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Title:

Nutrition Knowledge of German Elite Athletes

Document type:
Konferenzbeitrag
Author(s):
Thurnherr, Lucas; Bauhaus, Helen; Engel, Helena; Wasserfurth, Paulina; Hermann,Volker; Koehler, Karsten
Abstract:
Introduction: Nutritional knowledge has been shown to be one factor influencing nutritional status and diet-related decisions among athletes. Assessing knowledge status allows the identification of knowledge gaps, which can subsequently be addressed during nutritional counseling. This study aimed to assess sports nutrition knowledge of athletes affiliated with the Olympic Training Center Bavaria. Methods: A validated General and Sports Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes and Coaches (GNSKQ-AC) was distributed online to a convenience sample of athletes before their first appointment with a nutritionist. The questionnaire consisted of 18 multiple-choice questions covering weight management, macronutrients, and sport-specific knowledge. Each correctly answered question was attributed one point or fractions thereof for questions with multiple correct answers. Athlete ́s answers were compared to a pre-defined key for solutions, which was based on current literature. Knowledge scores were expressed as a percentage of the total possible correct answers. In addition, personal information such as age, athletic caliber, and previous experience with nutritional consultation, was recorded. The German Olympic Sports Confederation ́s squad system was used to classify athletes into lower (NK2, NK1), middle (PK), and highest (OK) caliber. Results: Altogether, questionnaires from 145 athletes (69 female, 76 male) were analyzed. The average knowledge score was 59% ± 15, without significant gender differences. NK2 scored significantly lower (51% ± 16) than NK1 (60% ± 13), OK (71% ± 18), and coaches (67% ± 9; all p<0.05) but not PK (59% ± 14, p=0.09). Of all athletes, 29% had received prior nutritional counseling and scored significantly better than peers without previous nutritional counseling (66% ± 13 vs. 56% ± 14, p<0.001). Discussion: Nutrition knowledge was lower amongst NK2-athletes, who tend to be younger. In contrast, NK1, PK, and OK athletes possess comparable nutrition knowledge. Targeted interventions led by nutritionists have the potential to fill individual knowledge gaps and thereby support the health and performance of athletes.
Dewey Decimal Classification:
570 Biowissenschaften, Biologie; 610 Medizin und Gesundheit; 790 Sport, Spiele, Unterhaltung
Book / Congress title:
Optimizing Training in Sports, Exercise and Health
Congress (additional information):
Jahrestagung dvs-Sektion Trainingswissenschaft
Organization:
Deutsche Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft, Sektion Trainingswissenschaft
Year:
2023
Semester:
WS 23-24
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