Using standardised dietary plans to enhance bone health in under-18 football players in Bindura district

Author

Muzangaza, Evelyn T.

Title

Using standardised dietary plans to enhance bone health in under-18 football players in Bindura district

Abstract

The researcher carried out this study in the Bindura district. The study investigated the use of nutrition to enhance bone health in under-18 football players in the Bindura district. It aimed at identifying how nutrition is being used to enhance bone health in under-18 football players. The main objective of the study was to establish proper nutritional strategies to address the current nutritional challenges being faced by under-18 football players in Bindura district. The other objectives included, promoting awareness of bone health and proper nutrition to enhance bone health in under-18 football players, implementing educational interventions to promote and enhance proper nutrition practices in under-18 football players in Bindura district, and enhancing the use of nutrition to improve bone health among under-18 football players in Bindura district. The literature review reviewed the necessity of nutrition in the enhancement of bone growth and development. It also reviewed the importance of educating players on the importance of consuming a healthy diet as a way of enhancing bone health. The current strategies that are being used to enhance bone health in under-18 football players include hydration, exposing athletes to sunlight, and using vitamin D and calcium supplements. The strategies that are currently being used to enhance bone health are being effective to a lesser extent due to resistance to change, and some of the coaches and players lack nutritional awareness and understanding and hence go for poor nutritional choices. Data was collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods using questionnaires and interviews, respectively. 55 questionnaires were distributed to under-18 football players, and only 45 athletes responded. Physiotherapists, coaches, physical education teachers, and school heads were interviewed. The research had a target of conducting 20 interviews, but only 14 were conducted. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS and NVivo. The findings also suggest the use of supplements rich in vitamin D, protein powders added with vitamin D and collagen supplements, which support bone health. Meal planning was also amongst the findings. Teams with under-18 football players are implementing nutrient-dense foods before and after training sessions to ensure that athletes get access to nutrient-rich foods and a balanced diet. Findings suggest that athletes and coaches need continued and regular education so that they become knowledgeable on the vital role that nutrition plays in the promotion of strong and healthy bones. Schools also need to be engaged for them to increase and promote programs that aim at increasing and improving the nutrition of soccer players. The researcher recommends that school heads, coaches, and players should be educated, as they play a key role in enhancing bone health. Doing regular follow-ups on to check if the taught strategies are being implemented is also a recommendation that the researcher suggests.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Bone Health

Under-18 Football Players

Standardised Dietary Plans

Supervisor

Ms. D. Mukwawaya