Barriers, Attitudes, and Influences Towards Dietary Intake Amongst Elite Rugby Union Players

Background: Dietary intakes can impact an athletes health and performance. Although evidence exists about what an athlete should eat, an athlete's nutritional intake is influenced by many factors. The limited research available suggests the main barriers preventing optimal nutritional intakes reported by athletes are lack of time, food accessibility, poor cooking skills, costs, taste, and time spent in “off-season.” Although these factors have been shown to influence dietary intake they remain relatively unexplored in Rugby Union. This study aimed to describe the nutritional influences on dietary intake amongst Rugby Union player's.Methods: This was a qualitative study utilising in person individual interviews with all participants. Participants were Rugby Union players (n = 30) for either a Super Rugby franchise or one of their development squads in New Zealand. Participant's undertook recorded face to face interviews, which were later transcribed. A thematic approach was used to code the transcripts by the primary coder and the themes were subsequently evaluated by the research team.Results: Childhood upbringing, organisational skills, time and food security also emerged as barriers. Body composition and sport nutrition knowledge emerged as both barriers and enablers to nutritional intake. Influence on performance was an enabler to optimal dietary intake. Fully professional rugby players have access to dietitians, whereas development and semi-professional rugby players only have limited if any access, and they were more likely to seek nutritional information via social media.Conclusion: This study suggests a need for greater nutrition education at developmental levels with an emphasis on affordable food choices, meal planning and skills for interpreting online nutrition information.

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Dietary Intakes of Elite 14- to 19-Year-Old English Academy Rugby Players During a Pre-Season Training Period

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0317 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 506-515 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Deborah R. Smith ◽

Ben Jones ◽

Louise Sutton ◽

Roderick F.G.J. King ◽

Lauren C. Duckworth

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Body Mass ◽

Food Group ◽

Rugby League ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Good Nutrition ◽

Quality Diet ◽

The Uk ◽

Rugby Players

Good nutrition is essential for the physical development of adolescent athletes, however data on dietary intakes of adolescent rugby players are lacking. This study quantified and evaluated dietary intake in 87 elite male English academy rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players by age (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19) years old) and code (RL and RU). Relationships of intakes with body mass and composition (sum of 8 skinfolds) were also investigated. Using 4-day diet and physical activity diaries, dietary intake was compared with adolescent sports nutrition recommendations and the UK national food guide. Dietary intake did not differ by code, whereas U19s consumed greater energy (3366 ± 658 vs. 2995 ± 774 kcal·day-1), protein (207 ± 49 vs. 150 ± 53 g·day-1) and fluid (4221 ± 1323 vs. 3137 ± 1015 ml·day-1) than U16s. U19s consumed a better quality diet than U16s (greater intakes of fruit and vegetables; 4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 1.5 servings·day-1; nondairy proteins; 3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 servings·day-1) and less fats and sugars (2.0 ± 1. vs. 3.6 ± 2.1 servings·day-1). Protein intake vs. body mass was moderate (r = .46, p < .001), and other relationships were weak. The findings of this study suggest adolescent rugby players consume adequate dietary intakes in relation to current guidelines for energy, macronutrient and fluid intake. Players should improve the quality of their diet by replacing intakes from the fats and sugars food group with healthier choices, while maintaining current energy, and macronutrient intakes.

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The effectiveness of nutrition education programmes on improving dietary intake in athletes: a systematic review

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114520003694 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Aimee Boidin ◽

Ryan Tam ◽

Lachlan Mitchell ◽

Gregory R. Cox ◽

Helen O’Connor

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Well Being ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Control Group ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

College Level ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Education Interventions

Abstract Nutrition education programmes for athletes aim to enhance nutrition knowledge and more importantly support positive dietary change to enhance performance, health and well-being. This systematic review assessed changes in the dietary intakes of athletes in response to nutrition education programmes. A search was conducted which included studies providing quantitative dietary intake assessment of athletes of any calibre aged between 12 and 65 years in response to a nutrition education programme. Standardised differences (effect sizes) were calculated (when possible) for each dietary parameter. The search yielded 6285 papers with twenty-two studies (974 participants (71·9 % female)) eligible for inclusion. Studies described athletes competing at high school (n 3) through to college level or higher (n 19). Study designs were either single arm with an intervention-only group (twelve studies; n 241) or double arm including an intervention and control group (ten studies; n 689). No control groups received an alternative or ‘sham’ intervention. Face-to-face lectures (9/22) and individual nutrition counselling (6/22) were the most common education interventions. Non-weighed, 3-d diet records (10/22) were the most frequently utilised dietary assessment method. Although 14/22 studies (n 5 single and n 9 double) reported significant change in at least one nutrition parameter, dietary changes were inconsistent. Poor study quality and heterogeneity of methods prohibit firm conclusions regarding overall intervention success or superior types of educational modalities. Of note, carbohydrate intakes ‘post-intervention’ when assessed often failed to meet recommended guidelines (12/17 studies). Given the substantial investment made in nutrition education interventions with athletes, there is a need for well-designed and rigorous research to inform future best practice.

