Sleep disorders have increased in Brazil, favoring metabolic alterations and a higher risk of chronic diseases. At the same time, excess weight affects more than half of the adult population. Evidence indicates that short sleep duration contributes to higher food intake and obesity, while healthy habits such as balanced nutrition and physical activity are fundamental in the prevention of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Therefore, this study evaluated nutritional status, cardiovascular risk, and sleep quality in physically active adults. This was cross-sectional observational study conducted with 79 adults aged 19 to 59 years who regularly practiced physical activity in gyms in Barbacena, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, weight, height, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to height ratio were collected. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using R software through descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression, adopting a 5% significance level. The sample was predominantly female (62%), with a mean age of 33.7 years. A high prevalence of overweight was observed (48%), with a mean body mass index of 26.6 kg/m. Poor sleep quality was reported by 54.4% of the participants, with a mean score of 5.9 points. Body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio differed between sexes. No significant association was found between sleep quality and age, sex, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, or training period. These findings highlight the importance of integrated health promotion strategies that consider both nutritional status and sleep quality.
This study investigated culinary skills among exercise practitioners-weight training, cross-training, and street running. The design was cross-sectional, and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and culinary profile information were collected through an online questionnaire, including the Brazilian Questionnaire of Culinary Skills and Healthy Eating (QBHC). The sample, composed of 82 people aged 18-70 years, was predominantly young, 18-25 years old (42.7%), female (61.7%), white (82.7%), with a high school diploma (58.6%), and with a prevalence of overweight (46.3%) or normal weight (34.2%). Most had been weight training (81.7%) for more than 5 years (31.7%) and reported knowing how to cook (87.7%). Good availability of fruits and vegetables at home was observed, especially among women. The highest scores were observed on the Culinary Self-Efficacy (3.97), Self-Efficacy for the Use of Fruits, Vegetables, and Seasonings (3.71), and Culinary Attitude (3.70) scales. Participants who considered themselves skilled in the kitchen (87.7%) showed more positive attitudes toward preparing home-cooked meals and greater confidence in using basic techniques and fresh ingredients, despite limited technical knowledge. It is concluded that those who practice physical exercise consider themselves capable of cooking and have a satisfactory level of culinary skills, although they demonstrate low knowledge of culinary techniques.
Caffeine is widely consumed by resistance training practitioners, particularly when ingested prior to exercise. Its use is associated with its recognized ergogenic potential in the sports context, being employed as a strategy to enhance readiness, alertness, and training intensity during strength training sessions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the ergogenic effects of caffeine on muscular strength performance, assessed through the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in four resistance exercises: barbell curl, cable triceps pushdown, leg press, and knee extension. Materials and Methods: A randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled crossover design was adopted, involving 11 participants. The volunteers performed 1RM tests on two separate occasions, receiving either caffeine (6 mg/kg) or placebo in a randomized order. Data were analyzed using paired statistical tests (paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, according to data distribution), with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the caffeine and placebo conditions in muscular strength performance across the exercises evaluated, suggesting that the ergogenic effects of caffeine may vary according to exercise type and individual characteristics. Conclusion: Future studies with larger sample sizes, greater control of individual variables, and the inclusion of genetic analyses are necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms and to identify responder profiles to caffeine supplementation in strength training.
Objective: To analyze the content and characteristics of videos about muscle hypertrophy published on TikTok. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study using the following search terms on TikTok: "dieta para hipertrofia," "dieta para ganhar massa magra," "dieta para ganhar m & uacute;sculo," and "bulking". For each hashtag, the first 30 videos displayed by the platform's algorithm were selected. Variables related to the characteristics and content of the videos were collected, such as: content link, year of publication, number of views, number of comments, number of saves, number of likes, number of shares, presence of audio, video duration, presence of subtitles/captions, professional credentials, category of activity, information in the profile biography, professional registration, and whether the creator was a student in the health field. Finally, content aspects were evaluated: main category, presence of references to dietary individuality, indication of health care, existence of commercial purpose and its type, indication of specific diets or supplements, mention of quantities or recommendations, body exposure, presence of promises of results, and use of sources for content construction. Results: A total of 106 videos were included. Most videos were produced by creators without professional identification or credentials. The majority presented the creator's own diet, often without describing individual needs or professional guidance, and were associated with body exposure and promises of results. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the risk of disseminating inaccurate information and highlight the importance of professional involvement in sharing safe and high-quality content, prioritizing user safety.
