Application of a nutrition support protocol to encourage optimisation of nutrient intake in provincial academy rugby union athletes in New Zealand: practical considerations and challenges from a team-based case study

Roberts, Charlie J. and Gill, Nicholas and Beaven, Christopher Martyn and Posthumus, Logan and Sims, Stacy (2022) Application of a nutrition support protocol to encourage optimisation of nutrient intake in provincial academy rugby union athletes in New Zealand: practical considerations and challenges from a team-based case study. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 18 (6). ISSN 1747-9541

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Abstract

Provincial academies represent an important bridge between amateur and professional level rugby union in New Zealand. Athletes are provided with professional-level coaching; however, limited direct nutrition support is available. Congested training schedules and the requirement to work or study due to a lack of financial support may present a challenge towards athletes meeting nutrition requirements. The aim of the study was to facilitate improvement in nutrient intake, body composition and subjective well-being in provincial academy athletes via the implementation of a nutrition-support protocol based around behaviour change techniques. Significant increases in total energy (pre: 2492 ± 762 kcal; post: 2614 ± 625 kcal), relative energy (pre: 24.4 ± 7.5 kcal·kg; 25.5 ± 6.0 kcal·kg), total protein (pre: 131.1 ± 41.8 g; 153.8 ± 37.1 g) and relative protein (pre: 1.3 ± 0.4 g·kg; post: 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kg) were observed. Furthermore, changes in subjective sleep quality, stress, mood and upper body soreness were observed following the intervention. No changes were observed in body composition, carbohydrate or fat intake. Significant variability in nutrition and body composition changes highlights the importance of applying an individualised approach to nutrition support provision in developmental athletes. Practitioners working within these environments should be aware of the challenges and influences contributing to athletes’ nutrition choices and habits.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1177/17479541221124119
Dates:	Date Event 18 August 2022 Accepted 7 September 2022 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Behaviour change techniques, body composition, diet, energy intake, Subjective well-being, Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (C-LASS)
Depositing User:	Charlie Roberts
Date Deposited:	11 Sep 2024 13:12
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2024 13:12
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15784

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