Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the NEAknowledge and practices of collegiate athletes. Participants of
the study included 152 Division I collegiate athletes from a
small Midwestern university. Athletes were both male and female
participants of rugby, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming,
and/or track and field during the 2011-2012 school year. A 14
item questionnaire was developed based on concepts associated
with misconceptions or wide spread beliefs about these NEAs
identified through review of sports nutrition peer reviewed
research articles, published text books, and based on personal
experiences with college athletes. Content accuracy was
established by review of instrument by professionals in the
field; further, validity and was established by a pilot study.
The questionnaires were all completed simultaneously in a group
setting in the presences of the researcher. Descriptive
statistics were determined for all variables, including
demographic information, use of NEAs, and knowledge based test
scores.
The mean knowledge score for all athletes was 69%; NEA
users had a mean score of 68.6%, while non-NEA users, had a mean
score of 80%. Athletes appeared more knoweldgable about some
concets than others; however, common misconceptions, scuh as
supplements being a necessity, were held by some. Athletes using NEAs were found more likely to agree that nutritional
supplements are the most effective way to build muscle and
increase energy. Of the 152 participating athletes, only about
half reported utilizing some form of NEA. The overwhelming
majority of NEA users reported using protein, while creatine and
caffeine were only being used by 15% and 8%, respectively. For
men, building muscle was the main motivation, followed by
doctor/coach recommendation. In women, the most popular reason
for use was even cited between doctor/coach recommendations and
to build muscle. By enhancing the NEA knowledge of athletes,
they may be able to make more informed decisions in regard to
NEA utilization, as well as overall nutrition for good health
and optimal athletic performance.
| Date of Award | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Karla Kennedy-Hagan (Supervisor) |