The study aimed to analyze the profile and level of knowledge of weight training practitioners in Montes Claros-MG about intermittent fasting. It is about a descriptive, quantitative, and crosssectional research conducted with 103 individuals of both sexes, aged 18 years or older. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire, applied online and analyzed using SPSS software version 29.0. They were observed a predominance of female sex (58.3%) and a high level of education (93.2% with completed or incomplete higher education). Most participants (99%) reported to know about intermittent fasting, however 52.4% had never practiced it and 67% had not received professional guidance. Social media was the main source of information (36.9%), followed by healthcare professionals (34%). The main reason for adopting the practice was weight loss (29.1%), while 76.7% stated that they had a low or reasonable level of knowledge about the subject. The findings indicate that, despite the widespread promotion of intermittent fasting, the practice is mostly carried out without adequate nutritional guidance, which can lead to health risks and compromise physical performance. It is concluded that there is a need for greater professional guidance and food education focused on the safe and conscious use of intermittent fasting among weight training practitioners.
Padel is a high-intensity intermittent sport, with increasing female participation and a recognized prevalence of injuries. Low energy availability (LEA) is related to the Female Athlete Triad and REDS syndrome, which impair physiological functions. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between scores obtained by recreational female padel players in the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and body composition. This is a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study, conducted between July and October 2025, with 15 participants aged 18 to 40 years from a city in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul. The LEAF-Q and a sports profile questionnaire were applied, in addition to anthropometric assessment. One third (33,3%) of the players presented risk for clinical symptoms of the Triad, mainly gastrointestinal disturbances (46,7%), however most reported receiving nutritional guidance (73,3%). In the anthropometric assessment, 20% were classified as good, 20% adequate, 20% moderately high, and 20% high, while the remaining 20% fell into extreme categories. Although no significant associations or correlations were observed, there was a moderate trend indicating that LEA risk was more related to training volume (r = 0,37) than to body fat percentage (r =-0,19). The findings reinforce the importance of nutritional follow-up and monitoring of energy availability even at recreational levels. As the first application of the LEAF-Q in padel players, this study expands understanding of this still underexplored population and opens avenues for future research.
Whey-based protein supplements, popularly known as Whey Protein, have been gaining notoriety among physical activity practitioners in recent years. The increase in consumption, often without professional guidance, contributes to an increase in the incidence of health problems caused by misuse of the product. Aiming at these risks, ANVISA implemented resolutions, aiming to assist in the supervision of companies and consumer safety. Considering that disagreements between quantified and labeled values have already been found in previous studies, the purpose of this research was to investigate whether companies are marketing their supplements with protein content equivalent to that labeled and in accordance with legislation. For this, the method used was the biuret method, where 11 single doses of Whey Protein, purchased in stores in Guarapuava, were analyzed. From the results found, it was observed that the variation in protein content ranged from-61.7% to + 10.2% between the samples, where it was found that only Whey Protein E failed the evaluated parameters, while A and F kept their values more reliable than those reported. In this way, the need for better supervision by the competent bodies in relation to the quality control of supplements was ascertained.
Introduction: Body composition assessment is essential in the clinical field, as it allows identification of health risks related to excess body fat and guides appropriate nutritional strategies. Objective: To compare body fat percentage in resistance training practitioners using skinfold thickness (ST), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and ultrasound (US). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 27 active individuals of both sexes, aged 20 to 40 years. Data collection included the application of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and anthropometric assessment through weight, height, and body composition measurements, with individuals fasting. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to verify data normality, and a paired t test was applied to compare the methods analyzed in the study. The typical error of measurement was employed to assess the variation in body fat percentage estimated by US compared with values obtained from ST and BIA. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: In men, significant differences were found between US and ST (p=0.03) and between US and BIA (p=0.01). In women, a significant difference was found between US and BIA (p=0.01), but not between US and ST (p=0.86). Conclusion: In men, BIA showed the highest body fat values, followed by ST and then US. In women, the difference occurred only between BIA and US, with BIA being the method that showed the highest percentage.
