The effectiveness of a 12-week sport nutrition education intervention on female volleyball players performance

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week sport nutrition education intervention (SNEI) on female volleyball players aged 18 to 25 in Tamil Nadu, India, with a focus on improving nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, body composition, and athletic performance. Material and Methods: Employing a single-group pre- and post-test design, 30 participants underwent the SNEI, consisting of structured educational sessions covering topics such as energy intake, macronutrients, and hydration. Performance evaluations included agility, vertical jump, broad jump, and strength tests using standardized protocols. Results: Post-intervention, participants demonstrated significant improvements in multiple domains. Sport nutrition knowledge increased significantly, with mean scores rising from 65.4 ± 7.2 to 82.7 ± 6.5. Dietary intake saw notable enhancements, particularly in protein and fat consumption, reflecting adherence to dietary guidelines. Body composition assessments revealed reduced fat mass, indicating improvements in body composition. Performance metrics exhibited significant enhancements, including agility, vertical jump height, broad jump distance, and strength, highlighting improved athletic performance. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the 12-week SNEI effectively enhanced sport nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, body composition, and athletic performance among female volleyball players aged 18 to 25 in Tamil Nadu, India. Integrating nutrition education into athlete development programs is crucial for optimizing performance and fostering informed nutrition practices. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of athletes, particularly in regions where resources for nutritional education may be limited.

Keywords

• sport nutrition
• intervention
• volleyball
• women players
• athletic performance