Variations in energy and nutrient intake across competitive-season phases in relation to athletes' competitive schedule: the case of university male track and field jumpers by competitive level.

PURPOSE: Appropriate dietary intake across different training phases is crucial for improving the performance of track and field jumpers. However, few studies have investigated dietary intake based on the training phase and competitive level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary intake in track and field jumpers across different training phases and competitive levels.

METHODS: A total of 28 male collegiate jumpers participated. A food frequency questionnaire assessing 1-month dietary intake was administered four times: transition phase (TP), preparatory phase (PP), early competitive phase (ECP), and late competitive phase (LCP). Participants were divided into the Exceeded Group (EG) and the Nonexceeded Group (NEG) based on competition standards.

RESULTS: Of the 28 participants, 20 were included in the final analysis. Energy, protein, fat, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6 intake decreased during the ECP and LCP compared with intake during the TP. Intake of these nutrients was higher in the EG than in the NEG, with the EG significantly showing higher intake during the TP. However, these group differences were not observed during the LCP.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate the necessity of appropriate dietary strategies for each training phase.