EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL INTAKE AND ITS IMPACT ON PHYSICAL FITNESS OUTCOMES IN GYMNAST ATHLETES

Abstract

The nutritional condition of optimal physical fitness and performance in gymnastics is a major issue since it is a high-training load and high-strength-to-weight sport. This paper assesses the dietary consumption of gymnast athletes, and how it influences the chosen physical fitness measures. It was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, where 100 competitive gymnasts aged between 15-25 years were used to collect data using dietary recall and standardized assessments of physical fitness. The nutritional intake was estimated on the basis of energy and nutrient sufficiency, whereas the physical fitness did measure strength, power, flexibility, and endurance. It was found that the rate of poor nutritional intake is very high in the case of gymnasts and that there is a strong correlation between the nutritional adequacy and physical fitness performance. When athletes consumed the amounts of specified foods, they showed high levels of fitness as compared to athletes whose nutritional status was moderate or severe. The testing of the hypothesis proved that the statistical significance of nutritional intake on results of physical fitness is significant. The results suggest the relevance of proper balanced nutrition in the venue of training adaptation, physical fitness, and general athletic development of gymnast athletes. The paper emphasizes that a systematic nutritional surveillance and education in gymnastics training programs are necessary.