Parental Nutrition Education on the Performance and Body Composition of Young Basketball Players

Study Design: This study employs a single-group, pre-post quasi-experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of a parental nutrition education program. The study population consists of young basketball players aged 8-13 years recruited from the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University youth basketball team.

Intervention: The primary intervention is a structured "Parental Nutrition Education Program." The education is delivered to the parents/legal guardians of the athletes, as they are the primary food providers. The intervention consists of:

A comprehensive 90-minute online seminar (via Zoom) conducted by a registered dietitian. Topics include macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (calcium, iron, vitamins), hydration strategies, meal timing (pre- and post-training nutrition), and healthy food choices .

Distribution of printed educational brochures and guides to reinforce the seminar content.

Q&A sessions to address specific nutritional concerns. The intervention period lasts for 4 weeks.

Data Collection and Procedures: Assessments are conducted at two time points: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 4).

Dietary Assessment: Dietary intake is evaluated using 3-day food consumption records (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) via the retrospective recall method. Data are analyzed using the Nutrition Information System (BEBIS 8.0) to calculate daily energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake.

Anthropometric Measurements:

Body weight and height are measured using standard protocols. - Body composition (lean body mass, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate) is assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita MC-780) under standardized conditions (fasted state, no exercise 12h prior).

Waist and hip circumferences are measured using a non-elastic tape. Performance Testing: Physical performance is assessed using a battery of field tests: - Speed: 20-meter sprint test using photocell timing gates. - Explosive Power: Vertical jump test using the Smart Jump System and Standing Long Jump test. - Strength: Handgrip strength (right and left) using a digital dynamometer (Takei 5401). - Endurance: Maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups in 30 seconds. - Agility: T-test. - Flexibility: Sit-and-reach test.

Nutrition Knowledge: The sports nutrition knowledge level of parents is assessed using the "Sports Nutrition Knowledge Level Test" (SNKT), adapted into Turkish, consisting of 20 questions.

Statistical Analysis: Pre- and post-intervention data are compared using paired sample t-tests (for normally distributed data) or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (for non-normal data). A responder analysis is conducted by stratifying participants based on the change in their protein intake to evaluate dose-response relationships.

Inclusion criteria

• Boy and girl basketball players aged 8 to 13 years.
• The youth basketball team must include active licensed players.
• The candidate must maintain regular attendance at training sessions (at least 3 days per week).
• Parents must be willing to participate in the education program and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with chronic metabolic or hormonal diseases.
• Musculoskeletal injuries within the last 3 months.
• Use of medications or supplements affecting metabolism.
• Failure to maintain regular training attendance.
• Parents withdrawing consent during the study.