Advisers

Enriqueta R. Buenaventura, PhD

Discipline

Education

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between nutrition and the athletic performance of basketball players at Bestlink College of the Philippines as a basis for a proposed nutrition program. Adequate nutrition is important for endurance, energy, recovery, and readiness, whereas poor nutrition may contribute to fatigue, delayed recovery, and increased injury risk. The study described the players’ profiles, assessed nutritional status using body mass index (BMI), and examined the relationship between BMI and athletic performance. The study used a quantitative-correlational design involving 30 male basketball athletes from Bestlink College of the Philippines selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated survey questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, BMI, nutritional factors, and challenges in maintaining proper nutrition. Pretest and posttest assessments were also administered to evaluate changes in the athletes’ nutrition knowledge and understanding. Most respondents were 19 years old, and 23% reported 13–15 years of basketball experience. All respondents were male. The relationship between BMI and performance was very weak (r = 0.08), indicating that BMI alone was not strongly associated with athletic performance. Athletes strongly agreed that hydration and adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats supported their energy, recovery, and endurance. The study recommends that Bestlink College of the Philippines develop a nutrition program for basketball athletes that emphasizes affordable meals, hydration, and game-day nutrition. Coaches, trainers, parents, and health professionals should support nutrition education and continuing guidance. Future studies may include female athletes, other sports, and larger samples to improve the applicability of the findings.

Keywords

nutritional status, nutrition, basketball athletes, athletic performance, nutritional program