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Comparison of children's dietary intake patterns with US dietary guidelines

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114500001641 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 84 (3) ◽

pp. 361-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

Louise M. Brady ◽

Christine H. Lindquist ◽

Sara L. Herd ◽

Michael I. Goran

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

The United States ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

United States Department ◽

Adult Health ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Food Groups ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

American Children

Monitoring dietary intake patterns among children is important in order to explore and prevent the onset of adult health problems. The aim of the present study was to compare children's dietary intakes with national recommendations and to determine whether sex or ethnic differences were evident. This was done using a methodology that allows assessment of intake from the major components of the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA: ). The sample studied included 110 African-American and Caucasian males and females (mean age 9·9 years, BMI 20·1 kg/m2) from Birmingham, AL, USA, who were participating in a study investigating the development of obesity. Dietary data were based on three 24 h recalls and food group intake was determined using the USDA Pyramid Servicing Database. The results indicated that a high percentage of subjects failed to meet the recommended number of servings from each of the food groups. For example, only 5 % and 9 % met fruit and dietary group recommendations respectively. Consumption of foods from the Pyramid ‘tip’ (including discretionary fat and added sugar) contributed almost 50 % of the diet. African-Americans were more likely to meet requirements for the meat group, with a higher proportion of Caucasians meeting dietary recommendations. Males were more likely to meet the vegetable group guidelines although females consumed more energy per day from discretionary fat. In conclusion, these results suggest that implementation of nutrition education programmes may be important for promoting healthy nutrition among American children.

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Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutrition Knowledge of Irish Dancers

Journal of Dance Medicine & Science ◽

10.12678/1089-313x.24.3.105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 105-112

Author(s):

Jasmine Challis ◽

Roisin Cahalan ◽

Phil Jakeman ◽

Orfhlaith Nibhriain ◽

Linda Cronin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Nutrition Knowledge ◽

Sport Nutrition ◽

Full Time ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Intensive Training ◽

Knowledge Questionnaire ◽

Food Diaries ◽

High Level

Irish dance requires lengthy, intensive training to perform at a high level in competitions and professionally. Irish dancers have been known to have high injury rates. Appropriate nutrient and fluid intakes have been shown to minimize the risk of fatigue and injury during training and performance in sport, but there is a lack of evidence as to whether and how this might apply in Irish dance. Forty adult Irish dancers, 35 females (age 21 ± 3 years) and five males (aged 27 ± 8 years), professionals or in full time training, were recruited for this study to investigate nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition. Participants were asked to complete "The Sport Nutrition Questionnaire," a sport- and dance-specific nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 4 day estimated food diaries, and under-take a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to assess body composition. Food diaries were analyzed using Dietplan 7. Reported energy, fiber, iron (females), magnesium (females), selenium, iodine (females), and folate (females) intakes were below United Kingdom dietary reference values. Fruit and vegetable intakes were low: 2.7 ± 1.4 portions per day. Sixteen percent of days reported contained no fruits or vegetables. Mean body mass index (BMI) for 35 female participants was 23.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2, mean BMI for five male participants was 22.2 ± 1.6 kg/m2. Mean body fat measured by DXA in 18 female participants was 33.4% ± 6.9%, which was higher than seen in other dance populations. Mean lean mass was 40.8 ± 5.6 kg. Mean score for the nutrition knowledge questionnaire in which the maximum score is 65, was 30.5 ± 7.6 (47% ± 11.7%), range: 9 to 44 (14% to 68%). The ability of the Irish dancers to correctly identify foods as being high or low in carbohydrate, protein, and fat varied widely. Body composition did not correlate with intake of any nutrient but did correlate with nutrition knowledge questionnaire score (r = -.663, p < 0.001). Given the dietary intakes and nutrition knowledge exhibited by the dancers in this study, further work is needed to inform and improve diets and support the demands of Irish dance.

