The Effect of Nutrition Education on Nutrition Knowledge and Macronutrition Intake in Muay Thai Athletes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Athletes’ achievements require the support of sports science and technology. One of the supporting sciences is sports nutrition services by fulfilling athlete nutrition through foodservice and nutrition education in nutrition counseling or nutrition counseling according to the needs and conditions of athletes. AIM: This study aims to determine the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and macronutrient intake in Muay Thai athletes in Cimahi city. METHODS: This type of research is a Quasi experiment by applying a one group pre- and post-test design: Nutrition education using leaflets. The sample is Muay Thai athletes in Cimahi city who are actively practicing at the Empire Muaythai Camp as many as ten people. Data were collected by filling in the respondent’s characteristics, knowledge of nutrition, and intake of macronutrients. RESULTS: Based on the Wilcoxon test, it was found that there was an effect of providing nutrition education using leaflets on nutritional knowledge (p = 0.005) and protein intake (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that regular and periodic nutrition education be given to athletes and coaches as well as collaborate with nutritionists regarding nutritional fulfillment for athletes to increase macronutrient intake so that the performance of Muay Thai athletes in Cimahi city is optimal.