L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer les apports nutritionnels et la dépense énergétique des athlètes congolais internés et engagés au Semi-Marathon International de Brazzaville (SMIB). 40 athlètes (femmes et hommes) âgés respectivement de 22,60 ± 3,45 ans et 28,48 ± 8,18 ans, ont participé à cette étude exploratoire. La méthode du « semainier de trois jours consécutifs » pour collecter les données alimentaires et la « formule de Harris et Benedict » pour calculer la dépense énergétique des athlètes étaient utilisées. Les tables de composition alimentaires ont servi pour convertir les macronutriments. Résultats: les pourcentages des glucides (68,27% et 61,4%) étaient normaux, tandis que ceux des lipides (14,39% et 16,49%) et protéines (17,34% et 22,11%) étaient loin des recommandations. L’apport énergétique des femmes était supérieur à la dépense (3423,4 Kcal vs 2256,01 Kcal). La quantité d’énergie apportée chez les hommes était inférieure à la dépense (2980,93 Kcal vs 3181,90 Kcal). Les performances (1h 11’33’’, 1h 13’58’’ et 1h 22’27’ et 1h 15’43’’) étaient faibles. Conclusion : la balance énergétique des athlètes était déséquilibrée, avec une alimentation hyperprotéique et hypo lipidique. Cette alimentation est source de fatigue nerveuse, de mauvaise récupération et constitue un facteur limitant de la performance sportive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional intake and energy expenditure of Congolese athletes interned and engaged in the Brazzaville International Half-Marathon (BIHM). 40 athletes (women and men) aged 22.60 ± 3.45 years and 28.48 ± 8.18 years respectively participated in this exploratory study. The “three consecutive day week planner” method of three consecutive days” to collect dietary data and the “Harris and Benedict formula” to calculate the athletes' energy expenditure were used. Food composition tables were used to determine the weight of foods and the conversion of their macronutrients. Results: the percentages of carbohydrates (68.27% and 61.4%) were normal, while those of lipids (14.39% and 16.49%) and proteins (17.34% and 22.11%) were away from recommendations. The energy intake of women was higher than the expenditure (3423.4 Kcal vs 2256.01 Kcal). The amount of energy provided in men was lower than the expenditure (2980.93 Kcal vs 3181.90 Kcal). The performances (1 h 11'33'', 1 h 13'58'' and 1 h 22'27' and 1 h 15'43'') were low. Conclusion: the energy balance of the athletes was unbalanced, with a high protein and low lipid diet. This diet is a source of nervous fatigue, poor recovery and is a limiting factor in sports performance.

Background: Pubertal development and sexuality in prime adolescence can individually or both affect academic performance during the secondary cycle. Objectives: The present study aims to examine the relationship between pubertal maturation, sexuality and academic Performance of secondary school students. Methods: Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey after the release of the first quarter results. The sample was composed of 418 students (195 boys and 223 girls aged 13.96 ± 0.97 and 14.26 ± 0.85 years old respectively). The pubertal development scale and sexuality at prime adolescence scales were used to collect data. Academic performance was assessed based on quarterly cumulative GPA. Chi-square and Pearson's correlation tests were used and responses were structured into subcategories regarding factors of pubertal development, sexuality and academic performance. Results: The pubertal development of girls was more advanced than that of boys; the boys scores on the "going out with someone" scale (P ≤ 0.05) and on the “flirting with the aim of having sexual relations” scale (P ≤ 0.01) whereas girls scores on the "giving priority to love" scale (P ≤ 0.05). In general academic performance was above mean and below mean respectively for boys and girls. Pubertal development and sexuality were negatively correlated with academic performance mostly in girls. Conclusions: The developmental stage was more pronounced in girls. Boys were ahead in sexuality and the mean of their academic performance was higher. The interactions of development and sexuality and their combined effect negatively influenced the academic performance of girls and boys with gender-specific degrees.

Background: Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe airway constriction following the mobilization of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6). When severe, EIB can require the use of pressurized salbutamol to treat athletes. This study investigated the nature of the systemic changes in inflammatory cells and post-exercise IL-6 concentrations after salbutamol treatment in EIB-susceptible distance runners. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study that enrolled 12 long-distance runners. In Session A, the participants completed a treadmill exercise test, and those who had a maximum expiratory volume per second (FEV1) that was decreased by at least 10% compared to their base value were placed in the EIB-susceptible group (EIB+) (n = 6). Those whose FEV1 did not meet this criterion were placed in the nonresponsive (EIB−) group (n = 6). Before the Session B exercise, athletes in the BIE+ group inhaled two puffs of salbutamol (EIB+ Salb), while their EIB− counterparts received no treatment. Spirometry was performed before and after the exercise using a Spirobank G portable spirometer. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 2 hours after the stress test. Results: The mean post-exercise FEV1 values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the EIB+ Salb group and the EIB− group. The systemic changes in inflammatory cells and IL-6 concentrations in the EIB+ runners after salbutamol treatment were similar to those observed in their EIB− counterparts. Conclusion: Salbutamol pretreatment improved the systemic immune status of EIB-susceptible athletes.

Biochemical parameters are useful in the diagnosis of many health abnormalities in athletes. Some studies suggest training well and eating a balanced diet to improve performance. The modification of biochemical parameters during endurance races has not yet been studied in many African countries. Our objective was to evaluate the dietary profile and the effects of competition on the biochemical parameters of Congolese endurance athletes. The method used was the questionnaire for the food profile and blood samples were taken to measure the biochemical parameters of the athletes. A total of 64 athletes, i.e. 20 girls and 44 boys divided into two groups (group 1 or experimental group (EG), 32 endurance athletes and group 2 or control group (CG), 32 walkers who participated in a cross-sectional study in Brazzaville. The subjects were respectively 26.16 ± 2.79 years old for the EG and 27.44 ± 3.34 years old for the CG. The results indicated that quality foods were difficult to access. The main course was more consumed compared to the starter and dessert (60% of girls and 63.63 of boys). However, biochemical parameters showed a significantly lower serum creatinine concentration in EG subjects compared to CG subjects (0.86 ± 0.06 mg/dl vs 1.04 ± 0.16 mg/dl; t = −5.95; p < 0.000), the triglyceride level of EG subjects was slightly lower (0.

Context: Automobile pollution is becoming a potential threat to the cardiorespiratory health of the urban population of sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aims to evaluate the level of concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) near road traffic and the effects of exposure to automobile pollutants on pulmonary function and arteriolar blood oxygen saturation among sellers around road traffic. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 48 healthy people carrying out a sales activity near road traffic. PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were taken from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. using a Temtop Airing-1000 portable particle detector. Spirometric measurements were taken in the morning and in the evening from a portable Spirobank G spirometer. Oxygen saturation measurements were also taken in the morning and evening using a Pulse oxymeter CMS50D pulse oxymeter. Results: Mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25 -75) recorded in the evening were significantly lower than those obtained in the morning in the subjects of the total group and in the men. Only the mean values of PEF and FEF25 -75 obtained in the evening were significantly lower than those recorded in the morning in women. Minimum PM2.5 values recorded near road traffic were negatively correlated with evening PEF in men, while maximum PM10 values were negatively correlated with evening PEF in women. The blood oxygen saturation recorded in the evening How to cite this paper: