A Correlation of Nutritional Status and Physical Fitness of Athletes

Abstract

Introduction

This study was conducted to determine the possible relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness of athletes.

Methods

To achieve the study, the sequential explanatory (mixed method) research design was used. Fifty –four athletes from cluster I from the Division of Pampanga who competed in the Pampanga Sports Division Athletic Meet (PASDAM) in School Year 2016-2017 served as respondents of the study.

Results

The nutritional status of the athletes manifests a case of overweight, obese, and underweight. Results revealed that the athletes’ physical fitness test show above normal muscular strength, high flexibility, and proficient muscular strength.

Discussions

However, some are unfit in terms of reaction time, power, and speed. Nutritional status is significantly related to flexibility, muscular strength, agility, coordination, muscular endurance, and agility. Based on the findings, it is suggested that the schools in the Division of Pampanga, which commonly administer nutritional status tests, are prime sites for identifying high-risk student-athletes. This study calls for development of effective preventive strategies for all unfit athletes who are at high risk for being underweight, obese, and overweight, Coaches and trainers should design and implement training programs for improving health and skills-related fitness of the athletes' and perform their assessment according to the situation of athletes' fitness level, and the coaches and trainer should design programs that will enhance the training of athlete's health and skill-related fitness.