Changes of Percent Body Fat, Waist Circumference and Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Division I Collegiate Female Softball Players after Nutrition Curriculum Paired with Technology

OF THESIS CHANGES OF PERCENT BODY FAT, WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE AND FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE AMONG DIVISION I COLLEGIATE FEMALE SOFTBALL PLAYERS AFTER NUTRITION CURRICULUM PAIRED WITH TECHNOLOGY Previous research has found that the quality and intake of collegiate athletes’ diets does not meet the recommended standards. Little research has been completed in regards to the diets of collegiate female softball players. The purpose of this research study was to determine if an 11‐week nutrition curriculum paired with a technology could increase fruit and vegetable consumption while decreasing percent body fat and waist circumference. The sample included 14 female softball players. Paired t‐test were preformed to compare fruit and vegetable intake, body fat percentage, and waist circumference pre‐ and post‐intervention. Linear regression models were used to determine correlations between change in fruit and vegetable consumption and body fat percentage, and change in fruit and vegetable consumption and waist circumference. Results showed that an increase in fruit in vegetable consumption was associated with a significant increase in waist circumference (p=0.0328). Of the participants, 43% were freshmen and may be related to freshman year weight gain. Based on the current findings, more research is needed with stricter protocols.