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Emotions, Perceived Qualities, and Performance of Rugby Players

The Sport Psychologist ◽

10.1123/tsp.16.2.173 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 173-199 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Valentina D’Urso ◽

Andreina Petrosso ◽

Claudio Robazza

Keyword(s):

The Other ◽

Performance Profiling ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Predicting Performance ◽

Optimal Functioning ◽

Emotion Model ◽

External Events ◽

And Performance ◽

The Individual ◽

Rugby Players

This study was mainly designed to contrast the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) emotion model and the performance profiling approach in predicting performance of rugby players based on normative, individualized, situational, and relatively stable characteristics. Pregame assessments were accomplished in 33 male Italian rugby players of a top-level team over a whole championship, and individual interviews were conducted at the end of the season. Performance differentiation and discrimination between athletes were reached on relatively stable qualities (i.e., constructs), according to predictions within the performance profile framework. Study findings also revealed that emotions modify widely during the game because of external events (e.g., behaviors of teammates or opponents) or individual behaviors (e.g., individual faults). In conclusion, findings add support to the contention that extending the IZOF model to other physical or performance related components would require situational rather than relatively stable qualities. On the other hand, the concept of zones extended to constructs seems beneficial for practical purposes.

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Characterization and Comparison of Nutritional Intake between Preparatory and Competitive Phase of Highly Trained Athletes

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina54030041 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 54 (3) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Catarina Nunes ◽

Catarina Matias ◽

Diana Santos ◽

José Morgado ◽

Cristina Monteiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Intake ◽

Dietary Reference Intake ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Iron Intake ◽

Food Record ◽

X Ray ◽

Final Sample ◽

Preparatory Phase ◽

And Performance ◽

High Level

Background and objective: For a high level athlete, it is essential to ensure optimal energy as well as macro- and micro-nutrient and fluid intakes, in order to improve their performance during training and competition. Protein intake should be 1.2–2.1 g/kg/d, whereas the requirements for carbohydrate and fat intakes should be >5g/kg/d and 20–35% of energy, respectively. The micronutrient and fluid intakes in athletes were compared to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations, respectively. This study aimed to characterize and compare the nutritional habits of athletes at the preparatory and competitive phase, and to test if their nutritional intakes were in accordance with the recommendations. Materials and methods: A total of 276 professional athletes were assessed. To evaluate their nutritional intake, the athletes completed a 7 days food record. Under reporting was defined using a ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate (BMR) of 1.1. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: Almost half (49%) of the athletes from the final sample reported lower measured intakes of carbohydrates and 27% reported a higher consumption of proteins than what was recommended. In both the preparatory and competitive phases, the micronutrients with a higher mismatch between the actual and recommended intakes were vitamins D and E, magnesium, folate, calcium, and zinc for both sexes, and iron intake for females. A large proportion of athletes reported a lower water intake. Compared to the recommendations, males reported a higher intake of carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins E, calcium, and magnesium (p <0.05) in the competitive phase, while females reported a lower ingestion of water, vitamins A and D, and calcium (p <0.05) in the preparatory phase. Conclusions: Overall, in the preparatory and competitive phases of the season, athletes reported a macro- and micro-nutrient intake below the recommendations, especially in the female athletic population. Dietary intakes in athletes need to be optimized and adjusted to their requirements, according to sex and sport, so as to avoid compromising health and performance.

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Dietary Intakes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Semi-Professional Rugby Athletes in Scotland.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-764249/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sonam Hitendre ◽

Rebecca Jordan ◽

Chistos Theodorakopoulos ◽

Lois White

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Sports Nutrition ◽

Carbohydrate Intake ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Food Groups ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Rugby Players

