Athletes.","authors":"Ibrahim Ouergui, Slaheddine Delleli, Gennaro Apollaro, Hamdi Messaoudi, Rafael Lima Kons, Craig Alan Bridge, Hamdi Chtourou, Emerson Franchini, Emanuela Faelli, Luca Paolo Ardigò","doi":"10.3390/sports13040103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study investigated the effect of inter-limb asymmetry and bilateral indexes (BLIs) in power performance, assessed by squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), on sport-specific anaerobic performance. Forty-eight taekwondo athletes (24 males and 24 females; mean ± SD, age: 19.8 ± 2.1 years) performed randomly, in separate sessions, SJ and CMJ tests using the right, left, and both legs to determine the asymmetry and BLI, the 10 s Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT_10s), and its multiple version (FSKT_mult). FSKT_10s was positively correlated with CMJ asymmetry (ρ = 0.299, <i>p</i> = 0.039, low) and SJ BLI (r = 0.596, <i>p</i> < 0.001, large), and negatively correlated with CMJ BLI (r = -0.472, <i>p</i> = 0.001, moderate). Similarly, FSKT_mult was positively correlated with SJ BLI (ρ = 0.632, <i>p</i> < 0.001, large), and negatively correlated with CMJ BLI (ρ = -0.532, <i>p</i> < 0.001, large). CMJ and SJ BLI explained 45.9% of the variance of the FSKT_10s performance, whilst they explained 55.7% of the variance of FSKT_mult performance. These results highlight the importance of managing both interlimb asymmetry and bilateral deficit indexes to achieve better performance by improving the strength of the non-dominant leg and using exercises that are performed bilaterally despite unilateral movements being predominant in taekwondo, which can potentially enhance the effectiveness in sport-specific actions.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12030813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144063271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methods for Capturing and Quantifying Contact Events in Collision Sports.","authors":"Craig Bolger, Jocelyn Mara, Byron Field, David B Pyne, Andrew J McKune","doi":"10.3390/sports13040102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Technological advancements have led to widespread use of wearable devices that capture external performance metrics in team sports. Tracking systems including global positioning system (GPS) technology with inbuilt microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), instrumented mouthguards (iMGs), and video analysis provide valuable insights into the contact demands of collision sports. In collision sports, successfully \"winning the contact\" is positively associated with better individual and team performance, but it also comes with a high risk of injury, posing a concern for player welfare. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these contact events is important in order for coaches and practitioners to adequately prepare players for competition and can simultaneously reduce the burden on athletes. Different methods have been developed for detecting contact events, although limitations of the current methods include validity and reliability issues, varying thresholds, algorithm inconsistencies, and a lack of code- and sex-specific algorithms. In this review, we evaluate common methods for capturing contact events in team collision sports and detail a new method for assessing contact intensity through notational analysis, offering a potential alternative for capturing contact events that are currently challenging to detect through microtechnology alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031581/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144042561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of External and Internal Training Loads in Elite Junior Male Tennis Players During Offensive vs. Defensive Strategy Conditions: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Péter János Tóth, Gabriella Trzaskoma-Bicsérdy, Łukasz Trzaskoma, János Négyesi, Károly Dobos, Krisztián Havanecz, Sándor Sáfár, Csaba Ökrös","doi":"10.3390/sports13040101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of our pilot study was to investigate the effects of offensive and defensive strategy conditions on external and internal training load factors in male tennis players. This study included six elite junior male tennis players (chronological age: 15.7 ± 1.0; body height: 180.7 ± 6.5 cm; body mass: 71.0 ± 10.8 kg) who had to play two simulated matches. Among the external training load variables, running activities were measured with a GPS sensor operating at 10 Hz and a 100 Hz tri-axial piezoelectric linear accelerometer integrated into it; furthermore, tennis shot activities were measured with a tennis racket-mounted smart sensor. Internal training load was measured subjectively using the RPE method. The results show that players scored significantly higher on the PlayerLoad (<i>p</i> = 0.031; r = 0.90) and IMA CoD low right (<i>p</i> = 0.031; r = 0.90) running variables and on the forehand spin (<i>p</i> = 0.031; r = 0.90) and backhand spin (<i>p</i> = 0.031; r = 0.90) when using a defensive strategy. There were no significant differences between the two strategy conditions in all other external and internal training load parameters. The defensive strategy has more acceleration in all three planes of motion, suggesting that conditioning training should be placed in the intermittent endurance capacities for players who predominantly use this strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Modified Tabata Training on Segmental Fat Accumulation, Muscle Mass, Muscle Thickness, and Physical and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Overweight and Obese Participants: A Randomized Control Trial.","authors":"Tadsawiya Padkao, Piyapong Prasertsri","doi":"10.3390/sports13040099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to examine changes in body fat, muscle mass, muscle thickness, and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese individuals following progressive Tabata training. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to either the Tabata group (four progressive cycles of body-weight high-intensity intermittent training at 75-85% of maximum perceived exertion, 3 days/week for 12 weeks) or the control group. Body composition, muscle thickness, strength and endurance, and peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) were measured at baseline and after the training period and compared between groups. No changes in body fat percentage and fat mass were found, but the waist-to-hip ratio was lower in the Tabata group (<i>p</i> = 0.043). The muscle mass percentages of the right (<i>p</i> = 0.026) and left legs (<i>p</i> = 0.043) increased, while the muscle thicknesses of the biceps, triceps, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius were increased in the Tabata group (<i>p</i> < 0.05) to a greater extent than in the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Muscle strength and endurance (<i>p</i> < 0.05), as well as VO₂peak (<i>p</i> = 0.006), also increased in the Tabata group. Twelve weeks of modified Tabata training effectively increased muscle mass and thickness and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness, although it did not reduce fat mass in overweight and obese participants. The combination of this training with a dietary intervention may have a more obvious impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031532/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Consuming Mineral Water from the \"Topla Voda\" Spring on the Body Composition and Functional and Biochemical Parameters of Professional Male Handball Athletes: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Djordje Batinic, Andrija Djuranovic, Milos Maletic, Sanja Stankovic, Vladimir Zivkovic, Dejan Stanojevic, Sergey Bolevich, Milan Savic, Vladimir Jakovljevic","doi":"10.3390/sports13040100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adequate hydration is crucial to an athlete's health and performance. There is some evidence that the different compositions of various mineral water types may improve exercise performance and affect different biomarkers. The aim was to investigate the consumption of mineral water from the \"Topla voda\" spring in terms of its safety profile and its effect on body composition and functional and biochemical parameters in professional athletes. During the preparation phase of their mesocycle, 14 male professional handball players underwent a complete sports medical screening exam with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), blood gas analysis, and oxidative stress marker dynamics taken at four points during the CPET. The athletes were then randomized into two equal groups; the first group consumed mineral water, and the second group consumed tap water. After four weeks, the biochemical analysis and CPET were repeated. Routine analyses showed that the \"mineral water\" group had increased their mean corpuscular hemoglobin (ANCOVA = 0.050) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (ANCOVA = 0.001) and had a greater metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value at the end of the test (ANCOVA = 0.049), with no significant changes in the other measured parameters. Consuming \"mineral water\" appears to be safe, with some potential positive effects compared with tap water, mostly in terms of hemoglobin parameters and exercise tolerance.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031458/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fecal Microbiota and Associated Metabolites Are Minimally Affected by Ten Weeks of Resistance Training in Younger and Older Adults.","authors":"Anthony Agyin-Birikorang, Sarah Lennon, Kristen S Smith, William Van Der Pol, Morgan A Smith, Casey L Sexton, Donald A Lamb, Kaelin C Young, Christopher Brooks Mobley, Kevin W Huggins, Michael D Roberts, Andrew Dandridge Frugé","doi":"10.3390/sports13040098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Preclinical evidence suggests that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota may impact body composition and muscle growth. While aging is implicated in negative alterations to the gut microbiome, exercise may mitigate these changes. Limited human evidence indicates that resistance training (RT) does not appreciably alter the gut microbiome in older adults, and no human study has examined whether resistance training differentially alters the gut microbiome and associated SCFAs between younger and older individuals. Therefore, we examined whether 10 weeks of RT differentially altered fecal microbiota composition, fecal and circulating SCFAs, and serum markers associated with gastrointestinal integrity in two cohorts of adults. Fecal and serum samples were obtained from untrained younger (22 ± 2 years, n = 12) and older (58 ± 8 years, n = 12) participants prior to and following 10 weeks of supervised twice-weekly full-body RT. Outcome measures immediately before (PRE) and after the intervention (POST) included dual X-ray absorptiometry for body composition, ultrasound for vastus lateralis (VL) thickness, 16S rRNA gene sequencing fecal microbiome data, serum and fecal SCFAs measured by gas chromatography, and serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG-1) quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Main effects and interactions were measured by repeated measures analysis of variance (group × time; G × T) for all dependent variables, and Spearman correlations were used to explore relationships among changes in relevant outcomes. The intervention significantly increased VL thickness and lean body mass (<i>p</i> < 0.05) equally in both groups. Although group differences