2011, Volume 7, Issue 2
Nutritional assessment of Brazilian Muay Thai practitioners
Luciana Rossi1, Letícia Oliveria1, Luci Borges1, Adriana Malavazzi2
1Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
2Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
Author for correspondence: Luciana Rossi; Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, SP, São Paulo, Brazil; email: lrossi[at]scamilo.edu.br
Full text
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Muay Thai is a martial art of Thai origin which involves a boxing style. Since this sport implies high energy expenditure with great participation of aerobic and anaerobic glycolytic metabolisms, there is consequent risk of dehydration. For a high physical performance, the hydration status must be kept and the qualitative and quantitative intake of macro and micronutrients must be adequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate Muay Thai practitioners as to their dehydration degree and dietary intake.
Material and Methods: The sample included 30 male practitioners who signed a consent approved by an Ethics Committee. For the nutritional assessment, data on weight, height and skinfolds were collected and employed in the calculation of BMI and fat percentage. To evaluate the risk of dehydration, sweat rate (SR) and body water loss percentage were calculated; besides, questionnaires about water intake and hydration habits were applied. The nutritional assessment included a three-day dietary record.
Results: The participants presented eutrophic pattern and adequacy relative to body composition. Although SR was significant, dehydration did not occur due to the water intake guided by thirst. Protein and micronutrient intake was not adequate as regards macronutrient dietary intake.
Conclusions: Thus, nutritional guidance is necessary either to avoid water stress and maintain the body composition or to keep an adequate macro and micronutrient intake.
Key words: dehydration, martial arts , nutritional recommendations , sport practitioners