The SCSs generally are responsible for the athlete's physical development, fitness, and conditioning and often address nutrition. Strength and conditioning specialists are a newly credentialed profession and an integral part of athletics. Reexamining ATs' nutrition knowledge for this decade is critical. Current ATs might not have received nutrition education associated with these competencies. Since the earlier studies, 4, 13 the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) 14 has updated its curriculum on educational competencies on nutrition therefore, basic nutrition knowledge for ATs should increase for recently certified ATs. Smith-Rockwell et al 13 found that the nutrition knowledge of ATs was less (66%) than that of ATs in the study by Shifflett and colleagues 4 (74%). Investigators have suggested that coaches lack nutrition knowledge, but ATs' knowledge has been inconsistent. A few researchers 4, 12, 13 have examined nutrition knowledge of collegiate coaches, ATs, and SCSs however, sample sizes for these studies were small, and the results are nearly a decade old. 1Ī major concern for professionals lacking sports nutrition knowledge is that they might disseminate incorrect information formulated on theory or unsupported by research. 2 The joint position statement identified key areas of nutrition that are important for athletes: energy needs, body composition, macronutrient requirements, vitamins and minerals, hydration, training diet, and supplements and ergogenic aids. Coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), strength and conditioning specialists (SCSs), and registered dietitians (RDs) are primary nutrition resources 4, 11 however, athletic department staff personnel (eg, coaches, ATs, SCSs) might offer only limited factual information. 1, 7–10 Athletes must have appropriate nutrition knowledge and easily accessible resources for nutrition guidance. However, collegiate athletes might encounter numerous barriers that hinder healthful eating, including deficits in nutrition knowledge, 2–6 vegetarian or restricted dietary intake, or participation in excessive exercise. In a joint position statement, the American College of Sports Medicine, American Dietetic Association, and Dietitians of Canada reported that “physical activity, athletic performance, and recovery from exercise are enhanced by optimal nutrition.” 1 (p709) Following these guidelines might improve an athlete's training, recovery, and performance. Over the past 20 years, researchers have documented the benefits of nutrition related to exercise performance. Nutrition programs should be integrated into the undergraduate or graduate and continuing education of athletic trainers and strength and conditioning specialists to improve continuity of care.
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