CHANGE IN DIETARY CHOICE SELF-EFFICACY IN JUNIOR SOCCER PLAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER SUMMER CAMP

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study aims to clarify the effectiveness of a sports nutrition support program on dietary choice self-efficacy in junior soccer players before and after a summer training camp. METHODS: The study participants included 27 boys and one girl from the Tokyo Itsukaichi junior youth soccer club in Akiruno, Tokyo. Self-reported surveys were conducted before and after the 3-day summer training camp. Sports nutrition support program was provided with the aim of increasing interest in diet and nutrition, improving daily dietary habits, and enhancing performance and knowledge of sports nutrition during the camp period. Five-point of single item self-report measure used to assess dietary choice self-efficacy. To validate the measure, stage of change for proper diet was also assessed. RESULTS: Before the camp, two players had a score of 1, nine had a score of 2, six had a score of 3, and eleven had a score of 4. After the camp, two players scored 1 point, three scored 2 points, seven scored 3 points, 12 scored 4 points, and two scored 5 points. The more score related the more progression of stage of change for proper diet before (p = 0.002) and after camp (p = 0.001). The score after camp was increased from before camp (p = 0.02) whereas the stage of change was not changed (p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that dietary choice self-efficacy in junior youth soccer players increase, and that increasing dietary choice may lead to increasing interest in diet and nutrition, improving daily dietary habits, and enhancing performance and knowledge of sports nutrition after summer camp.