The influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on perceived nutrition & training habits in rugby union players

Roberts, Charlie and Gill, Nicholas and Sims, Stacy (2020) The influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on perceived nutrition & training habits in rugby union players. In: Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand.

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Abstract

Introduction: The global spread of COVID-19 has led to governments and local authorities implementing nationwidelockdowns to minimize the spread of the virus. In New Zealand, all non-essential businesses and services closed or restricted activities.Methods: Two surveys were distributed among Rugby Union players to establish (1) the influence of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Rugby Union players’ perceived nutrition and training habits and (2) how perceived nutrition and training habits in Rugby Union players’ changed following relaxation of lockdown restrictions.Results: Of the 258 respondents who completed Survey 1 (84.1 male, 26.4 professional/semi-professional), 58 indicated living with family during lockdown. Total food intake was reported to be higher in 36 of respondents. Fruit and vegetable intake was lower (17) and packaged/convenience food intake higher (26) in a minority of respondents. In total, 106 respondents completed Survey 2 (84.9 male, 34.0 professional/semiprofessional). Of these, 72 prepared and 67 purchased their own food. Compared to during lockdown, motivation to train and exercise was greater in 58 of respondents following lockdown. Dieticians and nutritionists within clubs provided most nutrition information/knowledge to athletes however other unreliable sources were identified, such as social media and family members.Discussion: Due to the unprecedented and unique nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, literature concerning lockdowns on athletes’ nutrition and training habits is scarce. With matches and group training sessions cancelled and gyms, eating establishments and workplaces closed, Rugby Union athletes’ experienced significant disruption and changes to their daily lives.Take home message: The on-going pandemic has presented significant challenges for athletes concerning perceived nutrition and training habits. Coaches and performance staff should ensure athletes’ receive appropriate and reliable nutritional and training support whilst being aware of the unique demands the individuals’ may face.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Dates:	Date Event 1 October 2020 Accepted 27 November 2020 Published Online
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:	12 Sep 2024 12:02
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2024 12:02
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15791

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