Swimming contributes to physical, mental and social health of people who have some kind of disability. Bearing in mind that the nutritional aspect is relevant to sports performance as well as to life quality of these individuals, this study has aimed at evaluating the nutritional status of disabled individuals who practice swimming. Four male and four female individuals aged between 19 and 36 years who have either physical or visual impairment, as well as swim two or three weekly times, participated in the assessment protocol. Anthropometric analysis and food intake evaluation were used through three-day-recording and biochemical evaluation for the analysis of the lipid profile (triglycerides, total and fraction cholesterol). Mean BMI found was 24.15 ± 2.33 kg/m2 and 27.26 ± 4.91kg/m2 for men and women, respectively. The average food intake observed for both sexes was 3161.33 ± 480.08 kcal, having mean composition of 58.13 ± 5.04% of carbohydrates, 19.62 ± 1.54% of protein and 22.45 ± 5.64% of lipids from the total energetic value (TEV). Women presented adequate intake of protein, while men ingested it beyond their needs (2.14 ± 0.34 g/kg/day). Concerning the other nutrients, intake was adequate for both sexes. The biochemical analyses showed adequate lipid profile in general, with tendency for low HDL levels. It was concluded that the male individuals had satisfactory body composition and lipid profile, despite excessive intake of calories and proteins, while the female individuals presented nutritional risk due to overweight. It becomes evident the later group needs individualized nutritional orientation so as to correct their inadequate eating habits and hence improve their physical performance and life quality.
nutritional assessment; physical disability; exercise
