Parental Nutrition Education on the Performance and Body Composition of Young Basketball Players

Impact of Short-Term Parental Nutrition Education on the Performance and Body Composition of Young Basketball Players: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

This study investigates the impact of a structured, short-term parental nutrition education program on the body composition, athletic performance, and dietary habits of young basketball players aged 8-13 years. Adolescence represents a critical window for physical growth and athletic development, yet many young athletes fail to meet nutritional recommendations. Given that parents are the primary food providers and decision-makers for children in this age group, their nutritional literacy is hypothesized to directly influence the athlete's diet and physical development.

The intervention consists of a 4-week nutrition education program provided to parents. The study utilizes a single-group pre-post design to evaluate changes in the athletes' Lean Body Mass (LBM), body fat percentage, athletic performance (encompassing vertical jump, sprint speed, and flexibility), and daily macronutrient intake (protein and carbohydrate) from baseline to post-intervention.

Study Design: This study employs a single-group, pre-post quasi-experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of a parental nutrition education program. The study population consists of young basketball players aged 8-13 years recruited from the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University youth basketball team.

Intervention: The primary intervention is a structured "Parental Nutrition Education Program." The education is delivered to the parents/legal guardians of the athletes, as they are the primary food providers. The intervention consists of:

A comprehensive 90-minute online seminar (via Zoom) conducted by a registered dietitian. Topics include macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (calcium, iron, vitamins), hydration strategies, meal timing (pre- and post-training nutrition), and healthy food choices .

Distribution of printed educational brochures and guides to reinforce the seminar content.

Q&A sessions to address specific nutritional concerns. The intervention period lasts for 4 weeks.

Data Collection and Procedures: Assessments are conducted at two time points: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 4).

Dietary Assessment: Dietary intake is evaluated using 3-day food consumption records (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) via the retrospective recall method. Data are analyzed using the Nutrition Information System (BEBIS 8.0) to calculate daily energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake.

Anthropometric Measurements:

Body weight and height are measured using standard protocols. - Body composition (lean body mass, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate) is assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita MC-780) under standardized conditions (fasted state, no exercise 12h prior).

Waist and hip circumferences are measured using a non-elastic tape. Performance Testing: Physical performance is assessed using a battery of field tests: - Speed: 20-meter sprint test using photocell timing gates. - Explosive Power: Vertical jump test using the Smart Jump System and Standing Long Jump test. - Strength: Handgrip strength (right and left) using a digital dynamometer (Takei 5401). - Endurance: Maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups in 30 seconds. - Agility: T-test. - Flexibility: Sit-and-reach test.

Nutrition Knowledge: The sports nutrition knowledge level of parents is assessed using the "Sports Nutrition Knowledge Level Test" (SNKT), adapted into Turkish, consisting of 20 questions.

Statistical Analysis: Pre- and post-intervention data are compared using paired sample t-tests (for normally distributed data) or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (for non-normal data). A responder analysis is conducted by stratifying participants based on the change in their protein intake to evaluate dose-response relationships.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Boy and girl basketball players aged 8 to 13 years.
• The youth basketball team must include active licensed players.
• The candidate must maintain regular attendance at training sessions (at least 3 days per week).
• Parents must be willing to participate in the education program and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with chronic metabolic or hormonal diseases.
• Musculoskeletal injuries within the last 3 months.
• Use of medications or supplements affecting metabolism.
• Failure to maintain regular training attendance.
• Parents withdrawing consent during the study.