Summary:
With the increase of coaches, ATs, and SCSs giving sports nutrition knowledge to athletes, their ability to give correct information has yet to be investigated. This study sought out to determine if the nutrition knowledge of coaches, ATs, and SCSs have prominent levels in correctness. The method of attaining this information was to have participants – containing athletes, coaches, ATs, and SCSs – answer multiple-choice questions regarding basic knowledge on the topics of nutrition, supplements and performance, weight management, and hydration. The results from the questions put the participant at “Adequate” (>75%) or “Inadequate” (<75%) depending on how they scored in all domains. The results showed that the average of the positions was considered “Inadequate”. The ATs and SCSs had average scores that considered them “Adequate” in their sports nutrition knowledge, but had no significant difference between the two groups. Coaches and athletes had “Inadequate” knowledge with athletes averaging at a staggering 9% of the questions. The study acknowledged that athletes and coaches take less health courses than the ATs and SCSs which could be the source of the diversity …show more content…
This general understanding remains beneficial while being in a position such as physical therapy. Helping your clients eat properly by referring them to MyPlate can be beneficial in reaching a full recovery, but working with an RD is needed. This study shows that people in our field have learned a modest amount on the topic of sports nutrition knowledge, yet we aren’t suitable to abstain from working with an RD. The idea of progressing without additional help since we know the basics is only hurting our clients. While I advance into the professional world of physical therapy, remembering that an RD is necessary to lead to a full recovery must always be