Anthropometric measuremets and nutritional adequacy of elite Sri Lankan volleyball players

Abstract

Previous research has shown that nutrition plays a significant role in successful performance in sports. The objective of this study was to assess anthropometric measurements and nutrient adequacy in competitive volleyball players. The sample consisted of 48 national and international level volleyball players. Data were collected 3 months prior to the 10th South Asian Games held in Colombo. Dietary history was obtained by 24 hour dietary recall method using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nutrient intake was calculated using diet analysis software. BMI and percentage body fat were calculated using height, weight and skin fold thickness. All volleyball players were in the recommended BMI range (21±1.708 kg/m2) though slightly higher than their counterparts in the region. Mean percentage of body fat 15.35±4.34 in males and 16.75±6.01 in females was not comparable with the players in the continent. Only a minority (10%) of players had daily calorie adequacy; approximately 60% of players had 50-75.9% of daily calorie adequacy. None of the volleyball players have consumed proteins to meet recommended daily requirement. The dietary intake of calcium, riboflavin and thiamin were more than the Recommended Daily Adequacy (RDA) in over 75% of volleyball players but iron and ascorbic acid intakes were below the RDA in the majority of players. The analysis of nutritional profile has shown that the volleyball players have not received the required amounts of both macro and micronutrients though the anthropometric parameters are almost comparable with their counterparts in the region. The findings suggest the need for sport authorities to plan and recommend optimum dietary schedules along with appropriate nutritional counseling.