1. Sponsored by the Center for ETHICS* University of Idaho
Collegiate Football Linemen: what do they know about nutrition? Kathryn Colvin HPERD Graduate Student University of Idaho
Abstract
When we think of athletes, we think of individuals in prime physical condition. However, what we do not think of are the few athletes whose prime physical condition borders on obesity and high levels of body fat. One example of this type of athlete is in football linemen. For linemen, size matters. These athletes must be bigger and stronger than their opponents to gain the advantage; however, gaining size is not always done healthfully. Linemen often seek methods for increasing their adipose tissue size rather than increasing their muscle mass, because the latter is so much harder to accomplish. Increases in adipose tissue can lead to a wide variety of long term health problems that these men may not be realize including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes. When compared to the body mass index, football linemen are considered to be obese due to their abnormal weight to height ratio.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional knowledge of collegiate football linemen. IRB gave approval for this study; and all participants gave informed consent. A nutritional pilot questionnaire was given to 25 collegiate football linemen. The questionnaire consisted of four categories including prior nutritional education, knowledge about healthy eating habits, knowledge regarding caloric consumption, and whether or not they believed that further nutritional education would be beneficial. The results of this questionnaire demonstrated a lack of education regarding appropriate nutritional practices. More than 50% had not received any education post high school about nutrition. When asked about healthy eating habits, 18 of the 25 men answered incorrectly on questions dealing with daily nutritional intake guidelines. These responses only solidify the need for an educational program. The results of this study argue for further studies in education for nutrition as well as education on post career information on physical fitness.
Program Faculty
S. Stoll
D. Burton
Who are linemen?
Due to the different purpose of each position, players range in size. Linemen, both offensive and defensive, typically demonstrate a higher rate of body weight and body fat (Buell, Calland, & Hanks, 2008; Dorhmann, 2009; Harp & Hecht, 2005) due to their need to be large in size (Linemen, Wikepedia). “Ideally, the increased body weight would be increased muscle mass, but often players increase their body size by accumulating more adipose tissue, specifically in the abdominal region” (Calland & Hanks, 2008). Unfortunately, an excess of adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal region, can be harmful to one’s health and can cause (ACSM, 2001) chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and Type II diabetes may result from high rates of body fat.
“Prevention of the metabolic syndrome and treatment of its main characteristics are now considered of utmost importance in order to combat the epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality” (Carrol & Dudfield, 2004). Since the common denominator to the development of these chronic conditions is high rates of body fat, then prevention must consist of maintaining healthy body weights and body fat measurements. Body fat rates vary according to age, but average, healthy rates for body fat generally range from 19-23% for women and 12-16% for men (ACSM, 2004). Maintaining a body fat percentage in that range can drastically reduce the risk for unnecessary chronic conditions.
Nutritional Pilot Study
Twenty five collegiate football linemen participated in the nutritional pilot study which was comprised of the following fifteen multiple choice questions:
Have you had any formal nutritional education?
The food guide pyramid is?
What are the major food groups in the food guide pyramid?
What form of grains should you eat primarily?
In what form should fruits be eaten for the most nutritional value?
In what form should vegetables be eaten for the most nutritional value?
Milk is a good source of calcium. Which of the following milk products contain no calcium?
What foods are included in the meat/beans group?
Healthy fats are?
Taking into account your height, weight, and caloric expenditure, do you know how many calories you should consume each day? If so, how many?
How many calories do you consume each day (estimate)?
Have you been told by a coach, athletic trainer, etc. to consume a certain number of calories each day? If so, who and how many calories did they ask you to consume?
If you answered yes to question 12, were you directed to eat specific foods or to eat from specific food groups?
The majority of my caloric consumption comes from?
Would you like to receive information regarding sport specific healthy eating habits?
Sponsored by the Center for ETHICS* University of Idaho