Assessment of Sports Nutrition Knowledge of NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes

The majority of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs do not have a sports nutritionist, leaving athletes to gather information from resources that vary in reputability. The objective of this study was to identify a need for the development of accessible and reputable resources of nutrition information by assessing the current use of nutrition information resources, dietary habits, and sports nutrition knowledge among Division I collegiate athletes. Seventy-two athletes across eight sports completed questionnaires concerning nutrition resources used, dietary habits, and sports nutrition knowledge. In addition, interest levels in a mobile device application for delivery of nutrition information and tools were assessed. Primary sources for nutrition information included parents and family, athletic trainers (AT), and the internet/media, and athletes felt most comfortable discussing nutrition with parents and family, ATs, and strength and conditioning specialists. Performance on a sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire indicated a general lack of nutrition knowledge, and the high frequency of “unsure” responses suggested a lack of confidence in nutrition knowledge. Athletes conveyed a high likelihood that they would use a mobile device application as a nutrition resource, but were more interested in access to nutrition topics than tools such as a food log. We found that college athletes possess minimal sports nutrition knowledge, obtain nutrition information from nonprofessional resources, and were interested in utilizing a mobile device application as a resource. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of alternative resources, such as a mobile device application, to deliver nutrition information and improve nutrition knowledge.

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Assessment of Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Sports Nutrition Knowledge of NCAA Division I Female Collegiate Volleyball Players

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa066_006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1751-1751

Author(s):

Jessica Danh ◽

Anita Nucci ◽

J Andrew Doyle ◽

Rafaela Feresin

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Body Composition ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Nutrition Knowledge ◽

Sports Nutrition ◽

Division I ◽

Fat Intake ◽

Vitamin D Intake ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Volleyball Players

Abstract Objectives To assess nutritional intake, body composition and sports nutrition knowledge of NCAA Division I female volleyball players. Methods Nutritional intake was assessed using three-day food records. Daily average energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and specific vitamins and minerals intakes were analyzed using Food Processor 11.1. These values were compared to the recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Sports nutrition knowledge was assessed using an 87-question validated nutrition for sports knowledge questionnaire (NSKQ). Athletes were also asked to state their sources for nutrition knowledge. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Descriptive data (mean ± SD) and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated using SPSS 26.0 with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Fourteen female volleyball players (age: 19.6 ± 1.3 y, height: 174.9 ± 8.2 cm, weight: 73.2 ± 8.5 kg, BMI: 24.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2; body fat: 25.2 ± 3.4%) completed the study. Athletes’ mean energy intake was 24.7 ± 6.4 kcal/kg BW/day, while carbohydrate, protein and fat intake were 2.9 ± 0.92, 1.3 ± 0.44, and 0.88 ± 0.28 g/kg BW/day, respectively. Vitamin D intake was 137.1 ± 90.7 IU/day and calcium intake was 673.4 ± 352.5 mg/day. Energy and carbohydrate intake were lower than the ACSM recommendations (37–41 kcal/kg BW/day and 6–10 g/kg BW/day, respectively) while fat intake was higher. Protein intake fell within the recommended ranges (1.2–1.7 g/kg BW/day). Additionally, vitamin D and calcium were lower than the recommendations. The average NSKQ score was 45.4 ± 9.6% and was positively associated with weight (r = .738, P = 0.003) and vitamin D intake (r = .587, P = 0.027). Weight management score (51.8 ± 15.4%) was positively associated with weight (r = .676, P = 0.008). Four athletes included a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) as a source of nutrition information. In contrast, twelve athletes listed athletic trainers as a source. Conclusions The average NSKQ score suggests that NCAA Division I female volleyball players lack adequate sports nutrition knowledge which may be associated with inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. Athletes may benefit from nutrition education and counseling for improved performance and health from RDNs. Funding Sources There are no funding sources.

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Female Athletes in Retirement: A Test of a Psychosocial Model of Bulimic Symptomatology

Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology ◽

10.1123/jsep.2020-0023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (6) ◽

pp. 490-499

Author(s):

Stephanie L. Barrett ◽

Trent A. Petrie

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Latent Variables ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Division I ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Female Collegiate Athletes ◽

Psychosocial Model

Although researchers have examined eating disorders in female athletes, few such studies have been done with athletes who are retired, and even fewer have been quantitative. Thus, the authors empirically tested an established eating disorder theoretical model with 218 former NCAA Division-I female collegiate athletes who had been retired for 2–6 years. In retirement, participants completed measures of general sociocultural pressures related to body and appearance, thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology. Through structural equation modeling, the authors examined the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables while controlling for body mass index and years since retirement. The model fit the data well, supporting the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables and explaining 54% of the variance in bulimic symptomatology. Despite no longer being exposed to sport pressures that contribute to eating disorders, female athletes experience such symptoms long into retirement.

