Evaluation of the association of carbohydrate quality on enjoyment of physical activity and burnout in athletes

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Abstract
Both the quantity and quality of carbohydrates consumed significantly influence athletes’ performance by improving muscle glycogen stores. This study aimed to evaluate the association of carbohydrate quality on enjoyment of physical activity and burnout in athletes. The study included 139 active athletes aged 19–35 years. A Demographic Structure Questionnaire, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale were administered to the participants. To assess carbohydrate quality, food frequency data were collected, and carbohydrate quality was scored based on fibre intake, the whole/total grain ratio, glycaemic index, and solid/total carbohydrate ratio. The score obtained was divided into 5 quartiles, with Q5 representing the highest and Q1 the lowest carbohydrate quality. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. Of the athletes, 76 were volleyball players, 36 were football players, and 27 participated in other sports. The age of the participants in the Q2 group was lower than in the Q4 group. The highest carbohydrate and protein intake was observed in the Q5 group, and the lowest in the Q1 group. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale score of the athletes in the Q5 group was significantly higher than that of the Q1 group (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the Carbohydrate Quality Index and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire scores, glycaemic index, carbohydrate intake from liquids and refined grains, and a positive correlation between the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, carbohydrate intake from solids, and whole grains (p < 0.05). Higher carbohydrate quality is positively associated with increased physical activity enjoyment and reduced burnout in athletes; however, further studies are needed on this topic.

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