Exercise Behaviors and Nutrition Knowledge and Practices Among Trained Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study Direct Original Research
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Keywords
supplementation, training measures, performance
Abstract
Introduction: Nutritional supplementation is a common strategy used by athletes at all levels of sport to enhance mental and physical performance and to improve recovery; however, it is difficult to generalize dietary supplement use as studies on the topic are heterogeneous. This cross-sectional study aims to collect current data on aspects related to exercise behaviors and nutrition knowledge and practices in trained athletes in the United States.
Methods: Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit participants in the target population. A pilot-questionnaire was used to create the valid, reliable final questionnaire that was implemented. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine relationships between selected variables.
Results: Details on frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise were summarized for the respondents. A majority responded as having basic or average nutrition knowledge. Nutrition knowledge and frequency of nutritional product use was also summarized. There was a significant relationship between selected variables with lower level and frequency of muscle soreness associated with higher frequency of engagement in recovery activities, higher level and frequency of muscle soreness associated with higher average intensity of both cardio- and strength-based exercise sessions, and a higher level of nutrition knowledge associated with a higher implementation of nutritional focus before, during, and after exercise.
Conclusions: The results of the present study provide valuable information on aspects related to exercise behaviors and nutrition knowledge and practices in trained athletes. Future research should continue to investigate the use of supplements for athletic performance as well as investigate distinct nutrition knowledge compared to self-reported level of knowledge of nutrition.
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