scholarly journals Sports Nutrition Knowledge among Mid-Major Division I University Student-Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Andrews ◽  
Janet R. Wojcik ◽  
Joni M. Boyd ◽  
Charles J. Bowers

Competitive athletes have goals to optimize performance and to maintain healthy body composition. Sports nutrition is a component of training programs often overlooked by student-athletes and their coaches. The purpose of this study was to examine student-athletes’ sports nutrition knowledge across sex, class level, team, and completion of prior nutrition coursework. Participants included 123 mid-major Division I university student-athletes (47 females and 76 males) from baseball, softball, men’s soccer, track and field, and tennis. The student-athletes completed a survey questionnaire to determine adequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean ≥ 75%). The overall mean sports nutrition knowledge score for the student-athletes was 56.9% which was considered inadequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean < 75%). Only 12 student-athletes achieved adequate sports nutrition knowledge score of 75% or higher. There were no differences by sex, class level, team, and completion of prior nutrition coursework. Student-athletes’ inadequate sports nutrition knowledge may place them at nutrition risk, lead to impaired performance, and affect their lean body mass and energy levels. Athletics personnel should not assume student-athletes have adequate sports nutrition knowledge. Athletic departments may make available a board certified Sports Dietitian or Registered Dietitian and offer classroom or online courses facilitating student-athletes to optimize nutrition knowledge and behaviors.

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (9) ◽  
pp. A33
Author(s):  
H. Wengreen ◽  
N. Norris ◽  
J. Day ◽  
J. Hansen ◽  
S. Aguilar

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (9) ◽  
pp. A75
Author(s):  
J. Danh ◽  
J. Kurtz ◽  
A. Nucci ◽  
J. Doyle ◽  
R. Feresin

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2713
Author(s):  
Weelun Foo ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Andy Sparks ◽  
Josh W. Newbury ◽  
Lewis A. Gough

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a seven-week nutrition education intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of highly trained UK adolescent swimmers. Fifteen national and international adolescent swimmers (males = 5; females = 10, 15.5 ± 1.1 years, 170.2 ± 7.5 cm, 60.3 ± 5.7 kg) participated in the study during seven consecutive weeks of the competitive swimming season. The participants received 30 min of nutrition education once per week in a classroom-based setting after they had completed their regular swim training. An undergraduate sports nutrition student delivered all nutrition education sessions and SNK questionnaires were administered to the participants pre- and post-intervention. The mean total SNK score improved by 8.3% (SD = 8.4%, 95% CI = 4.1–12.6; p = 0.006; ES = 1.0) following the nutrition education sessions. On an individual basis, ten swimmers significantly improved their total SNK score, whereas four swimmers did not improve, and one swimmer performed significantly worse after the intervention. Moreover, the swimmers’ knowledge of hydration improved by 22.2% (SD = 20.6%, 95% CI = 11.8–32.6, p = 0.004, ES = 1.1) over the seven-week timeframe, which was the only nutrition topic to have a significantly increased knowledge score. The current study therefore suggests that a nutrition education intervention can positively influence the SNK of highly trained adolescent swimmers.


Author(s):  
Claire Blennerhassett ◽  
Lars R. McNaughton ◽  
Lorcan Cronin ◽  
S. Andy Sparks

The nutritional intake of ultraendurance athletes is often poorly matched with the requirements of the sport. Nutrition knowledge is a mediating factor to food choice that could correct such imbalances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the nutrition knowledge of ultraendurance athletes. Nutritional knowledge was assessed using a modified sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire (ULTRA-Q). Four independent assessors with specialization in sports nutrition confirmed the content validity of the ULTRA-Q. Registered sports nutritionists, registered dietitians, and those without nutrition training completed the ULTRA-Q on two separate occasions. After the first completion, a significant difference in nutrition scores between groups (p ≤ .001) provided evidence of construct validity. After the second completion, intraclass correlation coefficients comparing nutrition scores between time points (.75–.95) provided evidence of test–retest reliability. Subsequently, experienced ultraendurance athletes (male: n = 74 and female: n = 27) completed the ULTRA-Q. Athletes also documented their sources of nutrition knowledge for ultraendurance events. The total nutrition knowledge score for ultraendurance athletes was 68.3% ± 9.5%, and there were no significant differences in knowledge scores between males and females (67.4% ± 9.6% and 70.7% ± 9.3%, respectively) or between runners and triathletes (69.1% ± 9.7% and 65.1% ± 9.4%, respectively). In general, it appeared that ultraendurance athletes favored other athletes (73%) over nutrition experts (8%) as a source of nutritional information. The findings of this study indicate that ultraendurance athletes had a reasonable level of nutrition knowledge, but interathlete variability suggests a need for targeted nutrition education.


Author(s):  
Krystle E. Zuniga ◽  
Darcy L. Downey ◽  
Ryan McCluskey ◽  
Carley Rivers

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1751-1751
Author(s):  
Jessica Danh ◽  
Anita Nucci ◽  
J Andrew Doyle ◽  
Rafaela Feresin

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.


Author(s):  
Brooke L. Devlin ◽  
Regina Belski

Nutrition knowledge is believed to influence nutritional intake, which in turn influences performance in elite athletes. There is currently no published data on the nutrition knowledge of elite Australian Football (AF) players. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the current level of general and sports nutrition knowledge in elite male AF athletes. Forty six elite male AF players (23.5 ± 2.8 years) answered 123 questions relating to five areas of nutrition knowledge: dietary recommendations, sources of nutrients, choosing everyday foods, alcohol and sports nutrition. Demographic details and perceptions of nutrition knowledge were collected for all participants. The mean nutrition knowledge score was 74.4 ± 10.9 (60.5%). The highest score was obtained in sports nutrition section (17.9 ± 3.0, 61.7%). The dietitian was selected as the first source of information by 98% of athletes, with club trainer and teammates as second choice for 45.7% and 23.9% of athletes, respectively. The majority of athletes correctly answered questions regarding recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable intake and decrease fat intake (95.6%, 91.1% and 93.3% correct respectively). While 80% of the athletes were aware fat intake should predominately be made up of unsaturated fat, they were less able to identify food sources of unsaturated fats (35.6% and 24.4% correct for statements regarding monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, respectively). Broad nutrition messages and recommendations appear to be well understood; however, gaps in nutrition knowledge are evident. A better understanding of nutrition knowledge in athletes will allow nutrition education interventions to target areas in need of improvement.


2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessy Schram ◽  
Ian Birky ◽  
Sepideh S. Soheilian ◽  
Kristin Bertsch

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