Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
The use of nutritional supplementation amongst athletes has been well documented over the past decade. These reports suggest an increase in dietary and ergogenic supplementation use by athletes over time. Researchers state that although the use of nutritional supplements, vitamins, and mineral supplements are increasing in popularity, the pattern of use of these supplements is not well known (Müller and Krawinkel, 2005).
The aim of this study investigated the use of nutritional supplements amongst athletes participating in 1st team sports at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).The aim of the study was achieved with the following objectives:
Analysing the use of nutritional supplements amongst 1st team athletes and whether the athletes were aware of the potential adverse effects of some of the supplements they used.
Gathering data on the athlete’s knowledge on the supplements they use, and determining where athletes received their information about these supplements.
The information gained is intended to provide valuable information on the knowledge and attitude athletes have towards supplementation use, the types of supplements being used by athletes, and were athletes receive their information on nutritional supplements.
This research was a quantitative, descriptive statistical survey design study. The sample group consisted of 187 athletes from a variety of sporting disciplines at UJ. The researcher obtained permission from all relevant bodies at the university. All the participants were met at their specific training area or prearranged area after consulting with their coaching staff. Participation was voluntary and consent was given by the participants prior to completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire took about 5-10 minutes to complete. The data from the questionnaires was captured by the researcher and it was analysed with the assistance of STATKON, UJ, by using custom tables, .frequencies, and Chi-Square analysis.
The results suggest that more than half of the participants make use of nutritional supplements to enhance their sporting performance. There is little gender difference...