Availability of a sports dietitian may lead to improved performance and recovery of NCAA division I baseball athletes. Issue 1 (10th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hull, Michael V.; Neddo, Jonathan; Jagim, Andrew R.; Oliver, Jonathan M.; Greenwood, Mike; Jones, Margaret T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Volume 14:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-10
• Subjects: Nutritional supplementation -- Dietary behaviors -- NCAA student-athlete -- Nutrient periodization -- Survey; Athletes -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; 613.2024796
• DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0187-6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1550-2783

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The purpose was to survey dietary habits (DH) and nutrient timing (NT) practices of baseball student-athletes (mean ± SD; 20.7 ± 1.4 yr.) from three NCAA Division I institutions, and examine the effect of a sports dietitian (SD) in regard to nutrition practices. Methods: Descriptive statistics and Pearson X 2 analyses were run. Responses on 10 DH and 5 NT items differed ( p ≤ 0.10) between athletes who sought dietary planning from a SD ( n = 36) versus those who consulted a strength and conditioning coach (SCC, n = 42). Results: In regard to DH items, the SD group found it easier to eat before activity (92% vs. 71%, p = 0.03), did not consume fast food (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.02), caffeinated beverages (57% vs. 46%, p = 0.02), or soda (56% vs. 37%, p = 0.10), prepared their own meals more often (86% vs. 73%, p = 0.07), and took daily multi-vitamins (56% vs. 32%, p = 0.02). The SCC group ate more at burger locations (21% vs. 6%, p = 0.02). In regard to NT items, the SD group ate breakfast before training/lifting sessions (67% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), and had post-workout nutrition options provided (61% vs. 27%, p = 0.01). The SCC group reported pre-competition meals of fast food (58% vs. 45%, p = 0.01), and sport coaches who were less aware of healthy food options (39% vs. 65%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: The SD is as a valuable asset to an intercollegiate athletics program. In the current study, athletes from the SD group consumed less high calorie/low nutrient dense items, ate before exercise, and consumed healthier options post-exercise. The presence of a SD was linked to provision of healthier food options during team trips. The evidence-based eating strategies and dietary plan provided by a SD may lead to improved performance and recovery.