This study aimed to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate quality on enjoyment of physical activity and burnout in athletes. Data were collected from 139 active athletes aged 19 to 35 years using a Demographic Structure Questionnaire, the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Carbohydrate quality was assessed using food frequency data, and the results were analyzed with SPSS 24 software.

A total of 132 food groups obtained from the food consumption frequency questionnaire were analyzed. Daily intake (g/day) was calculated using the BeBiS program with a global database, considering the amount and frequency of food consumed by each participant. Glycaemic Index (GI) values were also determined using the BeBiS program, taking into account the amount and frequency of food consumed. To determine the Carbohydrate Quality Index score, each of the four components (fiber intake, whole grain ratio, glycaemic index, and total carbohydrate ratio) was evaluated on a scale from 1 to 5 points. The scores for each component were then summed. Q5 indicates the highest and Q1 indicates the lowest carbohydrate quality.

The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire was used to determine the level of burnout in athletes. The scale consists of 13 questions scored on a five-point Likert scale (1-Never, 2-Sometimes, 3-Often, 4-Frequently, 5-Always) and is divided into three subdimensions: "Decreased Sense of Achievement," "Emotional/Physical Exhaustion," and "Depersonalization." The total score can range from 15 to 65, with higher scores indicating higher levels of burnout.