Search Results (39)

Collegiate student-athletes are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity (FI). Prevalence rates range from 9.9% to 65%, although research is limited among this population. Background/Objectives: The challenge of balancing academic and degree progression requirements with training and competition demands can increase the risk for FI among student-athletes. Furthermore, insufficient funds for food has been reported for student-athletes living both on campus and off campus. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design and constructivist theoretical framework to explore the experiences of athletic trainers, sports dietitians/nutritionists, and other professionals working with student-athletes in identifying and addressing FI among student-athletes via a series of online focus groups. Results: Participants (n = 27, 12 public colleges) had ≥7 years of collegiate athletics work experience, and most had been in their current position for <3 years. Five approaches to FI screening emerged; specifically, no screening, screening varies by team/sport, informal screening, dietitian screening, and formal screening. Emerging social determinants of FI included financial challenges, competing priorities, cultural/societal impacts, limited life skills, and the food environment. All these factors precipitated on a systems level, including individual, team/athletic department, and university/societal tiers. Conclusions: Athletic department and university policies and budgetary decisions emerged as potential antagonists of food security among student-athletes. FI mitigation strategies for student-athletes must go beyond simply addressing individual factors. Obtainment of food security among collegiate student-athletes requires system changes at the team/athletic department and university tiers. Full article

This study aimed to explore the occurrence of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (ExGIS) in collegiate athletes and identify related self-management practices. A sequential mixed methods design was used, consisting of an online survey followed by semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (survey) and thematic analysis (interviews). Survey respondents (n = 96) represented various individual and team sports but were primarily female (76%). ExGIS prevented or interrupted training and/or competition in 32%. Female athletes experienced gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) more frequently at rest (60%) and during training (37%), compared to males (22% and 9%, respectively; p < 0.01). Only 12% sought health care for ExGIS. Four (13%) female runners with ExGIS agreed to an interview. Response rates and interview data provided evidence of stigma in discussing GIS. Self-imposed food restriction was a common self-management strategy. In summary, female collegiate athletes may experience a greater burden of GIS and ExGIS than males. The stigmatized topic of ExGIS is a potential barrier to seeking health care and support. Access to a sport dietitian could help to address barriers to ExGIS care and support self-management practices in these athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dancers require adequate nutrition support for growth and development during the pre-professional stage, as well as to fuel classes and rehearsals and to enhance performance for both pre-professional and professional dancers. The aim of this study is to understand the energy status and diet of pre-professional and professional dancers in the genres of ballet, contemporary, musical theatre, and opera. Methods: Electronic databases (n = 9) and grey literature were searched for primary studies with no time limit. Screening and data extraction were completed by two reviewers. Results: Twelve studies were included for pre-professional (n = 7) and professional (n = 5) dancers. The genres identified were ballet (n = 11) and contemporary (n = 1), with no studies on musical theatre or opera. Studies on pre-professional ballet and contemporary dancers indicated a negative energy balance and low energy availability. Pre-professional ballet dancers had lower energy intakes than professional dancers. Professional dancers had lower BMI and body fat percentages. Macronutrients were mostly reported using the acceptable macronutrient distribution range for carbohydrates (38–56%E), protein (12–17%E), and total fat (26–42%E). Iron and calcium were the main micronutrients of concern. Conclusions: Accredited sports dietitians are recommended to support pre-professional and professional dancers to optimize their diet for health and performance. Further investigation is needed to quantify and assess dancers’ dietary intake using sports nutrition guidelines for reference. Full article

Background: Despite the well-documented benefits of exercise and sports participation, young athletes are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries. This is especially true during periods of rapid growth, sports specialisation, and high training loads. While injuries are an inevitable aspect of sports participation, the risk can be minimised by promoting the development of strong, resilient tissues through proper nutrition and injury prevention strategies. Moreover, targeted nutrition strategies can accelerate recovery and rehabilitation, allowing for a quicker return to sports participation. Methods: This narrative review synthesises scientific evidence with practical insights to offer comprehensive dietary recommendations aimed at strengthening tissues and supporting the healing process during recovery and rehabilitation. The selection of all sources cited and synthesised in this narrative review were agreed upon by contributing author consensus, experts in sports nutrition (R.A., H.V., B.D.) and exercise and sports medicine (M.H.). Results: Key topics include factors that contribute to injury susceptibility, general dietary recommendations for growth and development, sports nutrition guidelines, and nutrition considerations during injury and rehabilitation. This review also addresses external factors that may lead to suboptimal nutrition, such as food literacy and eating disorders. Conclusions: By highlighting these factors, this article aims to equip coaches, nutritionists, dietitians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, parents/guardians, sporting organisations, and schools with essential knowledge to implement effective nutritional strategies for injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation, ultimately enhancing long-term health and athletic performance. Full article

