NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT OF COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

Abstract

Wrestlers have been traditionally deemed with poor nutritional practices including rapid weight loss. A sound nutritional knowledge base may be beneficial for the welfare and performance of these student-athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate basic nutrition knowledge of the wrestler, and examine dietary patterns associated with weight loss techniques and supplement use among highly competitive collegiate wrestlers. Eighty-seven wrestlers 19+/− 2.3yrs representing all weight classes completed the Wrestling Nutrition Knowledge Assessment (WNKA). The WNKA includes questions related to body image, basic nutrition knowledge, common dietary practices, and current nutritional supplement use. The EAT questionnaire was also included to evaluated disordered eating risk. The WNKA has a reliability coefficient of r = 0.88. Ninety-three percent of the athletes correctly identified the appropriate amount of fluids to be ingested daily. However, only 34.5/% of the athletes correctly identified the components of the food guide pyramid. Thirty-nine percent of the wrestlers reported weight fluctuations of greater than 6 pounds during the week prior to a match. Thirty-three percent of the wrestlers reported being 11 or more pounds over their certified weight in the off-season, with 11.5/% being 20+ pounds over. The most frequent methods of weight loss reported were exercise (63.2/%), caloric restriction (49.4/%), fasting (33.3/%) and saunas (14.9/%). In addition 3.4/% of athletes reported diuretic use and 2.3/% reported regular vomiting. EAT scores were higher than male norms across all weight classes. Nutritional supplements used were Creatine (66.7/%), Ginseng (23/%), Other (13.7/%). Clearly, the wrestlers have some baseline nutritional knowledge but still need further education related to safe and effective weight loss and nutritional supplements.