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Examination of Mental Health Risks and Injury Prevalence in NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000562823.31416.e4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 51 (Supplement) ◽

pp. 778

Author(s):

Jane Sweeney ◽

Toni M. Torres-McGehee ◽

Samantha R. Weber ◽

Robert Davis Moore ◽

Jacob Kay

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Risks ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Division I

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Effect of Concussion on Clinically Measured Reaction Time in 9 NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes: A Preliminary Study

PM&R ◽

10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.12.003 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 212-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

James T. Eckner ◽

Jeffrey S. Kutcher ◽

James K. Richardson

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Division I ◽

Preliminary Study

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An Analysis of Desirable Attributes for Strength and Conditioning Coaches as Perceived by Male and Female Population of Collegiate Athletes

International Journal of Physical Education Fitness and Sports ◽

10.34256/ijpefs2023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 16-29

Author(s):

Severiano Tiberi ◽

Jeremy Moody

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Role Model ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Male Gender ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Division I ◽

Strength And Conditioning ◽

Female Population ◽

Male And Female ◽

Significant Difference

The present study aimed to suggest desirable attributes and characteristics for strength and conditioning coaches as perceived by the male and female population of collegiate athletes and statistically evaluate differences of perception between genders. Participants were 99 NCAA division I student-athletes (Male=56, Female=43) aged between 18-22 years of age, with a mean of 2.98 S&C sessions per week. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire to rank the importance of 17 research-based attributes through a 5-point Likert-type-scale. Descriptive statistics revealed that overall, “knowledgeable” and “communicative” were considered the most important attributes, whereas “overall size/muscularity” and “male gender” were the least desirable. With regards to perceived importance, attributes were ranked in the following order: knowledgeable, communicative, motivator, trustworthy, give positive feedback, approachable, organised, supportive, positive, honest, confident, role model, intense, physical fitness, sense of humour, overall size/muscularity, male gender. “Male gender” as an attribute was identified as the only significant difference in perception between genders (p = .017). The observed results are consistent with previous research that highlighted how several attributes and characteristics are important for strength and conditioning coaches. Thus, these results might foster reflection and guide personal and professional development of strength and conditioning coaches.

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Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in NCAA Division I Athletes: Experience at a Single Institution

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120918383 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 232596712091838

Author(s):

Alexander E. Weber ◽

Haley Nakata ◽

Eric N. Mayer ◽

Ioanna K. Bolia ◽

Marc J. Philippon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Endurance Athletes ◽

Division I ◽

Labral Repair ◽

Sport Type ◽

History Of ◽

Division I Athletes

Background: The rate of return to sport after surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome (FAIS) has been studied in high-level athletes. However, few studies examining this rate have focused exclusively on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes. Purpose: To evaluate the return-to-sport rate after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and to examine the influence of sport type on the clinical presentation of FAIS in collegiate athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included in this study were NCAA Division I student-athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Exclusion criteria were history of previous hip pathology, pediatric hip disease, radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade >0), prior lower extremity procedure, history of chronic pain, osteoporosis, or history of systemic inflammatory disease. Athletes were categorized into 6 subgroups based on the type of sport (cutting, contact, endurance, impingement, asymmetric/overhead, and flexibility) by using a previously reported classification system. Patient characteristics and preoperative, intraoperative, and return-to-sport variables were compared among sport types. Results: A total of 49 hip arthroscopies for FAIS were performed in 39 collegiate athletes (10 females, 29 males; mean age, 19.5 ± 1.3 years). A total of 1 (2.6%) cutting athlete, 15 (38.5%) contact athletes, 8 (20.5%) impingement athletes, 6 (15.4%) asymmetric/overhead athletes, and 9 (23.1%) endurance athletes were included in the study. There were no differences among sports groups with respect to the FAI type. Endurance athletes had lower rates of femoral osteochondroplasty (45.5%) and labral debridement (0.0%) ( P < .0001). Contact sport athletes had higher rates of labral debridement (50.0%; P < .0001). Patients were evaluated for return to sport at an average of 1.96 ± 0.94 years. Overall, the return-to-sport rate was 89.7%. There were no differences in return-to-sport rates based on the sport type except for endurance athletes, who returned at a lower rate (66.6%; P < .001). No differences in return-to-sport rate ( P = .411), duration after return ( P = .265), or highest attempted level of sport resumed ( P = .625) were found between patients who underwent labral repair versus debridement. Conclusion: Collegiate-level athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS returned to sport at high and predictable rates, with endurance athletes possibly returning to sport at lower rates than all other sport types. Surgical procedures may be influenced by sport type, but the rate of return to sport between athletes who underwent labral debridement versus labral repair was similar.

