RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Analyzing the Associations Between Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance in Youth Handball Players: A Clustering Approach
A1 Sánchez-Díaz, Silvia
A1 Castillo, Daniel
A1 Ramirez-Jimenez, Miguel
A1 Izquierdo, José María
A1 Marqués-Jiménez, Diego
A1 Duarte-Mendes, Pedro
A1 Domínguez-Díez, Marta
AB Background: Nutrition is a fundamental factor in the healthy growth and development of young athletes, as well as in supporting optimal sports performance. This study aimed to explore associations between Mediterranean diet adherence score, BMI and selected physical performance measures in youth handball players, by identifying distinct player profiles through a clustering approach. Methods: Thirty-five male youth handball players participated in the study. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated by means of a 16-item KIDMED questionnaire and total score, and physical performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, the 505-change of direction test, linear straight sprints and isometric handgrip strength. Results: Cluster 1 goes more than one day a week to a fast-food restaurant, skips breakfast on more occasions and consumes sweets and candy more often. In addition, Cluster 2 showed better sprint (p = 0.019–0.053, ES = 0.39–0.47) and CMJ (p = 0.042; ES = 0.40) performance than Cluster 1. Conclusions: These findings present associations between dietary adherence, BMI, and selected physical performance measures in this specific cohort. Given the cross-sectional design and the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution and do not allow causal inferences.
PB MDPI
SN 2075-4663
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83899
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83899
LA spa
NO Sports, Vol. 14, n. 2
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 02-abr-2026