Abstract
Nutrition support for elite athletes: lessons learnt from the 2006 Commonwealth Games
2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.15
University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
2007
Abstract
Provision of a nutrition support service at elite level competition can assist athletes to make informed food selection at a critical time in their sporting career. Research conducted at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games revealed that nutrition labelling and access to dieticians was rated highly, and widely used by athletes across a range of countries, cultures and sports. The aim of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive nutrition support service within the athletes' village of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. The nutrition services available included nutrition labelling of menu items, fact sheets, individual or group dietetic consultations and a request service to cater for athletes with special dietary requirements. Dieticians kept detailed records of each occasion of service from the week prior to competition, until the completion of competition. At the end of each consultation, clients were invited to complete an evaluation of the service provided. In addition, a questionnaire was distributed randomly to patrons in the dining hall. The majority of athletes (67 percent) rated nutrition information as being very important or essential in determining their food choice, with 87 percent of athletes using the nutrition labelling at least some of the time. Nearly 60 percent of respondents said that the menu met their special dietary needs, supported by the small number (n=S) of requests requiring specialised catering. Evaluation of the nutrition support service confirmed its beneficial role in supporting the needs of athletes at elite level competition, butalso highlighted areas which could be improved for future games.
Details
- Title
- Nutrition support for elite athletes: lessons learnt from the 2006 Commonwealth Games
- Authors
- Fiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- 2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.15
- Conference details
- University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2007
- 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
- 99449935502621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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