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Prevalence of Disordered Eating: A Comparison of Male and Female Collegiate Athletes and Nonathletes

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.7.3.186 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 186-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Laura D. DiPasquale ◽

Trent A. Petrie

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Eating Disorder ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Weight Control ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Division I ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Athletic Departments ◽

Weight Control Behaviors ◽

Female Collegiate Athletes

Eating disorder prevalence rates among athletes vary greatly because of the different ways in which researchers have measured and classified them, and the extent to which they are higher than those found among nonathletes remains unresolved. The present study examined prevalence of eating disorders, body image issues, and weight control behaviors using a valid diagnostic measure. Participants included 146 male and 156 female NCAA Division I student-athletes and a matched sample of 170 male and 353 female collegiate nonathletes. Overall, eating disorder prevalence rates and use of pathogenic weight control behaviors were lower among nonathletes than athletes. Rates for athletes in the current study were lower than previous studies. These findings are likely due to the lack of anonymity the athletes had when completing questionnaires, as data were collected through athletes’ preseason physicals, whereas nonathletes completed questionnaires anonymously over the Internet. Recommendations for athletic departments’ screening for eating disorders are made.

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An Examination of the Differences in Flow between Individual and Team Athletes

Physical Culture and Sport Studies and Research ◽

10.2478/pcssr-2018-0011 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

pp. 33-40

Author(s):

Joni M. Boyd ◽

David P. Schary ◽

Andy R. Worthington ◽

Seth E. Jenny

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Team Sport ◽

Division I ◽

Multiple Linear Regressions ◽

Mean Flow ◽

Total Flow ◽

Flow Experiences ◽

Linear Regressions

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate differences between the flow experiences of NCAA Division I team athletes versus individual athletes. A volunteer sample of 104 collegiate athletes completed a 42-item flow questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions showed mean flow scores for team athletes were significantly higher than individual athletes (β = -1.66, p = 0.004), with an R2 value of 0.03. The type of sport was a significant predictor of three of the nine dimensions of flow, with the largest difference explaining 9% of the variance. The results of this study are unique and answer the repeated call in the literature for team flow research. In summary, team sport athletes experienced total flow at a higher overall rate than individual sport athletes, allowing for the conclusion that team sport athletes can and do experience flow.

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Sports Nutrition Knowledge Among Collegiate Athletes, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Strength and Conditioning Specialists

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-47.2.205 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 205-211 ◽

Cited By ~ 81

Author(s):

Toni M. Torres-McGehee ◽

Kelly L. Pritchett ◽

Deborah Zippel ◽

Dawn M. Minton ◽

Adam Cellamare ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

The United States ◽

Nutrition Knowledge ◽

Sports Nutrition ◽

Nutrition Information ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Registered Dietitians ◽

Strength And Conditioning

Context: Coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), strength and conditioning specialists (SCSs), and registered dietitians are common nutrition resources for athletes, but coaches, ATs, and SCSs might offer only limited nutrition information. Little research exists about sports nutrition knowledge and current available resources for nutrition information for athletes, coaches, ATs, and SCSs. Objective: To identify resources of nutrition information that athletes, coaches, ATs, and SCSs use; to examine nutrition knowledge among athletes, coaches, ATs, and SCSs; and to determine confidence levels in the correctness of nutrition knowledge questions within all groups. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III institutions across the United States. Patients and Other Participants: The 579 participants consisted of athletes (n = 185), coaches (n = 131), ATs (n = 192), and SCSs (n = 71). Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants answered questions about nutrition resources and domains regarding basic nutrition, supplements and performance, weight management, and hydration. Adequate sports nutrition knowledge was defined as an overall score of 75% in all domains (highest achievable score was 100%). Results: Participants averaged 68.5% in all domains. The ATs (77.8%) and SCSs (81.6%) had the highest average scores. Adequate knowledge was found in 35.9% of coaches, 71.4% of ATs, 83.1% of SCSs, and only 9% of athletes. The most used nutrition resources for coaches, ATs, and SCSs were registered dietitians. Conclusions: Overall, we demonstrated that ATs and SCSs have adequate sports nutrition knowledge, whereas most coaches and athletes have inadequate knowledge. Athletes have frequent contact with ATs and SCSs; therefore, proper nutrition education among these staff members is critical. We suggest that proper nutrition programming should be provided for athletes, coaches, ATs, and SCSs. However, a separate nutrition program should be integrated for ATs and SCSs. This integrative approach is beneficial for the continuity of care, as both categories of professionals might be developing and integrating preventive or rehabilitative programs for athletes.

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