Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Sleep and Muscle Strength Training Are Associated with Better Diet Quality Among Multi-Disciplinary Soccer Staff in Spain and England

Introduction : This study aimed to explore the relationship between adherence to the 24-Hour Movement (24HM) guidelines and diet quality (DQ) among multidisciplinary soccer staff. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted on soccer staff (n = 236; male = 164, female = 72; England = 122, Spain = 114; age = 32 ± 8.79 years; height = 173.70 ± 18.12 cm; body mass = 76.29 ± 15.04 kg). Adherence to 24HM was assessed using the Canadian 24HM Guidelines: moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary time (ST), sleep duration (SLEEP), muscle strength training (MST), sedentary interruptions (SI), screen time (SCREEN), sleep-wake time (SWT). These are categorised into General 24HM: MVPA, LPA, ST, SLEEP; Secondary: MST, SI, SCREEN, SWT; Total 24HM combines all factors. DQ scores were assessed using the scientifically validated questionnaire Mini-EAT. Linear regression analysed 24HM as a predictor of DQ; Spearman correlation assessed associations; bootstrap logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals; ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD tested group differences. Results : No significant link was found between 24HM adherence and DQ. However, MST (rho = 0.322, p = 0.0000004), MVPA (rho = 0.235, p=0.0003) and SLEEP (rh o= 0.141, p = 0.030) were positively correlated with DQ. LPA showed a weak, non-significant negative correlation (p = 0.073). Only 7.63% of staff met Total 24HM guidelines. Spanish staff had higher adherence to Secondary 24HM than English staff (p = 0.009). Nutrition staff had the highest DQ scores (mean = 52.6), significantly exceeding Goalkeeping Coaches (p = 0.000005) and Manager/Head Coach (p = 0.00004). Females reported higher DQ than males (p = 0.002). Conclusion : While overall 24HM adherence was low, specific behaviours of MVPA, MST, SLEEP correlated with better DQ. Nutrition staff had higher DQ, highlighting the role of professional expertise in promoting healthy habits. Clinical Trials ID NCT06771752.