Dietary supplements are products administered orally or enterally to complement nutrition. Recent studies indicate that some of these products may be contaminated with undeclared substances, especially anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), posing health risks. Objective: To review the main substances improperly present in commercial supplements, discuss the associated adverse effects, and highlight the role of biotechnological analytical methods in detecting and preventing such contaminations. Materials and methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Scielo, and Lilacs databases. Conclusion: The use of supplements contaminated with AAS is associated with significant damage to the liver, nervous, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Biotechnological methods, such as GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS, and NMR, demonstrate high sensitivity, which is essential for identifying undeclared substances and protecting consumers.
Trail and mountain running has been growing within the sports landscape and, due to the complexity of the sport and its high energy demands, requires effective nutritional and supplementation strategies during training and races. Although assessing nutritional knowledge is relevant, studies that examine the relationship between this variable and supplement use in this population are scarce in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the level of nutritional knowledge and the use of supplements among trail and mountain runners participating in endurance (EN) and ultraendurance (UEN) events. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a convenience sample of 186 runners participating in the 2024 La Misi & oacute;n Brasil race in the 7 km, 15 km, 25 km, 35 km, 55 km, and 80 km categories. A questionnaire assessing nutritional knowledge and supplement use was applied. Runners were divided into two groups: EN (7 km, 15 km, 25 km, and 35 km) and UEN (55 km and 80 km). The groups demonstrated low nutritional knowledge (EN-90.24% and UEN-92.06%), and 93% of the total sample reported using dietary supplements. An association was observed between low nutritional knowledge and the lack of proper strategies regarding supplement use, often influenced by trends or inadequate recommendations. In summary, these findings highlight, through mean comparison, a relationship between low nutritional knowledge and high supplement consumption, emphasizing the need to guide runners on the rational use of supplements and their implications for health and performance.
Gaining lean muscle mass and losing fat are the main goals of many individuals who practice weight training. The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), especially among young people, remains common despite the serious health risks. In this context, herbal substances with potential anabolic effects have emerged, such as the extract of Ajuga turkestanica. However, scientific studies involving this plant are scarce, which motivated the development of this study. The research involved 20 healthy adult men who practiced weight training and consumed Ajuga turkestanica extract for 8 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group (placebo) and an experimental group (extract). Both groups underwent anamnesis, anthropometric assessment, dietary intake analysis, and biochemical tests at the beginning and end of the study. Data analysis was performed using Excel and JAMOVI software, applying ANOVA and Student's t-test, with significance set at p <= 0.05. Over the 8-week period, there were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric variables or dietary intake, except for cholesterol levels. Regarding biochemical parameters, an increase in urea and cortisol was observed in the control group, which was not seen in the experimental group, suggesting a possible anti-catabolic effect of the extract. Supplementation with Ajuga turkestanica dry extract proved to be safe for healthy young adults, showing no side effects or alterations in liver and kidney function parameters. However, the supplementation was ineffective in promoting lean mass gain or muscle hypertrophy in these individuals.
Road running is a widely practiced sport due to its accessibility and health benefits. Physiological and nutritional factors, such as carbohydrate intake, glycemic response, and body weight control, directly influence performance and physiological responses to exercise. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate blood glucose variation, body weight loss, and perceived exertion (RPE) in amateur runners, as well as to investigate their association with pre-exercise carbohydrate consumption. Twenty-six runners of both sexes were assessed before and after a running session. Body weight, capillary glucose, RPE, and self-reported carbohydrate intake were measured. Average body weight loss was 0.377 +/- 0.253 kg, significantly higher in men. Blood glucose averaged 109 +/- 29.7 mg/dL pre-exercise and 105 +/- 21.2 mg/dL post-exercise, indicating a slight reduction. Mean carbohydrate intake was 28.7 +/- 23.2 g, and RPE was slightly higher in women, with no significant difference. A moderate inverse correlation was observed between total carbohydrate intake and glycemic variation (r =-0.453; p=0.02), suggesting a protective effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate consumption on glycemic stability. These findings indicate that adequate carbohydrate intake before running supports glucose maintenance, reduces perceived exertion, and improves physiological responses, highlighting the importance of individualized nutritional guidance for recreational runners.
