Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge in Female Gaelic Games Players

Abstract

Improvements in nutrition knowledge have been associated with increased carbohydrate consumption and greater adherence to dietary recommendations among female athletes. In order to assess whether nutrition knowledge interventions in female Gaelic games players may be beneficial, it is necessary to first of all investigate current levels of nutrition knowledge in this population. Given that many demographic characteristics have been shown to influence nutrition knowledge, it is also important for these to be investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of female Gaelic games players, compare knowledge by players’ characteristics and identify players’ preferences for information and support. A validated 35-item questionnaire was completed by 328 female Gaelic games players (Age: 23.7 ± 5.0 years). Players’ mean nutrition knowledge score was 46.0% ± 11.8% and classified as “poor”. Elite players scored greater (+4.5–5.9%, p < 0.05) than subelite players. Players with higher levels of general education, history of formal nutrition education and previous advice from a nutritionist also presented greater nutrition knowledge (+3.7–7.5%, p < 0.05). Future education interventions with female Gaelic games players may lead to beneficial changes in dietary behaviour and would likely benefit from stratifying content based on athletes’ demographic characteristics, given the differences observed.

Exploring Sports Nutrition Knowledge in Elite Gaelic Footballers

“…Athletes that demonstrated higher nutrition knowledge consume more fruit, vegetables and CHO rich foods than those with lower levels of nutrition knowledge [ 22 ]. Previous research has identified that both elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players demonstrated poor nutrition knowledge [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Similarly, elite female Gaelic games players and elite male hurlers demonstrated inadequate levels of nutrition knowledge [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The recent attempts to examine the SNK of male [ 23 , 24 , 25 ] and female [ 26 ] Gaelic football players is addressing a gap in the body of knowledge. On the other hand, there are some methodological limitations within the previous studies that would warrant the current study as the logical continuation of the previous research.…”

“…The study of Renard et al (2021) including 68 club (sub-elite) and 84 inter-county players (elite) Gaelic football players, is the most recent and most focused examination of the SNK demonstrating a total score of 44.3 ± 12.7% (corresponding with poor nutrition knowledge) with no difference between playing levels. Nevertheless, a shorter form of the SNK questionnaire was used in this study focusing around athlete’s declarative nutrition knowledge (in comparison with the procedural and tacit knowledge), while particular methodology in sampling, restricted the ability to determine the response rate [ 25 ].…”

“…Preferred sources of nutrition information among athletes vary, as they may obtain information from a nutritionist/dietitian, strength and conditioning coach, the media and the internet, their peers, teammates and family, and their coach [ 28 ]. Recently, Renard et al (2020) reported that female Gaelic games players most preferred nutrition information source was a nutritionist; however, only 20% reported having access to nutrition information and 16% had access to a nutritionist [ 26 ].…”

Gaelic Football Match-Play: Performance Attenuation and Timeline of Recovery

“…Consequently, effectively preparing for subsequent training or competition necessitates the monitoring of Gaelic football players during the post-match recovery timeline. Such knowledge is vital for injury prevention and nutritional strategies, tactical player rotation and the optimal management and periodization of training loads [ 10 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the changes in markers of fatigue and performance attenuation during and following competitive Gaelic football match-play.…”