Nutritional determinants of fitness in tennis players in Vadodara city.

ABSTRACT

With the objective of assessing the role of nutrition and physical training on fitness in tennis players of Vadodara city, we conducted this study, employing a case-control design, wherein, 46 players from a tennis academy and 46 age and sex matched controls were studied. Socio-economic attributes, anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, nutrient intakes, energy expenditure, blood hemoglobin and mental well-being of the participants were evaluated using the standard protocols. BMI, WHR and weight/WC did not vary among the tennis players and controls. Nutrient intake (macronutrients and iron) and energy expenditure were significantly higher in tennis players than controls. Physical fitness and iron sufficiency were significantly higher in tennis players. Majority (75%) demonstrated good level of mental well-being. Hemoglobin levels correlated significantly with total fitness scores (r=0.26, p<0.005). To conclude, macronutrient intake and hemoglobin levels emerged as significant determinants of fitness levels of tennis players.