Comparing Calculated and Perceived Energy Needs in Collegiate Student-Athletes

Author

Lyndsey T. Reed, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-13-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Nutrition and Hospitality Management

First Advisor

Melinda Valliant

Second Advisor

Samantha Kostelnik

Third Advisor

Jeremy Loenneke

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate NCAA student-athletes' level of knowledge related to their energy needs. The participants were 75—42 male and 33 female—NCAA Division I student-athletes enrolled at the University of Mississippi (UM) from a variety of sports. In-person data collection took place at UM Athletics facilities by sports registered dietitians during team talks. The names of the athletes were used to find their pre-existing calculated energy, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and total energy expenditure (TEE) using the Nelson equation and the appropriate activity factor. Questionnaire and RMR/TEE data were analyzed and compared to assess knowledge related to energy needs on rest and active days. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in both the perceived non-training day caloric needs versus RMR, as well as the perceived training day caloric needs versus TEE relationships (p = < .001). The perceived non-training day needs of both sexes was greater than their calculated RMR. Female and male participants reported their training day needs lower than that of their TEE. Student-athletes with prior knowledge reported greater perceived non-training day energy needs compared to their RMR and perceived training day needs to be below their TEE. There was a statistically significant difference (p = < .001) between sport and perceived training needs as well as sport and TEE. No significance was found for the student-athletes year in school. In conclusion, this investigation highlighted the lack of understanding student-athletes have of their caloric needs on both training and non-training days, but showed sports nutrition education and prior knowledge could have a positive impact on their understanding of their energy needs.

Recommended Citation

Reed, Lyndsey T., "Comparing Calculated and Perceived Energy Needs in Collegiate Student-Athletes" (2023). Honors Theses. 2869.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2869

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