Efficacy of a Training Program in Adults Following a Vegan Diet Versus an Omnivorous Diet

Overview

The study consisted of a non-randomized controlled clinical trial with measurements at baseline and at the end of a 16 week intervention. Participants will be assigned to the intervention or control group according to their own choice and convenience. A 4 arm split was performed where the Veg-Int group was composed of people on a vegan diet who participated in the intervention, the Veg-Con group was composed of people on a vegan diet who were part of the control group, the Omn-Int group was composed of people on an omnivorous diet who participated in the intervention, and the Omn-Con group was composed of people on an omnivorous diet who were part of the control group. The Veg-Int and Omn-Int intervention groups, participated in a physical exercise program in remote modality through a digital mHealth platform. During the 16 weeks of intervention, a total of 50 training sessions were carried out, distributed in three sessions per week, with a duration per session ranging from 40 to 50 minutes. The exercise program was designed and supervised by a physical education teacher and focused on strength training using body weight exercises targeting the major muscle groups, including upper body, lower body and abdominals. The platform recorded participants attendance and the time they spent on each exercise session. At the end of the sessions, participants had the option to evaluate and share their perception of effort during the workout through a Modified Borg scale (0-10). In addition, they were given the opportunity to communicate with the teacher via phone call, text message or e-mail, to receive feedback or raise doubts.

All participants were evaluated in weeks 0 and 17, immediately after the intervention program, under the same conditions in terms of protocol, calibrated instruments and the same evaluator. The evaluation of nutritional status was carried out using the body mass index (BMI, Kg/m2), while the waist circumference was measured by passing a measuring tape at the height of the navel, midpoint between the costal margin and the crest. iliac, at the end of a normal expiration and recorded in centimeters. Body composition analysis was obtained by the bioimpedance method, using a segmented bioimpedance meter. The measurements were carried out under fasting conditions for at least 4 hours, without having performed physical exercise in the last 12 hours, without consuming stimulating drinks such as caffeine and avoiding the menstrual period. From the body composition information, the data Percentage of Fat Mass, Kilos of Fat Mass and Kilos of Lean Mass were recorded. The level of physical activity was assessed through a self-report questionnaire of physical activity and sitting time in the last 7 days, using the abbreviated version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (. The questionnaire was administered by a physical activity professional, and the data were reported in minutes per day to estimate the total PA performed, and the time reported was corrected by its metabolic equivalent . The type of diet was corroborated through a quantified food consumption trend survey, which included 14 groups; vegetables, fruits, dairy and vegetable options, meat-fish-seafood and egg, legumes, vegan protein preparations, grains and cereals, fats and oils, nuts, sugars and sweets, alcohol, snacks, coffee and infusions, food supplements. The questionnaire was administered individually by a dietitian nutritionist to each participant.