Determinants of coaches’ intentions to provide different recommendations on sports nutrition to their athletes

Abstract

BackgroundCoaches are considered as an important source of nutrition information by their athletes. However, their knowledge in this area is often insufficient for proper guidance and may lead to the dissemination of misinformation regarding sports nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess coaches’ intentions as well as psychosocial determinants underlying their intentions to provide sports nutrition recommendations to their high school athletes.MethodsCoaches (n = 47) completed a Web-based questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour, to assess their intentions to provide three different sports nutrition recommendations and their determinants. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify the variables that were most strongly related to the intentions.ResultsForty-six, 44.7 and 91.9% of coaches had the intention to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, foods rich in proteins and an increase in hydration to their athletes, respectively. Subjective norm was the only significant determinant of coaches’ intention to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates (R2 = 53.7%, β = 0.73 ± 0.12, P < 0.0001). Subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were significantly associated with coaches’ intentions to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in proteins (R2 = 25.9%, β = 0.50 ± 0.16, P = 0.002 and R2 = 17.2%, β = 0.39 ± 0.17, P = 0.01, respectively) and an increase in hydration (R2 = 26.8%, β = 0.38 ± 0.13, P = 0.001 and R2 = 46.3%, β = 0.58 ± 0.11, P < 0.0001, respectively).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that subjective norm and perceived behavioural control represent important determinants of coaches’ intentions to provide recommendations on sports nutrition. These findings should be considered in future interventions aimed at facilitating proper general sports nutrition recommendations provided by coaches to their athletes.

Socioeconomic Standards, Nutritional Knowledge and Dietary Habits of Ghanaian Athletes: A Study of Three Major Sporting Regions in Ghana

“…In all, the main sources of nutrition information for athletes in this study agreed with previous studies (Trakman et al, 2016;Brooks, 2018;Jacob et al, 2019;Jenner et al, 2019), which also cited coaches as the main source of information while nutritional information from dietitian/nutritionist remained among the less popular sources.…”

“…Hockey athletes are notable for having the largest group of athletes with good or excellent nutritional knowledge whiles also having the smallest of athletes with poor nutritional knowledge. These observations may reflect the variations in the cultural aspects and physical demands of the different types of sports as suggested by Jacob et al, (2019). However, Trakman et al, (2016 reported no significant differences in nutrition knowledge scores based on sport played.…”

Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Division III Athletes Regarding Personalized Nutrition Plans for Improved Performance—A Qualitative Investigation

“…Organizational factors, such as coaching practices, team dynamics, and institutional resources, critically influence athletes' nutrition-related experiences [34]. Coaches, as key influencers within the team environment, may impart nutritional knowledge, provide support, and establish norms for dietary practices [94,95]. The availability of sports nutrition services, facilities, and resources within programs affects athletes' access to nutrition support and guidance [96], and disparities in resources across programs can lead to variations in athletes' nutritional knowledge, behaviors, and performance outcomes.…”

Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of a German General and Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes and Coaches (GSNKQ-AC)

“…Therefore, the aim of this article is to present the development and robust validation process of a new General and Sports Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes and Coaches (GSNKQ-AC) in the German language, covering the following topics, each referring to public and sports nutritional recommendation guidelines: energy intake and weight management, macronutrients, and specific knowledge, including questions about micronutrients, hydration management, and dietary supplements. Since some studies have shown an association between coaches' and athletes' knowledge [25][26][27], the questionnaire was validated in both groups. Exercise Science students with special education in sports nutrition represented the focus group of the validation process.…”