Athlete’s Passport: Prevention of Infections, Inflammations, Injuries and Cardiovascular Diseases

Gentile

et al. 2021

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Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate illness. The new variant COVID-19 has started to spread rapidly since December 2019, posing a new threat to global health. To counter the spread of the virus, the Italian government forced the population to close all activities starting from 9 March 2020 to 4 May 2020. In this scenario, we conducted a cross-sectional study on a heterogeneous sample (average age of 28 ± 12 years, 62.6% females) of the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). The aim of the study was to describe the lifestyle change in the university population during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic. Participants compiled an online survey consisting of 3 sections: socio-demographic data, dietary behaviours, physical activity habits and psychological aspects. The different results by gender are: 90.8% of females continued to work from home (81.9% were students); 34.8% increased their physical activity; and, only 0.8% prefer ready meals. Whereas, the same percentage of men continued to work from home (90%), but only 72.1% were students (p < 0.001 vs. females), only 23.9% increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and 1.7% favous ready meals. Our data shows that the male population was more affected by isolation and quarantine reporting more unfavourable behavioural changes.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Activity, Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity Habits of University Population of Naples, Federico II-Italy

Gentile

et al. 2021

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“…In conclusion, the urine test could be included in the laboratory analyzes [ 72 ] that would safeguard the athlete’s health and improve physical performance.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Urinary Biomarkers: Diagnostic Tools for Monitoring Athletes’ Health Status

Pero

et al. 2020

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Acute or intense exercise is sometimes related to infections of the urinary tract. It can also lead to incorrect hydration as well as incorrect glomerular filtration due to the presence of high-molecular-weight proteins that cause damage to the kidneys. In this context, our study lays the foundations for the use of a urine test in a team of twelve male basketball players as a means of monitoring numerous biochemical parameters, including pH, specific weight, color, appearance, presence of bacterial cells, presence of squamous cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, proteins, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, hemoglobin, nitrite, and leukocyte esterase, to prevent and/or treat the onset of pathologies, prescribe personalized treatments for each athlete, and monitor the athletes’ health status.

“…Therefore, because physical activity is relevant for all ages [57,58], moderate exercise combined with satisfactory nutrition are protective factors against cardiovascular disease, muscular-skeletal disorders, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cellular aging [57][58][59][60][61][62]. Moreover, it is well known that acute or strenuous exercise can lead to muscle injuries, cardiovascular maladaptation, and dysregulation of gut microbiota [63][64][65][66][67][68]. For these and other reasons, appropriate nutrition and adequate supplementation are necessary.…”

Section: Micronutrient Diseases Referencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Biological Role of Vitamins in Athletes’ Muscle, Heart and Microbiota

Cesaro

et al. 2022

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Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies, and a decrease in physical performance during competition. Moreover, in sports activities, the replenishment of water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is essential for safeguarding athletes’ health. In this scenario, vitamins play a pivotal role in numerous metabolic reactions and some muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity. Vitamins are introduced to the diet because the human body is unable to produce these micronutrients. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental role of vitamin supplementation in physical activity. Above all, we focus on the roles of vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, muscle injuries, and regulation of the microbiome.