Avaliação do habito intestinal em mulheres atletas e sua relação com nível de hidratação e uso de suplemento

Abstract

Objective: Constipation is the most common digestive complaint in the average population and occurs more frequently in women. Physical activity brings several health benefits, but it is still unknown the precise impact of high-performance exercises on regulating bowel habit. The purpose of the present study is to investigate bowel habit of female athletes and its relationship to the level of hydration and use of supplements through the Bristol Scale. Methods: The sample consisted of 45 high-performance female athletes, average age of 23 +/- 5 years. Bristol scale has been used to classify the stool consistency and questionnaires to assess the level of hydration and use of supplements. Weight, body circumferences and skin-folds measurements were taken. Results: It was found that 56% of athletes had stools considered normal, 28% had hard feces and 16% had soft stools. The use of supplementation (p = 0.03) and the hydration level (p = 0.04) were related to a higher incidence of soft stools in these athletes. Conclusion: High-performance exercise had a positive impact on bowel habit of athletes who had stool described as normal pattern. However, the use of supplements and the level of hydration changed the form of feces.