Sports nutrition knowledge translates to enhanced athletic performance: a cross-sectional study among Lebanese university athletes

Abstract

Purpose Adequate nutrition knowledge forms the foundation for optimal physical health and performance. In Lebanon, there are limited studies on the effect of nutrition knowledge on the athletes’ performance. This study aims to evaluate university athletes’ nutrition knowledge status and to identify the factors predicting athletes’ performance. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 university student-athletes, using a validated tool with modifications (Furber et al., 2017) to assess nutrition knowledge. The modified questionnaire includes seven subsections (vitamins and minerals, general nutrition, fluid, fat, carbohydrate, protein and sporting performance). Further, anthropometric measurements were taken; body composition was determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. Handgrip strength, as an indirect measure of athlete performance, was assessed with the hand dynamometer. To measure the existence and degree of significance among different variables, Pearson correlation coefficients, χ2 and linear regression were used. Findings The health group had a higher level of nutritional knowledge, compared with the non-health group. The overall mean sports nutrition knowledge score for the student-athletes was 63.54%, which was considered inadequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean < 75%). Further, athletes’ performance was significantly predicted by the resting metabolic rate, lean muscle mass and weight. Originality/value The findings may help the university administration to implement a nutrition education program for athletes enrolled in non-health majors. Information gained serve to help dietetics professionals in Lebanon refine education strategies and sports clubs in universities to start to budget for hiring dietitians.

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Nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional athletes in an Iranian population (a cross-sectional study)

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Attitude towards healthy nutrition and mental toughness: a study of taekwondo athletes

“…The increasing recognition of nutrition’s multifaceted influence on both health and athletic performance has fueled a surge in research within the domain of sports nutrition ( Valenzuela, 2023 ). This growing awareness is evident in the plethora of recent research into various aspects of nutritional practices and their impact on athletic outcomes in the relevant literature ( Nobari, Cholewa & Suzuki, 2023 ; Ferrada-Contreras et al, 2023 ; Serhan, Yakan & Serhan, 2023 ; Hernández-Lougedo et al, 2023 ; Cannataro, Straface & Cione, 2022 ; Tirla et al, 2022 ; Laudisio et al, 2022 ; Miyamoto, Hanatani & Shibuya, 2021 ; Reuter & Forster, 2021 ; Bentley et al, 2021 ; Miyamoto, Hanatani & Shibuya, 2020 ; Massarani et al, 2019 ; Astley, Souza & Polito, 2017 ; Close et al, 2016 ; Knapik et al, 2016 ; Tawfik, El Koofy & Moawad, 2016 ; Reed et al, 2014 ; Halson, 2014 ; Logi Kristjánsson, Dóra Sigfúsdóttir & Allegrante, 2010 ). However, a critical review of this extensive body of literature reveals that there is limited research specifically examining the interplay between attitudes towards healthy nutrition and mental toughness.…”