in microbiome beta diversity were identified, no effects of age, time, or their interaction were observed for the alpha diversity measures. Seven SCFAs were detected in the fecal samples, albeit no significant age, time, or interaction effects were evident. In serum, acetic acid was the only SCFA detected, with no significant age, time, or interaction effects. Serum LRG1 decreased for all participants (<i>p</i> = 0.007) with higher levels in younger adults (<i>p</i> = 0.015), but no G × T interactions were observed for this marker, serum FABP2, or LBP. No significant correlations were observed among RT-induced changes in muscle mass-related outcomes and changes in fecal microbiome diversity, total or individual SCFAs, or serum FABP2/LBP/LRG-1. These results highlight that 10 weeks of RT largely does not affect fecal microbiota, associated SCFAs, or select markers of gastrointestinal integrity in untrained younger or older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Influencing Sport Persistence Along the Socio-Ecological Model-A Presentation of Sport Persistence Models Based on the Findings of a Representative Hungarian Sample.","authors":"Karolina Eszter Kovács","doi":"10.3390/sports13040097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Sport persistence, defined as an athlete's behavioural commitment to sport, is influenced by various psychological, social, and environmental factors. This study examines sport persistence using an ecological framework, incorporating Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model and Bauman's multi-level physical activity model. It aims to identify the key determinants of sport persistence among Hungarian athletes and differentiate the influencing factors for competitive and recreational athletes. <b>Methods</b>: The study analysed data from 1105 Hungarian (518 male, 557 female) secondary (<i>n</i> = 478) and university (<i>n</i> = 626) students who pursued competitive (<i>n</i> = 533) or recreational (<i>n</i> = 572) sports. A structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic factors, sport-specific variables, psychological characteristics, and environmental influences. Statistical analyses were applied to identify predictors of sport persistence. <b>Results</b>: For competitive athletes, persistence was most strongly predicted by goal orientation (β = 0.322; <i>p</i> < 0.001), win orientation (β = 0.156; <i>p</i> = 0.001), resilience (β = 0.161; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and training frequency (β = 0.122; <i>p</i> = 0.017). In contrast, recreational athletes' persistence was linked to task orientation (β = 0.092; <i>p</i> = 0.013), well-being (β = 0.092; <i>p</i> = 0.008), and social support (β = 0.084; <i>p</i> = 0.006). The father's employment status had a positive effect on persistence, while broader socio-demographic factors were more relevant for recreational athletes. The role of micro-, exo-, and macro-system factors, such as peer or teacher support and sport infrastructure, was found to be limited in influencing persistence levels. <b>Conclusions</b>: Sport persistence is primarily driven by individual psychological factors rather than broader ecological influences. Competitive athletes show persistence through performance-oriented traits, while recreational athletes rely more on well-being and motivation. These findings suggest that tailored interventions could enhance sport persistence and performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12030790/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Recreational Physical Activity in Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in the Greek Population: Public Health and Sustainability Implications.","authors":"Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ioannis Trigonis, Aglaia Zafeiroudi, Olga Kouli, Vasileios Papacharisis, Dionisis Stavrousis","doi":"10.3390/sports13040095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13040095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is renowned for its health benefits and cultural significance in Mediterranean populations. The present study investigates the question of whether individuals who participate in recreational activities exhibit higher adherence to the MedDiet than those who do not engage in such activities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with participants completing questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, MedDiet adherence, and dietary habits. A total of 1055 participants of both sexes with an average age of 32.2 ± 10.1 years participated in the survey, and they were classified based on their engagement in recreational physical activity. Statistical analyses included independent samples <i>t</i>-tests, chi-squared tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis. The results demonstrated that physically active individuals exhibited significantly higher adherence to the MedDiet than non-exercisers (<i>p</i> < 0.001), supporting the hypothesis that exercise is associated with healthier dietary choices. Regression analysis further revealed that exercise, olive oil consumption, and family meals were significant predictors of MedDiet adherence. Additionally, group comparisons highlighted differences in BMI (<i>p</i> < 0.001), meal frequency (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and food preparation habits (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating that exercisers were more likely to adopt a holistic Mediterranean lifestyle. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity with dietary education in public health policies. Promoting an active lifestyle alongside MedDiet principles may enhance overall well-being and contribute to sustainable health strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12031477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}