The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference exists between collegiate athletes' perceived and actual nutritional awareness. This study compared differences in athletes' perceived and actual nutritional awareness between sports focusing on appearance/body composition and those sports that do not, as well as, between genders. Participants (N = 92) for this study were obtained from a purposeful sample of 367 collegiate varsity athletes (n = 196 males, n = 171 females) at a Midwestern Division I University.The researcher observed the effects of the Nutritional Education Series treatment, between the pre- and post-test, and found significant differences (p < .05) across all groups of participants in athletes' perceived and actual nutritional awareness for protein, carbohydrates, iron, water during the day, water during sport, potassium, fiber, calcium, and fat. In addition, the researcher looked at the frequencies of the questions and found that the Nutritional Education Series treatment was significantly effective in altering the athletes' perceived versus actual nutritional awareness for protein, carbohydrates, iron, water during the day, water during sport, sodium, potassium, fiber, calcium, and fat.Specifically, both males and females showed a significant difference (p < .05) in perception and actual nutritional awareness for iron, but female athletes showed a greater difference than males. Significant differences (p < .05) in actual and perceived nutritional awareness for carbohydrate consumption were also observed for athletes participating in both sports focusing on appearance/body composition and those athletes that do not. Those participating in sports focusing on appearance/body composition showed the greatest difference in perception and actual nutritional awareness for carbohydrate consumption.The findings of this study would suggest that athletes demonstrate significant differences in their perceived and actual nutritional awareness, with significant differences observed between genders as well as between sports that do and do not focus on appearance/body composition. In addition, the results of this study would suggest that the systematic implementation of a nutritional educational program for athletes can modify athletes' nutritional and dietary awareness. Given the importance of nutrition in sport and physical activity, as well as the increasing competitiveness of athletics, it is important and necessary to learn the amount and accuracy of the nutritional education that athletes are receiving. Poor nutrition and an inaccurate perception of nutritional awareness can lead to a disruption in physical development and decrease an athlete's ability to play. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188150 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Litzenberg, Jennifer M. |
| Contributors | Pearson, David R. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | viii, 84 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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