IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL PRACTICES ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED ATHLETES

ABSTRACT

This research work was carried out to find out the impact of nutritional practices on sports performance of selected athletes, from Federal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State. The subject for this research work consisted of one hundred (100) respondents that are directly or indirectly involved in sporting activities in Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau State. Random sampling technique was used to select the respondents used for the study. Data operated from the study were analysed using percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square. The result of the study showed that there was significant influence between nutritional practices of the college athletes and sport performance and also that there are significant differences of role of nutritionists in relation to the nutritional practices of selected athletes at Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau State. This study recommends that the athletes should always be educated about most foods which contain calories that aid performance and prevent them from cholesterol, the athletes should also be encouraged to always take sufficient balanced diet that will lead them to optimum performance in their various sporting activities.