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The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and females is a crucial aspect in the development of the disease, with the ovarian hormonal cycle being a sensitive stage, especially in females with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The objectives of the study are to identify moderating variables that modify satisfaction with physical activity practice throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) in females in or out of their MC, during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training sessions and to compare the acute effects of different types of physical activity sessions in females with and without MS. This protocol is the methodology used in the EMMA Study, a randomised, single-blind crossover trial study conducted in females with MS who were matched 1:1, based on age, lifestyle factors and country of residence, with females without MS, to analyse the effect of physical activity practice on satisfaction, functionality, fatigue and inflammatory profile through their MC. Participants will visit the facilities approximately 10 times (4 preliminary familiarisation visits and 6 visits to carry out a physical activity session in each phase of the MC) for 3–4 months. A total sample of 30 females (15 females without MS and 15 with MS) is necessary for the study. The evaluation will comprise clinical, nutritional and psychological interviews, including different variables. It is hypothesised during the luteal phase, females with MS are expected to exhibit different acute responses to HIIT and strength training sessions as compared with females without the disease. Before starting the study, all participants will read and sign an informed consent form. Trial registration number: This research protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov to ensure transparency and accessibility of study information (NCT06105463). The university’s ethics committee number for this study is UALBIO2022/048.

The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

Background: Gluten intolerance is a systemic process of autoimmune nature; it develops in genetically predisposed subjects with gluten ingestion. The only treatment for celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This study was designed to evaluate adherence to a GFD, risk of an eating disorder, and nutritional status in adult CD patients undergoing different interventions. Methods: A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The training was prescribed by a sport scientist. It was based on resistance training with elastic bands; beforehand a warm-up was performed and the resistance was increased progressively. The variables studied were adherence to the GFD, risk of eating disorders, blood values, and body composition. Results: Celiac women with personalized nutritional planning presented greater adherence to a gluten-free diet (p < 0.001). Regarding leukocytes, significant differences were observed between the GFD and control groups (p = 0.004). Perimeters and folds did not decrease significantly. Conclusion: Women with celiac disease who follow an adapted and personalized diet have a better adherence to a GFD compared to those who follow a non-professional diet, and therefore have a better immune system status (blood leukocytes).

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of resistance training programs (RTP) on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to determine the most effective dose of RTP in this population. Methods: Studies examining the effect of RTP on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in MS patients were included. 44 studies were included. The meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference. Results: Significant group differences were observed in knee extensor (p = 0.01) and flexor (p < 0.001), but not in 1-repetition maximum. Regarding functional capacity and balance, differences between groups, in favour of the RTP group, were found in the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.001), walking endurance, (p = 0.02) gait speed (p = 0.02) and balance (p = 0.02). No significant differences between groups were observed in fatigue or general health perception. The results regarding the optimal dose are inconsistent. Conclusions: RTP improves strength, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in people with MS.

La etapa universitaria es un buen momento para promover estrategias de alimentación saludable. Los cambios sociológicos y culturales que sufren los estudiantes los llevan a saltarse comidas, ingesta de comida rápida, alimentos hipercalóricos, siendo la adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea baja. Los profesionales relacionados con la alimentación, como los nutricionistas y dietistas, además, son considerados población de riesgo en desarrollar trastornos alimentarios, debido al amplio conocimiento que poseen, pudiendo utilizarlo tanto para buena como para mala praxis. El contexto de la investigación fue el alumnado de primer curso del Grado en Nutrición Humana y Dietética. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar el efecto de factores de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, de composición corporal y trastornos del comportamiento alimentario en estudiantes del grado de nutrición humana y dietética, comparar los resultados en función del porcentaje de masa grasa y establecer correlaciones entre variables. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres que mayor autocontrol y restricción dietética presentan son las que menor porcentaje de masa grasa tienen. La prevalencia de estudiantes con bajo peso es de 8,49% mientras que de sobrepeso y/o obesidad es de 10,38%. De forma general la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea es adecuada en hombres y debe mejorar ligeramente en las mujeres.

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten in those with a genetic predisposition. This study was designed to evaluate menopause-associated symptoms, mood, bone quality, and IgA antibody levels in women with CD, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), and with or without resistance exercise. The randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 Spanish women (>40 years old). Participants were divided into the following intervention groups: personalised gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); personalised gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); celiac controls (NO-GFD); and non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The participants responded to the Menopause Rating Scale and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Bone quality was measured with ultrasound and IgA with a blood test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the GFD + E group showed significant improvement in urogenital symptoms and scored higher on the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS. Negative associations were found between the total score on the Menopause Rating Scale and the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Only those women who underwent a personalised GFD nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise demonstrated significant changes after the intervention.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten-induced intestinal inflammation. Dietary restrictions and symptoms may have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life, body composition (BC), and strength. This study was designed to assess the impact of an isocaloric gluten free diet and resistance exercise in women. A total of 28 Spanish women, aged 40 years old or more, took part in a randomized controlled trial. Each group received a different intervention: group 1, gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); group 2, gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); group 3, celiac controls (NO-GFD); and group 4, non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The variables studied were quality of life, BC and isometric hand strength. After 12 weeks of intervention, celiac women that followed a gluten-free diet and exercise showed higher scores on the psychological health scale than celiac women without intervention. The women in group 1 were the only ones who presented improvements in BC variables; fat mass, BMI, and fat-free mass. Negative correlations were found between the perception of quality of life and age, however a positive correlation between quality of life and isometric strength test results was found. In addition to a gluten-free diet, resistance training is essential to improve BC, strength, and gastrointestinal symptoms.