Although the extensive use of sports supplements (SSs) is prevalent among cyclists, this area has been poorly explored; in fact, no studies have been conducted on this topic regarding women cyclists to date. This descriptive, cross-sectional study, which included 316 federated female road cyclists, aimed to analyze SS consumption patterns in relation to scientific evidence and various categories. SSs were categorized according to the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence supporting their use. The analysis found that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SSs, with an average consumption of 7 ± 6 supplements per individual. Pharmacies (60.8%), dietitian-nutritionists (58.9%), and health status (60.1%) were the primary purchase location, source of information, and reason for use, respectively. The most frequently consumed supplements were sports bars (77.5%), sports gels (61.4%), and caffeine (49.1%). Significantly, 80% of the ten most commonly used supplements were from the group with the highest evidence level, as classified by the AIS, with an average intake of 5 ± 3 supplements per cyclist. In summary, the use of SSs is prevalent among female road cyclists, with reliable sources for both purchasing and obtaining advice on supplements. Full article

Background: Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). Methods: A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. Results: A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian–nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). Conclusions: MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption. Full article

Student-athlete well-being is a key objective for individuals working with or for university athletic departments. This paper will describe how a university athletic department used a team approach to enhancing student-athlete health and well-being. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies of (1) Values and Ethics; (2) Roles and Responsibilities; (3) Communication; and (4) Teams and Teamwork provide a guiding framework for interprofessional collaboration. (IPC; Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2023). However, significant barriers exist in implementing IPC in university athletic departments and little research exists on how to overcome these barriers in university athletic departments to enhance student-athlete wellness. To address this gap, this paper will first provide a review of the literature on athlete well-being, followed by an applied section that describes the experience of an interprofessional wellness team (IWT) consisting of a clinical sports psychology doctoral student, a licensed mental health professional, an athletic trainer, and a sports dietitian. A case vignette is used to demonstrate how IPEC core competencies are operationalized by the team to address athlete health and well-being through IPC. Recommendations on the further implementation of IPC centered around student-athlete well-being will be provided. Full article

Systematic detection of risky nutrition behaviors after sports surgery may better promote healing for return-to-sport. The purpose of this study was to assess nutritional behavior differences between patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and following other lower-extremity orthopedic surgeries. One pediatric sports medicine center was reviewed for a custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation, which investigates nutrition-related risk factors for youth athletes at their first post-operative visit. Patients reported “Yes” or “No” to eight questions, after which they were offered a nutrition consultation for any response indicating risk. A total of 243 post-ACLR and 242 non-ACLR patients were reviewed. The post-ACLR patients more often reported a change in appetite (p = 0.021), recent weight changes (p = 0.011), a desire to better understand nutrition (p = 0.004), and recommendations to change their body composition (p = 0.032). More post-ACLR patients were identified for a nutrition consultation (p = 0.002), though an equal percentage accepted the consultation between groups. Age and sex were not determined to be significant confounders after matched sub-analysis. The post-ACLR patients more often reported nutrition risks, specifically weight-related issues, regardless of age or sex. Sports surgeons should regularly inquire about nutrition-related concerns with patients and refer to sports dietitians for recovery nutrition support as needed, particularly after ACLR. Full article

Background: Testing and evaluating athletes is necessary and should include performance, body composition, and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to report assessments of dietary intake, $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max, and body composition in D1 collegiate athletes and examine relationships between these assessments. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed with 3-day recalls and compared to recommendations, and body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (n = 48). $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max was evaluated using a graded exercise test (GXT) with a verification bout (n = 35). Reliability between “true” $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max and verification was determined. Correlations and regressions were performed. Results: Energy, carbohydrate, and micronutrient intake was lower than recommendations. Mean $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max was 47.3 and 47.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ for GXT and verification, respectively. While correlations were apparent among dietary intake, $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max, and body composition, percent fat-free mass (%FFM) predicted 36% of $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max. Conclusions: Collegiate athletes are not meeting energy and carbohydrate recommendations and exceed fat recommendations. Vitamin D and magnesium were low in all sports, and iron and calcium were low in females. $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$O_2max ranged from 35.6 to 63.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, with females below average and males meeting typical values for their designated sport. Assessing D1 athletes can provide guidance for sports dietitians, coaches, and strength and conditioning specialists to track and monitor nutrition in athletes. Full article

