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A qualitative investigation of factors influencing the dietary intakes of professional Australian football players
Jenner, Sarah Belski, Regina Devlin, Brooke Coutts, Aaron Kempton, Thomas Forsyth, Adrienne
Jenner, Sarah
Belski, Regina
Devlin, Brooke
Coutts, Aaron
Kempton, Thomas
Forsyth, Adrienne
Abstract
(1) Background: Many professional Australian Football (AF) players do not meet recommended sports nutrition guidelines despite having access to nutrition advice. There are a range of factors that can influence players′ ability to meet their nutrition goals and awareness of the barriers players face is essential to ensure that dietary advice translates into practice. Therefore, this qualitative research study aimed to explore the factors influencing AF players’ dietary intakes and food choice. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve professional male AF players. (3) Results: Less experienced players restricted their carbohydrate intake to meet body composition goals, particularly during preseason and surrounding body composition assessment. During the competition season players had a greater focus on performance and placed more emphasis on carbohydrate intake in the lead up to matches. Players felt nutrition goals were easier to achieve when dietary choices were supported by their families and peers. One-on-one consultations provided by a sports dietitian were players′ preferred mode of nutrition intervention. Individualized nutrition advice is required for less experienced AF players who may be vulnerable to unsustainable dietary habits. Experienced AF players can support junior teammates by promoting positive team culture related to body composition, nutrition and performance.
Keywords
carbohydrate, body composition, Australian football, qualitative, education
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Book
Volume
18
Issue
8
Page Range
1-15
Article Number
Article 4205
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open