Evaluation of the relationship between nutritional status, body composition and force measurements of elite youth athletes

This research was carried out with 24 young elite athlete aged 15-22 years during the Olympic camp. The aim of this theses is to determine the eating habits of elite athletes and to determine the correlation between the body composition and manpower parameters. Different type of questionnaires received their approvals about eating habits were applied to elite young athletes and the parameters of manpower with body composition were measured. It was observed that generally 25% of athletes had three meals, 25% of athletes had two meals and remains had only one meals. In our research, when the total SBİTÖ and the mean of lower dimensions' scores of young athletes were examined, the following issues were observed; the total SBİTÖ score was 70,75 generally for the young athletes and this score was evaluated as higher. This rate was 77,55 (p=0,032) for men, which was higher than women, and it had statistically significant meaning. Once again lower dimension of positive nourishment for men (20.09) was higher than women and it had statistically significant meaning (p=0,005), too. Similar to other studies, cheese, eggs, vegetables-fruits, meat, eggs, legumes, white bread, beverage, tea were the most consumed foods in this study. Comparison of right-left hand grip and leg strength measurements measured by dynamometer between women and men statistically significant difference was found. (p<0.05). Right hand grip (39.73±5.78 kg)- left hand grip (39.36±7.12 kg), leg strength (101.18±39.1 kg) measurements are higher in men. The correlation between average manpower and body composition of elite athletes was examined. Positive correlations were observed for the following items; right hand grip, left hand grip, leg strength measurements with muscle (kg), lean ratio (%), activity, height (m), weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2), fluid (kg), protein (kg), mineral (kg). On the other side, many of the fat measurements were observed as negative correlations. It is considered that beneficial results can be obtained by keeping the universe of the research wider and reaching more individuals. As similar studies are added to the literature, they would be important in terms of being a source for research on the young population.