Preventing Athlete Under-fueling Through Nutrition.

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorCase Western Reserve University

About this trial

The goal is to improve nutrition screening and support for Division III athletes.

The study will use standard, low-risk nutrition screening methods, such as measuring height, weight, grip strength, and body composition, as well as having athletes complete questionnaires. Dietitians trained in sports nutrition will provide nutrition advice based on these screenings.

Data will be collected at three points during the season: before the season starts, mid-season, and after the season ends. This study builds on earlier research conducted at Case Western Reserve University that showed nutrition support can improve athletes' health and performance.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age range: from 18 years of age and up

Currently active and NCAA-eligible (including academic standing) member of any Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Athletic Team

Signed Informed Consent

Disqualifiers

Under 18 years of age

Pregnant women or women who are nursing

Unwilling to provide anthropometrics, questionnaires or other collection needs

History of a diagnosed disordered eating

Trial design

Design model

Single group

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Low Energy Availability Screening and Nutrition Support

    Behavioral

    Athletes will receive screening for low energy availability, strength and body composition assessments and receive nutrition support from a sports dietitian over the competitive season.

Treatment groups

300 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment group
Group A: AthletesExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Grip Strength

Grip force in kilograms determined by a handgrip dynamometer, conducted on both arms, according to standard practice procedures.

Time frame
Baseline/Pre-season (August 2025), Mid-season (~2 months after baseline; October 2025), End of Study/End of Competitive Season (~4 months after baseline; December 2025)

Secondary outcomes

1

Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF -Q)

Female participants only. Focuses on physiological symptoms of insufficient energy intake. includes 25 questions arranged in three separate, sequential sections: injuries, gastrointestinal, and reproductive functions. (score; 0-36; total score ≥8 is to be considered at risk)

Time frame
Baseline/Pre-season (August 2025), Mid-season (~2 months after baseline; October 2025), End of Study/End of Competitive Season (~4 months after baseline; December 2025)
2

Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM -Q)

The low energy availability in males questionnaire (LEAM -Q), focuses on physiological symptoms of relative energy deficiency. Categories include dizziness, gastrointestinal function, thermoregulation at rest, health problems, and recovery. The questionnaire also focuses on physiological symptoms of relative energy deficiency. A higher total score indicates a greater risk of low energy availability. Precise scoring cutoffs are not yet defined.

Time frame
Baseline/Pre-season (August 2025), Mid-season (~2 months after baseline; October 2025), End of Study/End of Competitive Season (~4 months after baseline; December 2025)
3

Body Composition - Fat Mass

Fat mass (kilograms) and as a percent of total body mass.

Time frame
Baseline/Pre-season (August 2025), Mid-season (~2 months after baseline; October 2025), End of Study/End of Competitive Season (~4 months after baseline; December 2025)
4

Body Composition - Fat Free Mass

Fat Free Mass (kilograms) and expressed as a percent of total body mass.

Time frame
Baseline/Pre-season (August 2025), Mid-season (~2 months after baseline; October 2025), End of Study/End of Competitive Season (~4 months after baseline; December 2025)

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Case Western Reserve University

Lead sponsor

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Collaborator