Abstract Background Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimising performance, recovery and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DI), nutritional knowledge (NK) and attitudes, perceptions and challenges (APC) of semi-professional rugby players in Scotland. Methods Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semi-professional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed online using researcher developed questionnaires and 1–1 semi-structured interviews. Results Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The ‘Good’ NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management (p = 0.014), Macronutrients (p < 0.001), Micronutrients (p = 0.001) and Sports Nutrition (p < 0.001) sections. Mean DI were 26.3 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day energy, 1.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day protein, 21.7 ± 10.1 g/day fibre. Median (25th ,75th ) carbohydrate intake was 3.0 (2.0,3.0) g/kg/day and 6.3 (2.3,10.6) units/week alcohol. Mean ± SD fat and saturated fat (SFA) % total energy intake (EI) were 36.2 ± 3.7% and 12.8 ± 1.9% respectively, and SFA %EI exceeded recommendations (p < 0.001). The ‘Good’ NK group had a significantly higher intakes of all macronutrients (p < 0.05). Total NK% positively correlated with intakes of meat (r = 0.556, p = 0.011), cereals (r = 0.458, p = 0.042), dietary fat (r = 0.477, p = 0.034), vegetables (r = 0.487, p = 0.030) and alcoholic beverages (r = 0.541, p = 0.014). Supplement use was 68%. Players felt diet affected performance (94%) but 31% of them were unaware of any specific nutritional strategies. A healthy diet was perceived to be ‘balanced’ with ‘variety from all food groups’. Lack of time for preparation was described as the main barrier to healthy eating. Conclusions Overall players had poor NK, their fibre and carbohydrate intake was suboptimal, whereas saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Many lacked awareness of current sports nutrition guidelines. Further nutrition education may be needed to improve diet quality and aid performance goals.

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Dietary Intakes Differ by Body Composition Goals: An Observational Study of Professional Rugby Union Players in New Zealand

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988319891350 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 155798831989135 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katherine E. Black ◽

Chloe Hindle ◽

Rebecca McLay-Cooke ◽

Rachel C. Brown ◽

Claire Gibson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Body Composition ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Assessment ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Intensive Training ◽

Competitive Season ◽

Weight Loss Group ◽

Rugby Players

Preseason in rugby union is a period of intensive training where players undergo conditioning to prepare for the competitive season. In some cases, this includes modifying body composition through weight gain or fat loss. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intakes of professional rugby union players during pre-season training. It was hypothesized that players required to gain weight would have a higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake compared to those needing to lose weight. Twenty-three professional rugby players completed 3 days of dietary assessment and their sum of eight skinfolds were assessed. Players were divided into three groups by the team coaches and medical staff: weight gain, weight maintain and weight loss. Mean energy intakes were 3,875 ± 907 kcal·d−1 (15,965 ± 3,737 kJ·d−1) (weight gain 4,532 ± 804 kcal·d−1; weight maintain 3,825 ± 803 kcal·d−1; weight loss 3,066 ± 407 kcal·d−1) and carbohydrate intakes were 3.7 ± 1.2 g·kg−1·d−1 (weight gain 4.8 ± 0.9 g.kg−1·d−1; weight maintain 2.8 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1; weight loss 2. 6 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1). The energy and carbohydrate intakes are similar to published intakes among rugby union players. There were significant differences in energy intake and the percent of energy from protein between the weight gain and the weight loss group.

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Dietary intake and processes of behaviour change in a nutrition education intervention for pregnant women in rural Malawi: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020000294 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (13) ◽

pp. 2345-2354

Author(s):

Lillian Ziyenda Katenga-Kaunda ◽

Per Ole Iversen ◽

Gerd Holmboe-Ottesen ◽

Heidi Fjeld ◽

Ibrahimu Mdala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Dietary Behaviour ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractObjective:To examine if increased intake of locally available nutrient-dense foods among pregnant women improved the quality of their dietary intake and if use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour could explain changes in their dietary behaviour.Design:We used data from a randomised controlled trial where the intervention group received nutrition education and dietary counselling. We promoted the use of recipes that utilised powders to enhance dietary diversity. We examined how the intervention achieved changes in dietary intakes and used mixed effects logistic regression models with random effects at village level to explore changes over time of the outcomes, adjusted for selected explanatory variables.Setting:The study was conducted in twenty villages in rural Malawi.Participants:Data from 257 pregnant women who were enrolled during late first trimester and followed until birth.Results:The intervention achieved improvements in the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and the Six Food Group Pyramid (SFG) score, especially in intakes of micronutrient-rich foods. A third of the women in the intervention group attained optimal DDS, whereas about 50 % attained optimal SFG. The theorised behaviour mediators (i.e. nutrition attitudes, nutrition behaviour control and subjective norm) that had improved were also significantly associated with high DDS.Conclusions:Improved dietary intakes were achieved through promoting the use of locally available nutrient-dense foods. Attainment of high DDS was a consequence of the women’s belief in the effectiveness of the proposed nutrition recommendations. We identified critical personal and environmental constraints related to dietary intakes during pregnancy in a low-resource setting.

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