Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the usability and influence of comprehensive sports nutrition handouts for adolescent-aged female athletes. Design: Cross-sectional online survey incorporating post retrospective-pre self-assessment Participants: Adolescent female athletes between 13 and 17 years of age Methods: Participants received a series of digital nutrition handouts every day for seven days and completed an online survey. Variables: Age, sport, engagement, knowledge, behavior, features of interest, and experience with nutrition education. Analysis: Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test assessed the change in responses for both knowledge and behavior.  Results: Of the 71 participants who provided consent, 57 completed survey responses were eligible and included in the analysis. Participants were between 13 and 16 years old. Almost all participants (n=56, 98%) agreed or somewhat agreed that the handouts were helpful. Participants reported revisiting at least one handout (n=43, 75%), and 5–10 minutes was the most frequently reported time spent reading the handouts (n=31, 54%). Knowledge and intention to change behavior improved significantly (p< 0.001). Participants reported that color was the feature that stood out the most (n=30, 54%), while increasing clarity/simplicity was the top suggested improvement (n=13, 25%).  Conclusions: This study emphasized the importance of sports nutrition education for adolescent female athletes. Sports nutrition handouts for adolescent athletes appear to be a feasible way to share sports nutrition information, improve knowledge, and an athlete’s intention to change behavior.

Publication Date

2-2-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Dietetics and Nutrition (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Elizabeth Ruder

Advisor/Committee Member

Kelly Read

Advisor/Committee Member

Barbara Lohse

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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