Sports nutrition knowledge in athletes with a spinal cord injury and coaches of para sports

Abstract

Sports nutrition for athletes with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is complex, making it challenging for athletes to stay informed. The aim of this study was to assess sports nutrition knowledge in athletes with a SCI and coaches of para sports. The secondary aim was to report sources of sports nutrition information. Eighty athletes and twenty-six coaches across various adapted sports were recruited. The Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire was used to assess nutrition knowledge for both groups. Athletes achieved their highest score among the alcohol (65 ± 19%) category and the lowest in sports nutrition (43 ± 17%). Coaches demonstrated the most knowledge in the alcohol (73 ± 17%) category and lowest knowledge in the supplementation (45 ± 19%) category. Both groups relied on the internet, dietitians, and coaches for sports nutrition information. Future studies should explore the effects of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge and dietary intakes among these populations.