Background: The purpose of the study was to determine to what degree the health habits of university students influence their physiological response during a 10-min high-intensity exercise.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study with 59 health science students, in which we analyzed their adherence to a Mediterranean and low-fat diet, as well as their activity levels. We correlated these factors with the physiological response (lactic acid and heart rate) and a series of anthropometric parameters in intense physical activity (cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 10 min) in three scenarios: extreme cold, extreme heat and a control situation at room temperature.
Results: The results of this study demonstrate that in university students, a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a better response to physical exercise, in this case, 10-min CPR, in hostile environments.
Conclusions: Following healthy eating guidelines improves physical performance and delays the appearance of fatigue; both are important aspects for a better performance of CPR.
Keywords: Mediterranean diet; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; eating habits; lifestyle; university students.