Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Composition and Performance in Beach Handball Players: A Cross Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutrition Science
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Beach handball (BH) performance is influenced by individual strength and team dynamics.
• Body composition is a key factor in athletic performance, significantly affected by dietary habits.
• The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized for its health benefits and promoted for young athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess body composition, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence in beach handball players.
• To examine age and sex-based differences in these variables among players.
• To explore the relationship between MD adherence, body composition, and performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 59 Spanish beach handball players (38 male, 21 female) across junior and senior categories.
• Data collected included body composition via electrical bioimpedance and strength via handgrip and jump tests.
• Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire; statistical analysis involved correlations.

Main Results:

• Lower MD adherence in females correlated with higher weight, lower lean body mass, and poorer performance.
• Male players showed significant differences in weight and lean body mass between junior and senior categories.
• A correlation was observed between MD adherence and weight, particularly in junior players.

Conclusions:

• Adequate eating habits, specifically adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), are linked to optimal weight in beach handball athletes.
• The findings highlight the importance of nutrition for body composition and performance in this sport.
• Junior beach handball players demonstrate a clear relationship between MD adherence and body weight.