Development of an Athlete Diet Index for Rapid Dietary Assessment of Athletes

Louise Capling; Janelle A Gifford; Kathryn L Beck; Victoria M Flood; Gary J Slater; Gareth S Denyer; Helen T O'Connor

doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0098

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Development of an Athlete Diet Index for Rapid Dietary Assessment of Athletes

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Development of an Athlete Diet Index for Rapid Dietary Assessment of Athletes

Louise Capling, Janelle A Gifford, Kathryn L Beck, Victoria M Flood, Gary J Slater, Gareth S Denyer and Helen T O'Connor

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.29(6), pp.643-650

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0098

PMID: 31629350

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Abstract

energy intake

diet quality

sports nutrition

Food-based diet indices provide a practical, rapid and inexpensive way of evaluating dietary intake. Rather than nutrients, diet indices assess intake of whole foods and dietary patterns, and compare these to nutrition guidelines. An athlete-specific diet index would offer an efficient and practical way to assess the quality of athletes' diets, guide nutrition interventions and focus sport nutrition support. This study describes the development and validation of an Athlete Diet Index (ADI). Item development was informed by a review of existing diet indices, relevant literature and in-depth focus groups with 20 sports nutritionists (median 11 years' professional experience) from four elite athlete sporting institutes. Focus group data were analyzed (NVivo 11 Pro) and key themes identified to guide development of athlete-relevant items. A modified Delphi survey in a sub-group of sports nutritionists (n=9) supported item content validation. Pilot testing with athletes (n=15) subsequently informed face validity. The final ADI (n=68 items) was categorized into three sections. Section A (n=45 items) evaluated usual intake; special diets or intolerances; dietary habits and culinary skills. Section B (n=15 items) assessed training load; nutrition supporting training; and sports supplement use. Section C (n=8 items) captured demographic details; sporting type and calibre. All athletes reported the ADI as 'easy' (40%) or 'very easy' (60% of participants) to use, and rated the tool as 'relevant' (37%) or 'very relevant' (63% of participants) to athletes. Further evaluation of the ADI, including the development of a scoring matrix and validation compared to established dietary methodology, is warranted.

Details

Title: Development of an Athlete Diet Index for Rapid Dietary Assessment of Athletes
Authors: Louise Capling (Author) - University of Sydney
Janelle A Gifford (Author) - University of Sydney
Kathryn L Beck (Author) - Massey University, New Zealand
Victoria M Flood (Author) - University of Sydney
Gary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Gareth S Denyer (Author) - University of Sydney
Helen T O'Connor (Author) - University of Sydney
Publication details: International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.29(6), pp.643-650
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0098
ISSN: 1526-484X; 1543-2742
PMID: 31629350
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451224302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nutrition & Dietetics; Sport Sciences