Publications by authors named "Belinda Ruettimann"
Article Synopsis
- This study explores the connections between the gut microbiome and various factors in elite Swiss athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCI), such as physical training, diet, body composition, and blood biomarkers.
- The research included baseline data from 11 athletes (5 male, 6 female) who participated in a pilot trial, analyzing their gut microbiome diversity and differences linked to their athletic training and health metrics.
- Results showed that aspects like training duration, waist circumference, and various dietary intakes affected gut microbiome diversity, indicating a complex relationship that needs further investigation to understand its implications for athletes with SCI.
Article Synopsis
- Gastrointestinal issues can negatively impact the performance of Para athletes, prompting a study to evaluate the effects of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation in Swiss elite wheelchair athletes.
- The randomized controlled crossover trial (RCCT) was conducted over eight months, involving two supplementation phases where athletes tried either probiotics or prebiotics, with data collected at regular intervals on their health and adherence.
- Although the study didn't reach the desired sample size, it showed promising feasibility with a 33% recruitment rate, good participant adherence, and a willingness from most athletes to join similar future studies.
Optimizing nutritional intake and timing helps athletes to improve performance and long-term health. Different training phases can require varying nutritional needs. In this study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of dietary intake, energy availability (EA), and blood biochemical parameters in elite wheelchair athletes during distinct training phases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause an autonomic imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to deficits in colonic motility, mucosal secretions, vascular tone, and an increase of intestinal barrier permeability. Autonomic denervation and factors such as age, physical activity, antibiotic use and stress may cause intestinal bacterial translocation, decreased microbiota diversity, known as gut dysbiosis and thus increase susceptibility to experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Probiotic treatment in individuals with SCI may normalize the gut microbiota and improve overall health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Paralympic movement is growing in popularity, resulting in increased numbers of athletes with a spinal cord injury (SCI) competing in various sport disciplines. Athletes with an SCI require specialized recommendations to promote health and to maximize performance, as evidenced by their metabolic and physiological adaptations. Nutrition is a key factor for optimal performance; however, scientifically supported nutritional recommendations are limited.
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