Author(s): DANIELE, S., FASSI, A., MANA, A., GARAFFO, G., ONIDA M., APRILE, G., FERRO, C., FRANZONI, F., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PISA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2028

INTRODUCTION:
Over the years, sports nutrition research has often focused on elite athletes. Nevertheless, the effects of personalized nutritional interventions on non-professional athletes have been emerging as an important demanding topic, as well. The objective of the study is to evaluate overtime the impact of a personalized dietary protocol on athletic performance, using standardized physical tests, and body composition assessed by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), in non-elite volleyball athletes.
METHODS:
This medium-term, 3-month prospective study involved 32 non-elite female volleyball players (16-27 years), from three teams of different training and competitive levels. The female athletes were divided into four groups whitin each team based on the percentage of fat mass, assessed only by plicometry.
Each group followed a dietary plan with different protein intake, of 1,6, 1,7, 1,8 and 2 g/kg body weight, consistent with recommendations in the scientific literature for maximizing muscle mass and improving body composition.(1)(2)

RESULTS:
The results demonstrated significant body recomposition in each group. A significant reduction in FM (Fat Mass) and a significant increase in FFM (Fat Free Mass) over time was observed, together with stable BW (body weight) maintained. At the same time, a significant increase in AMA (Arm Muscle Area) and in AMC (Arm Muscle Circumference) were evidenced. In addition, significant improvements were observed in physical performance tests, particularly in those related to agility, explosive strength and muscular endurance. By the way, it’s important to note that all subjects had improvements regardless of physical status and age. Preliminary data evidenced interesting correlations between body composition, physical performance and parameters related to inflammation. Furthers experiments have been evaluating hormonal and stress-related parameters in saliva samples collected from athletes.
CONCLUSION:
The results found in the study underline the relevance of personalized nutritional strategies even for non-professional athletes, and suggest the importance of management of inflammatory-related parameters in the body in order to maximize nutritional intervention and training sessions.