Development of Dietary Schedule for Improved Nutritional Support during Training Period of Junior & Senior High School Fencers in Ulsan City

Cho, Seongsuk; Lee, Hanjun

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to improve nutritional support based on analysis of the eating habits and training schedule of junior and senior high school fencers. A survey was conducted on 30 fencers (junior boys=9, girls=7; senior boys=4, girls=10) using a questionnaire. Total daily calorie intakes were 2325.7+/-1168.5 kcal (boy), 2344.0+/-786.3 kcal (girl) for junior fencers and 2183.3+/-726.6 kcal (boys), 2654.4+/-1043.6 kcal (girls) for senior fencers. Nutrients below the RDIs were riboflavin and vitamin C for junior boy fencers and vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C for senior boy fencers. The rates of the participants who had obtained nutritional information were 44.4% (boys) and 14.3% (girls) for junior fencers and 50.0% (boys) and 80.0% (girls) for senior fencers. Approximately half of the fencers had meals twice a day (55.6% for junior boy fencers, 57.1% for junior girl fencers, and 50.0% for senior fencers). The number of the fencers who were interested in nutrition varied: 66.7% and 28.6% of the junior boy and girl fencers answered they were interested in nutrition, while 25% and 60% of the senior boy and girl fencers showed interest in nutrition issues. Recommendations of total calories were 2,874 kcal (boys) and 2,377 kcal (girls) for junior fencers and 3,398 kcal (boys) and 2,375 kcal (girls) for senior fencers respectively. A dietary plan for the fencing players during training periods was designed to improve their health and performance. Athletes can simultaneously refuel and repair their bodies while contributing to their rehydration goals by consuming fluids that are sources of carbohydrates and protein, e.g., flavored milk and liquid meal supplement. Specific sport nutrition education applicable to athletes, especially young athletes, is recommended under professional support. Professionals may then target particular categories of athletes for the development of educational programs aimed at improving growth and athletic performance.