Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Date of Graduation
Spring 2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS)
Department
Department of Health Sciences
Advisor(s)
Melissa Rittenhouse
Jeremy Akers
Joy Lohr
Abstract
The perceived need of nutritional ergogenic aids among college students produces concern regarding the safety and efficacy of such aids. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the rationale and use of nutritional ergogenic aids in male college students ages 18-25. Students participated in an anonymous survey assessing nutritional ergogenic supplementation and rationale behind use. There was no significant difference in supplement use between competitive and non-competitive athletes (p=0.708). However, a significant difference in nutritional ergogenic aid use between heavy and light exercisers was noted, with heavy exercisers more likely to use supplements than light exercisers (p=0.041). The primary rationale behind supplement use was to provide energy (22%), enhance recovery (19.6%), and build muscle (19.4%). Participants were most likely to obtain information on supplements from friends (79%) or the internet (79%) therefore; universities should provide education on nutritional ergogenic aids by providing reputable sources of these products.
Recommended Citation
Solloway, Megan Elizabeth, "Nutritional ergogenic aid use in male college students" (2014). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 482.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/482
