Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes.

The ability of athletes to train day after day depends in large part on adequate restoration of muscle glycogen stores, a process that requires the consumption of sufficient dietary carbohydrates and ample time. Providing effective guidance to athletes and others wishing to enhance training adaptations and improve performance requires an understanding of the normal variations in muscle glycogen content in response to training and diet; the time required for adequate restoration of glycogen stores; the influence of the amount, type, and timing of carbohydrate intake on glycogen resynthesis; and the impact of other nutrients on glycogenesis. This review highlights the practical implications of the latest research related to glycogen metabolism in physically active individuals to help sports dietitians, coaches, personal trainers, and other sports health professionals gain a fundamental understanding of glycogen metabolism, as well as related practical applications for enhancing training adaptations and preparing for competition.

College freshmen perceptions of effective and ineffective aspects of nutrition education.

Objective: Identify college freshmen perceptions of the effectiveness of a nutrition module taught by graduate nutrition students.

Participants: Thirty-four college freshmen, 18 and older.

Methods: Three graduate nutrition students conducted 5 focus groups during spring semester, 2004.

Nutrition recommendations for masters athletes.

"More than 3000 masters athletes from 62 countries compete in Linz, Austria, in March of 2006." In 2005, 9000 "silver-haired Americans go for the gold." The National Senior Games Association announced a "major change in the NSGA rules affecting the game of basketball; a new age division of 80+ has been added for 2007.

What can we learn about diet and physical activity from master athletes?

Only 13% of those 65 years and older engage in vigorous physical activity 3 or more days a week and obesity rates are increasing by 45% in adults over the age of 60. Physical activity helps prevent chronic disease and improves quality of life, yet few adults of any age are active. One exception is master athletes who participate in competitive sports during the middle and later years.

Special populations: the female player and the youth player.

Females and youth are frequently described as "special" populations in football literature, but together these two populations outnumber male players. What makes females "special" is that they tend to eat less when training and competing than their male counterparts, leading to lower intakes of energy, carbohydrate, and some nutrients. Youth football players are special in regard to energy and nutrient requirements to promote growth and development, as well as to fuel sport.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding hydration and fluid replacement of collegiate athletes.

The purpose of this study was to determine collegiate athletes' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning hydration and fluid replacement. A survey containing questions pertaining to demographics and knowledge, attitude, and behavior on hydration and fluid replacement was distributed to the athletes during team meetings and practices. A total of 139 out of 171 (81.

Nutrition education in six congregate meal sites improves participant's nutrition knowledge.

Providing relevant nutrition education at federally funded senior centers is one way of increasing nutrition knowledge of older adults. The purpose of this study was to present three nutrition education sessions on the revised Food Guide Pyramid, dietary protein, and dietary fiber to older adults at six senior centers in Atlanta, Georgia. Three 20-minute lesson plans were developed and delivered at six senior centers over the course of 3 weeks.

Using a focus group approach to determine older adults' opinions and attitudes toward a nutrition education program.

In order to determine older adults' (60+ years) attitudes and opinions toward a nutrition education program, six 45-minute focus groups were conducted. Twenty-eight congregate meal site participants in Atlanta, Georgia, participated in the focus group discussions. Questions addressed opinions toward nutrition education, reasons for participating, outcomes following the program, and suggestions for future programs.

Policies on screening female athletes for iron deficiency in NCAA division I-A institutions.

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the United States. This condition has been reported to affect 60% of female athletes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize screening for anemia in women of childbearing age.