Street running, a popular sport in Brazil, imposes high metabolic demands that can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, compromising performance. The objective was to investigate the relationship between diet quality, eating behavior, and the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in Brazilian recreational runners. This was a cross-sectional observational study with 195 runners. Data collection was online, using validated questionnaires to assess diet quality (QAS), eating behavior (TFEQ-R21, ECAP, Emotional Eating Scale), and gastrointestinal symptoms (Exercise-Related GI Symptoms Questionnaire, GSRS). The sample was predominantly female (53.8%), with a average age of 38.3 +/- 12.0 years. The overall dietary pattern showed high nutritional quality (94.4% consuming whole or minimally processed foods). However, 21.0% of participants reported frequent gastrointestinal symptoms (score >= 3), with flatulence/gas being the most prevalent (72.8%). Multiple linear regression identified uncontrolled eating (beta=0.29, p=0.008) and discomfort with supplements (beta=0.34, p=0.042) as significant predictors of gastrointestinal symptom frequency. Mediation analysis revealed that cognitive restriction indirectly affects gastrointestinal symptoms through increased supplement intolerance. Despite a high-quality diet, aspects of eating behavior and intolerance to energy supplements are crucial factors predicting the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutritional interventions should address eating behavior and the individualization of supplementation to optimize the gastrointestinal health and performance of this population.
Vegetarianism, characterized by the exclusion of animal-derived products, is increasingly present in individuals' dietary habits. interest in understanding the impacts of vegetarian diets on athletic performance, particularly in strength and endurance. However, the results of these studies are still inconclusive. Some indicate benefits, while others observe no significant differences or suggest risks to athletic performance with this diet. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the effects of vegetarian diets on strength and endurance performance in athletes. Materials and Methods: Methodological procedures for systematic reviews were applied. The eligibility of studies considered the investigated population, intervention, comparisons, and conducted in two phases to identify studies published in the last 15 years, considering three databases: PubMed, SciELO, and Web of descriptors from DeCS. The titles and abstracts in both strength and endurance.
Energy deficit presents deleterious physiological consequences, which in the sports context may lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), impacting both health and athletic performance. Aiming to understand if the energy deficit can influence the levels of biochemical parameters in handball athletes, this quantitative crosssectional study was conducted with adult male handball athletes. All adult athletes from the handball team of a community university in Itajai-SC were invited to participate in the research. Based on their dietary intake, body composition, and energy expenditure during exercise, energy availability (EA) was calculated, and according to the results, the athletes were divided into two groups: low energy availability (LEA), being athletes with EA below 30 kcal/kg, and adequate energy availability (AEA), being those with EA above 30 kcal/kg. Biochemical tests were collected simultaneously. 14 participants completed all stages of the study, of which 10 were assigned to the LEA group and 4 to the AEA group. Disparity was observed between the groups in the results of lipid profile, cortisol, total testosterone and free testosterone. Both groups presented low levels of vitamin D. The parameters of complete blood count, white blood cell count, platelets, platelet volume, ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, creatinine, urea, SGOT, SGPT, and glucose showed no alterations. It was concluded that there was a tendency for reduced testosterone levels and worse lipid profile results in the DEB group, suggesting a physiological impact of this energy imbalance on biochemical parameters.
Introduction: Adequate sleep is vital for young athletes, and diet may play a role in sleep quality. This is especially relevant for apprentice jockeys who face unique physical and nutritional demands. Objective: To examine the relationship between dietary habits and sleep quality in apprentice jockeys at the Turkish Center. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male apprentice jockeys (15-18 years) completed 7-day food and fluid intake records. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Anthropometric measurements were collected. Associations between nutrient intake and PSQI correlation. Results: The mean PSQI score was 4.96 +/- 2.84, and 41.7% of participants were poor sleepers. Total energy and macronutrient intake were not associated with overall PSQI. relationships with specific sleep components. was linked to better subjective sleep quality, aspects of sleep.
Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidant mechanisms, being intensified during high-intensity physical exercise. This process compromises cellular integrity, triggers inflammation, and reduces physical performance. In this context, there is growing interest in bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, due to their ability to modulate antioxidant and inflammatory pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polyphenols on oxidative stress induced by intense physical exercise, with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential of Oxalis latifolia. An integrative literature review was conducted, including articles published between 2019 and 2025 in the PubMed and Scopus databases, complemented by a manual search of reference lists. A total of 26 studies were selected, which demonstrated the protective effects of polyphenols, mainly through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), responsible for the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, inhibition of the inflammatory pathway mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was observed, resulting in the attenuation of the inflammatory response. These mechanisms culminate in the reduction of ROS, tissue preservation, and improvement of physical performance. It is concluded that, although specific experimental evidence on O. latifolia is still lacking, its phytochemical composition supports its therapeutic potential in mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress.
Objective: This abstract aims to synthesize the literature on the effects of resistance training combined with whey protein supplementation, highlighting evidence from both animal and human models, as well as benefits, potential risks, and knowledge gaps. Materials and Methods: This study is an literature review, which consists of constructing an analysis of the results and methods applied and reflections on future studies, obtaining, throughout the research, an understanding of the phenomenon, used based on previous studies. Results: Evidence shows that whey protein, due to its high biological value and rapid digestibility, enhances the responses to resistance exercise. Studies report significant increases in muscle mass, improved post-exercise recovery, and greater cardiac contractile capacity. In addition, reductions in fat mass and improvements in metabolic profile, including glycemia and insulin sensitivity, have been observed. Leucine, an amino acid abundant in whey protein, plays a central role by directly stimulating protein synthesis. Although high protein intake still raises concerns about potential renal or hepatic risks, investigations indicate that supplementation at recommended doses is safe in healthy individuals. Conclusion: The combination of resistance training and whey protein supplementation is an effective strategy to improve body composition, physical performance, and metabolic parameters, in addition to promoting beneficial cardiac adaptations. Despite the promising results, further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, assess long-term effects, and establish optimal supplementation protocols.
To analyze the effects of resistance training whey protein supplementation, and anabolic-androgenic steroids use on cardiac hypertrophy, body composition, and metabolic health, highlighting differences between physiological and pathological adaptations. Narrative review of scientific articles, systematic reviews, and experimental studies published between 1995 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, Scielo, and Web of Science. Studies included involved humans and animals investigating resistance training, whey protein, and anabolic-androgenic steroids, focusing on cardiac hypertrophy, muscle mass, body composition, and metabolic parameters. Resistance training promotes physiological hypertrophy (muscular and cardiac), enhancing strength, neuromuscular coordination, and glycemic control. Whey protein supplementation synergizes with these effects, optimizing protein synthesis, cardiac architecture, and lipid/blood pressure profiles. Conversely, supraphysiological doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids induce pathological adaptations, including cardiac fibrosis, ventricular dysfunction, insulin resistance, and increased risk of myocardial infarction. While combining exercise with whey protein yields adaptive cardiovascular benefits, anabolic-androgenic steroids intake results in deleterious systemic effects that persist despite physical training. The resistance training combined with protein supplementation promotes beneficial physiological adaptations, while indiscriminate anabolic-androgenic steroids use at high doses results in pathological hypertrophy and elevated cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the importance of professional prescription and monitoring.
To investigate the effects of creatine supplementation, either isolated or in association with metformin, on adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in Wistar rats, analyzing functional jumping performance and body composition. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8): Control (vehicle), Creatine (loading phase: 0.430 gkg-1 for 5 days; maintenance: 0.143 gkg-1), and Creatine + Metformin (identical creatine protocol associated with 250 mgkg-1 of metformin). Substances were administered daily via oral gavage 60 minutes prior to exercise. The HIIT protocol consisted of water jumps (4 sets of 10 repetitions, 5 days/week, with 50-70% overload) for eight weeks. Performance was assessed weekly through exhaustion tests, and body mass was monitored for dosage adjustment. There was a significant improvement in jumping performance over the eight-week period across all groups (main effect of time: F = 6.77; p<0.01). However, no significant differences were observed between groups regarding repetition counts (group effect: F = 0.43; p=0.64; time x group interaction: F = 1.04; p=0.41). Similarly, changes in body mass were influenced solely by time (p<0.01), with no significant group effects (p=0.08). Creatine supplementation, whether isolated or combined with metformin, did not provide additional ergogenic benefits to the adaptations induced by HIIT in healthy rats. These results suggest that potential metabolic interactions between these compounds do not translate into functional gains or alterations in body composition within this experimental model.
