Performance Nutrition in the digital era – An exploratory study into the use of social media by sports nutritionists

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore how social media is being used by sports nutritionists as part of service provision, as well as practitioners’ experiences and opinions of its use in practice. An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach was used during this research. Forty-four sports nutritionists completed an online survey detailing their personal and professional social media use. Semi-structured follow-up interviews were conducted with 16 participants who volunteered to do so. Survey responses were collated and reported as descriptive statistics. Interviews were thematically analysed. Social media was used by 89% of sports nutritionists to support practice, of which 97% perceived its use to be beneficial. Platforms were used to deliver information and resources, and support athletes online via pages, groups and 1–2-1 messaging. Social media facilitated improved communication between the practitioner and the athlete, as well as facilitating mobile and visual learning. Lack of digital intervention training and time were reported as challenges to social media use in practice. Sports nutritionists have embraced social media as an extension of service provision. Professional education should now consider supporting nutritionists’ in developing digital professionalism.