Influence of Nutritional Education on Athletes Performance

This study investigated the influence of nutritional education among athletes performance, dietary habits, recovery, injury prevention, and overall well- being in the University of Benin. It was a destructive survey that employed qualitative and quantitative survey approach in analyzing data. Five (5) research questions was raised to guide the study out of which 2 was hypothesized. The population of the study was made up of all registered student athletes numbering 209 from all fourteen (14) faculties in the University of Benin. A sample size of 100 students was selected from the population using the simple random sampling technique to select 50 percent of student athletes from each faculty. The research instrument for the study was a self-constructed questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage for their bio-data, mean and standard deviation was used in the data analysis of research questions 3, 4 and 5, while inferential statistics of Pearson correlation statistics was used in testing hypothesis 1 and 2 in relation to research questions 1 and 2 respectively. The formulated hypotheses tested were set at 0.05 alpha level. The results showed among others was that nutritional education does not influence athletes dietary habits and physical performance. However, it influences athletes meeting their dietary needs, preventing injury and enhances their performance and overall well-being, a value they perceived positively. The recommendation therefore was that Nutrition education on carbohydrate loading and the timing of protein intake will help in enhancing athletes endurance and recovery times significantly and Understanding strategically diet intake pre- and during sports events can help athletes in sustaining energy levels also, Athletes should be enlightened on the principles of fueling their bodies with reference to timing and nutrient composition so as to boost their sports performance