Effects of ergo-nutritional strategies on recovery in combat sports disciplines

Abstract

[EN] Introduccion: Para mejorar el proceso de recuperacion en las disciplinas deportivas de combate, las estrategias ergo-nutricionales son una opcion eficaz en el entrenamiento y la competicion. Algunas de estas alternativas mejoran el rendimiento, pero actualmente existe una escasa bibliografia con resultados controvertidos relacionados con el efecto de recuperacion. Esta revision sistematica tuvo como objetivo determinar que estrategias ergo-nutricionales son mas efectivas en los procesos de recuperacion. Se llevo a cabo siguiendo las pautas Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA). Se realizo una busqueda computarizada en PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Collaboration Database, Evidence Database, Evidence Based Medicine Search review, National Guidelines, EM-BASE, Scopus y el sistema Google Scholar (desde 1995 hasta el 30 de abril de 2021). Se utilizo el modelo PICOS para definir los criterios de inclusion y exclusion. De los 123 estudios encontrados inicialmente, 18 cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad y fueron incluidos. Se examinaron datos de 367 atletas de diferentes disciplinas. La evidencia se agrupo en 4 areas: estres oxidativo, recuperacion muscular y energetica, reparacion muscular y acidosis metabolica. La evidencia mostro que las vitaminas, los minerales y algunos productos ergo-nutricionales naturales son eficaces como antioxidantes, los hidratos de carbono y las proteinas determinan su efecto recuperador y el bicarbonato de sodio es el principal retardador metabolico de la acidosis. Se destaca la importancia de aceptar un plan ergo-nutricional para mejorar el proceso de recuperacion. A pesar de ello, y teniendo en cuenta los efectos descritos en la literatura, se necesitan mas estudios para reforzar la evidencia actual. Abstract

Introduction: In order to improve the recovery process in combat sports disciplines, ergo-nutritional strategies could be an effective option in training and competition. Some of these ergo-nutritional aids could improve performance but literature references are scarce, with controversial results regarding actual recovery effects. This systematic review aimed to examine which ergo-nutritional methods are most effective for assisting in the recovery process in combat sports, and to determine the appropriate training stimuli. This systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines. A computerized search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Collaboration Database, Evidence Database, Evidence Based Medicine Search review, National Guidelines, EM-BASE, Scopus and Google Scholar system (from 1995 to April 30, 2021). The PICOS model was used to define inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 123 studies initially found, 18 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Data from 367 athletes from different disciplines were examined. The evidence was grouped in 4 areas: oxidative stress, muscle and energy recovery, muscle repair, and metabolic acidosis. Evidence showed that vitamins, minerals, and some natural ergo-nutritional products are effective as antioxidants. Carbohydrates and protein determine the recovery effect. Sodium bicarbonate has a role as primary acidosis metabolic delayer. Accordingly, ergo-nutritional aids can help in the recovery process. Considering the effects outlined in the literature, more studies are needed to provide firm evidence.