Nutrition Screening and Support to Prevent Under-fueling in NCAA Division III Athletes A Study at Case Western Reserve University to Improve Athlete Health and Performance

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve nutrition screening and support for NCAA Division III student athletes to combat under-fueling before, during, and after their competitive season. The study seeks to assess the feasibility of expanding nutrition support to a larger athlete population and to evaluate how such support affects athlete health and performance. It builds on previous research at Case Western Reserve University that showed benefits of nutrition support for athlete health and performance. Athletes will undergo standard, low-risk nutrition screening methods including measurements of height, weight, grip strength, and body composition, along with completing questionnaires. Sports dietitians will provide nutrition advice based on these screenings throughout the competitive season. Data collection will occur at three timepoints before the season starts, mid-season, and after the season ends. Some athletes may also provide additional voluntary data such as aerobic fitness, resting metabolic rate, physical activity, and sports performance metrics. Participants will be actively involved in screenings and nutrition support sessions during the season. Researchers will assess multiple health and wellness outcomes including grip strength, body composition, and responses to questionnaires addressing low energy availability, eating behaviors, body image, and muscle dysmorphia. The primary outcome measure focuses on grip strength at pre-season, mid-season, and post-season. The study will also monitor secondary outcomes like body fat, fat-free mass, and various mental and physical health metrics. The total participation spans the athletic season from August to December 2025.

Preventing Athlete Under-fueling Through Nutrition.