Sport-related concussion incidence has increased in many team-based sports, such as rugby, Gaelic (camogie, hurling, football), and hockey. Concussion disrupts athletes’ brain function, causing an “energy crisis” that requires energy and nutrient support to restore function and heal. Performance dietitians and nutritionists play a role in supporting athletes’ post-injury nutritional demands. This study aimed to investigate Irish performance dietitians’ and nutritionists’ knowledge and implementation of nutritional strategies to manage and support athletes’ recovery following concussion. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen (n = 17) Irish performance dietitians and nutritionists recruited from the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register and other sporting body networks across Ireland. Participants practised or had practised with amateur and/or professional athletes within the last ten years. All interviews and their transcripts were thematically analysed to extract relevant insights. These data provided valuable insights revealing performance dietitians and nutritionists: (1) their awareness of concussion events and (2) their use of nutritional supports for concussion management. Furthermore, the research highlighted their implementation of ‘novel nutritional protocols’ specifically designed to support and manage athletes’ concussion recovery. There was a clear contrast between participants who had an awareness and knowledge of the importance of nutrition for brain recovery after sport-related concussion(s) and those who did not. Participants presenting with a practical understanding mentioned re-emphasising certain foods and supplements they were already recommending to athletes in the event of a concussion. Performance dietitians and nutritionists were keeping up to date with nutrition research on concussions, but limited evidence has prevented them from implementing protocols in practice. Meanwhile, participants mentioned trialling/recommending nutritional protocols, such as carbohydrate reloading, reducing omega-6 intake, and acutely supplementing creatine, omega-3 fish oils high in Docosahexaenoic acid, and probiotics to support brain healing. Performance dietitians’ and nutritionists’ use of nutrition protocols with athletes following concussion was linked to their knowledge and the limited scientific evidence available. Nutrition implementation, therefore, may be overlooked or implemented with uncertainty, which could negatively affect athletes’ recovery following sports-related concussions. Full article

Body composition as a meaningful factor can result in physiological responses in both the physical body and general health status. Nevertheless, the schemes for establishing cut-off points for identifying the classifications of the body fat percentage of athletes competing in combat sports still include gaps. The aim of this study was, by using bioimpedanciometry, to calculate the percentiles for the classification of body fat percentages in Lithuanian professional male athletes (n = 52) competing in combat sports with weight classes. A total of 52 Lithuanian professional male athletes competing in combat sports with weight classes were evaluated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis method with frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1000 kHz. Percentiles P₃, P₁₀, P₂₅, P₅₀, P₇₅, P₉₀, and P₉₇ were used to determine the classification. As a consequence, the following classification categories were assigned: 6.6–7.8% (extremely low); 7.9–10.9% (very low); 11.0–14.7% (below normal); 14.8–18.8% (normal); 18.9–21.5% (above normal); 21.6–29.3% (very excessive); and ≥29.4% (extremely excessive). The assessment of body composition in combat sports athletes identified an inverse association between higher body fat levels and a decrease in the muscle-to-fat ratio (β –1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): –1.5; –1.0, p < 0.001). The relationship between lower body fat percentage and lighter weight categories in which combat sports athletes from different combat sports were competing has been identified (β 0.3%, 95% CI: 0.2; 0.3, p < 0.0001). The established cut-off points may assist sports medicine professionals and sports dietitians in monitoring the adiposity of combat sports athletes. Full article

Nutrition education (NE) is one of several strategies aimed at enhancing the dietary intake of athletes. This study investigated NE preferences of New Zealand and Australian athletes competing nationally and internationally. Athletes (n = 124, 22 (18, 27) years, female 54.8%) from 22 sports completed an online survey, with responses analysed using descriptive statistics. Teaching techniques considered ‘extremely effective’ were life examples (47.6% of athletes), hands-on activities (30.6%), and discussions with a facilitator (30.6%). Setting personal nutrition goals was important to most athletes (83.9%), along with two-way feedback with a facilitator (75.0%). General nutrition topics considered ‘essential’ were energy requirements (52.9%), hydration (52.9%), and nutrient deficiencies (43.3%). Performance topics considered ‘essential’ were recovery (58.1%), pre-exercise nutrition (51.6%), nutrition during exercise (50.0%), and energy requirements for training (49.2%). Athletes preferred a ‘combination of in-person group and one-on-one sessions’ (25% of athletes), ‘one-on one sessions’ (19.2%) and ‘in-person group sessions’ (18.3%), with only 13.3% interested in ‘exclusively online delivery’. Sessions of 31–60 min (61.3% of athletes) held monthly (37.5%) and undertaken with athletes of the same sporting calibre (61.3%) were favoured by the participants. The preferred facilitator was a performance dietitian or nutritionist (82.1% of athletes), who had knowledge of the sport (85.5%), experience in sports nutrition (76.6%), and credibility (73.4%). This research provides novel insights into the factors that need to be considered when designing and implementing nutrition education for athletes. Full article

