Background There is a reported mismatch between macronutrient consumption and contemporary macronutrient guidelines in elite standard squash players. Suboptimal dietary practices could be due to a lack of nutrition knowledge among players. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the sports nutrition knowledge of elite squash players through the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) and provide an indication of whether players require nutrition support to increase their nutrition knowledge. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed the nutrition knowledge of 77 elite squash players via the NSKQ over the period of June 2020 to August 2020. Results Players conveyed average nutrition knowledge with a mean NSKQ score of 48.78 ± 10.06 (56.07% ± 11.56%). There were no significant differences in NSKQ score between male and female players (p = .532). There was found to be a weak positive association between world ranking and NSKQ score (r = .208) and age and NSKQ score (r = .281). Players who had a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. BSc Sport & Exercise Science) had significantly greater NSKQ score than players with no relevant qualifications (p = .022). Players who consulted a sports nutritionist to obtain their main source of nutrition information were shown to have significantly greater knowledge than those who acquired knowledge from a sports scientist (p = .01) or the internet / social media (p = .007). Conclusions Players should consult with a sports nutritionist to increase their sport nutrition knowledge. Future research should quantify the effectiveness of a nutritional education intervention at increasing nutrition knowledge in players.

Background: There is a reported mismatch between macronutrient consumption and contemporary macronutrient guidelines in elite standard squash players. Suboptimal dietary practices could be due to a lack of nutrition knowledge among players. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the sports nutrition knowledge of elite squash players through the RNSKQ and provide an indication of whether players require nutrition support to increase their nutrition knowledge.Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the nutrition knowledge of 77 elite squash players via the RNSKQ over the period of June 2020 to August 2020.Results: Players conveyed average nutrition knowledge with a mean RNSKQ score of 48.78 ± 10.06 (56.07 % ± 11.56 %). There were no significant differences in RNSKQ score between male and female players (p = .532). There was found to be a weak positive correlation between world ranking and RNSKQ score (r = .208) and age and RNSKQ score (r = .281). Players who had a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. BSc Sport & Exercise Science) had significantly greater RNSKQ score than players with no qualifications (p = .022). Players who consulted a sports nutritionist to obtain their main source of nutrition information were shown to have significantly greater knowledge than those who acquired knowledge from a sports scientist (p = .01) or the internet / social media (p = .007).Conclusions: Players should consult with a sports nutritionist to increase their sport nutrition knowledge. Future research should quantify the effectiveness of a nutritional education intervention at increasing nutrition knowledge in players.

Elite squash players are reported to train indoors at high volumes and intensities throughout a microcycle. This may increase hydration demands, with hypohydration potentially impairing many key performance indicators which characterise elite squash performance. Consequently, the main aim of this study was to quantify the sweat rates and sweat [Na+] of elite squash players throughout a training session, alongside their hydration practices. Fourteen (males = seven; females = seven) elite or world class squash player’s fluid balance, sweat [Na+] and hydration practices were calculated throughout a training session in moderate environmental conditions (20 ± 0.4 °C; 40.6 ± 1% RH). Rehydration practices were also quantified post-session until the players’ next training session, with some training the same day and some training the following day. Players had a mean fluid balance of −1.22 ± 1.22% throughout the session. Players had a mean sweat rate of 1.11 ± 0.56 L·h−1, with there being a significant difference between male and female players (p < 0.05), and a mean sweat (Na+) of 46 ± 12 mmol·L−1. Players training the following day were able to replace fluid and sodium losses, whereas players training again on the same day were not. These data suggest the variability in players hydration demands and highlight the need to individualise hydration strategies, as well as training prescription, to ensure players with high hydration demands have ample time to optimally rehydrate.