Determination of nutritional knowledge levels in young women over 30 years of age who do pi̇lates and the effect of nutrition education on their nutritional status

Determınation of Nutritional Knowledge Levels in Young Women Over 30 Years of Age Who do Pı̇lates and the Effect of Nutrition Education on Their Nutritional Status The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of women aged 30 and over engaged in Pilates and to examine the impact of nutritional education on their nutritional status. Forty-five individuals, aged 30 and over, participating in Pilates, were enrolled in our study. The research employed a quantitative research method, specifically utilizing a scanning model. A 20-item general knowledge questionnaire and a dietary frequency form were prepared as data collection tools to determine nutrition knowledge and attitudes. Twenty questions each on healthy nutrition and athlete nutrition were prepared to be administered before and after the training. Scoring was based on the correctness of responses, allowing for the assessment of participants' nutritional knowledge levels. To assess the physical activity levels of individuals aged 30 and above participating in the study, a 24-hour physical activity record form was used to collect information over the course of one day, determining their daily energy expenditures. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) values of the individuals participating in the study were calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation. The SPSS software package was utilized for the analysis of research data. In the evaluations, T-tests were employed, and for the assessment of food consumption frequency, a scoring system was applied using the formula T=6T1+5T2+4T3+3T4+2T5+1T6. In the scoring process, daily frequency of consumed foods was assigned 6 points, 3-4 times a week was assigned 5 points, 1-2 times a week was assigned 4 points, 1-3 times in 15 days was assigned 3 points, once a month was assigned 2 points and less frequent consumption was assigned 1 point. These scores were compared to the maximum daily points established for each food, establishing a percentage proportion. This process rendered the food items comparable in terms of their frequency of consumption. To determine individuals' nutritional status and eating habits, a food frequency questionnaire containing 34 different food items was employed. Anthropometric measurements were taken from participants before and after the training. The anthropometric measurements and completion of forms were carried out by the researcher. According to the data obtained from this study, significant differences were identified between pre- and post-training measurements (p<0.05). During the research process, written materials covering topics of healthy nutrition and athlete nutrition were provided to individuals practicing amateur pilates once a week for a duration of four weeks. In this process, regular feedback was collected from the participants, and data were gathered through surveys to monitor potential changes in dietary habits and anthropometric measurements. The collected data were analyzed to understand the impact of the provided nutritional information on the lifestyles of individuals practicing Pilates. When the research results were evaluated, it was determined that there was an improvement in the nutritional knowledge levels of women aged 30 and above who practice pilates. Sports and nutrition education, by creating positive effects on female individuals, supporting physical health, and optimizing metabolic balance, represent a phenomenon that enhances overall health and life quality.