Background: In the last few years endurance sports have experienced a great increase in the number of competitions and participants. Dietary-nutritional planning is key for performing well during such competitions. To date, there is no questionnaire expressly developed to be able to analyze the consumption of liquids, foods, and supplements, as well as gastrointestinal problems in these events. This study describes the development of the Nutritional Intake Questionnaire for Endurance Competitions (NIQEC). Methods: The study was composed in the following phases: (1) Bibliographic search for the most important nutrients, (2) focus groups (17 dietitian-nutritionists and 15 experienced athletes) and generation of items, (3) Delphi surveys, and (4) cognitive interviews. Results: After an initial shaping of the questionnaire with the items that emerged in the focus groups, their relevance was evaluated by means of the Delphi survey, which showed more than 80% approval for most items. Finally, the cognitive interviews indicated that the questionnaire was simple and complete for its purpose. The final NIQEC (n = 50 items) was divided in 5 sections: Demographic data; sports data; consumption of liquids, food and supplements before, during, and after the competition; gastrointestinal complaints, and dietary-nutritional planning for the competition. Conclusions: The NICEQ is a useful tool that allows collecting information from participants on sociodemographic factors and gastrointestinal complaints, and estimating the intake of liquid, food, and supplements, for endurance competitions. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between low energy availability (LEA) and nutritional content with high blood pressure (HBP) in African American Division I athletes. Twenty-three D1 African American pre-season athletes were recruited to participate. HBP was defined as >120 systolic blood pressure (BP) and <80 diastolic BP. Athletes self-reported nutritional intake using a non-consecutive 3-day food recall which was then reviewed by a sports dietitian. LEA was evaluated as total energy intake—total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), which was predicted. Additionally, micronutrients were evaluated. A statistical analysis relied on Spearman correlation (R), standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval, mean ± SD, and odds ratios (OR). Correlation values were categorized: 0.20–0.39 = low; 0.40–0.69 = moderate; 0.70–1.0 = strong. A moderate relationship was observed between HBP and LEA (R = 0.56) with 14/23 having HBP. Of the 14 athletes observed with HBP, 78.5% (11/14) were calorically deficient (−529 ± 695 kcal) with an OR of 7.2. Micronutrient intake deficiencies were ubiquitous among the 23 HBP athletes: poly-unsaturated fatty acid −29.6%; omega-3 −26.0%; iron −46.0%; calcium −25.1%; and sodium −14.2%, amongst others. LEA and micronutrient deficiencies may contribute to HBP in Black D1 athletes, which has been shown to be the most common modifiable risk factor to decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death. Full article

Background: A wide range of sports health professionals provide nutritional supplement advice. We aimed to better understand the expertise, knowledge, and attitudes of sports health professionals toward nutritional supplements and third-party supplement testing. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was used to ask questions about nutritional supplement knowledge and attitudes toward the Dutch third-party supplement testing system (NZVT), about supplement efficacy, and if professionals advise these supplements, as well as which profession can be deemed the expert on nutritional supplements. Results: A total of n = 320 sports health professionals delivered input, of which 45% worked with Olympic athletes and 18% were sports dietitians. Sports dietitians were ranked as the most knowledgeable professionals about sports nutrition (80%) and nutritional supplements (74%), and a literature-based comparison showed the most favorable knowledge, attitudes, and ergogenic classifications of supplement scores for sports dietitians compared with other sports health professions. Sports health professionals working with Olympic athletes scored similar but slightly lower trends on self-reported knowledge, attitude and third-party supplement testing than sports dietitians but substantially better than professionals not working with Olympic athletes. Conclusion: Sports dietitians are seen as the absolute expert on supplements by other sports health professionals, with professionals working with Olympic athletes reporting similar trends, and other sports health professionals do have lower self-reported knowledge and preferred attitudes toward effective and safe use of dietary supplements. Full article