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The majority of published sport nutrition recommendations are based on studies conducted with male athletes. In female athletes, the menstrual cycle may affect optimal nutrition strategies for performance, but menstrual cycles can be quite variable. Authors Bryan Holtzman and Kate Ackerman review the nutritional recommendations for female athletes from a variety of perspectives. Within the review, the energetic requirements for athletes and the negative effects of failing to meet these requirements are discussed. The authors also establish a model for meeting nutritional needs of increasing complexity and personalization for female athletes and provide baseline recommendations for female athletes. This course aims to provide practical advice for athletes, coaches, physicians, and other members of the athlete entourage.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/26/2025
BOC
1
05/26/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
03/31/2024
Female soccer players face a variety of physical demands related to their sport but also must manage health factors unique to females. Through a strong nutrition plan, the female soccer player can fuel appopiately, managing energy availability and supporting athletic performance while maintaining physical health in the short and long term. Dr. Rebecca Randell will discuss the demands placed on the female soccer player, how menstruation and energy availability impact health and performance as well as recommendations to help the athlete and recover throughout the season.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
.75
02/09/2025
BOC
.75
02/09/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
.75
02/09/2025
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is no longer prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency; however, all other cannabinoids remain on the prohibited list. The legal status of CBD is complicated and varies from country to country. Athletes and coaches must be aware of the country (and state) specific legal status of CBD. Dr. Graeme Close and colleagues discuss the benefits of CBD that have been reported both anecdotally and within the literature as well as the risks with CBD use on health, safety and potential for inadvertent doping via the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other cannabinoids in CBD supplements.
Course Objectives
Describe an overview of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
Appraise the current evidence and efficacy in relation to CBD use in sport
Discuss the issues and risks surrounding inadvertent doping following the use of CBD
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
01/26/2025
BOC
1
01/26/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
01/26/2025
High performance athletes are highly trained and motivated to perform well. How these athletes fuel can have an impact on their overall performance and how they use their athletic talents. Sports Dietitian Isaac Hicks discusses how nutrient timing can support training adaptations and athletic performance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1.5
11/19/2024
BOC
1.5
11/19/2024
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1.5
11/19/2024
Team sport athletes are at risk of training and competing in a hypohydrated state when fluid losses are large and/or there are challenges with fluid availability or opportunity to drink. Technical skill and cognitive function are essential to team sport athlete performance and may be impaired with hypohydration, especially when combined with heat stress. The mechanism of cognitive impairment with hypohydration is not fully understood. Decrements in cognitive function, skill and physical performance in team sports are more likely to occur when hypohydration levels are > 2% body mass loss, but there is significant inter-individual variability in the effect of hypohydration on team sport performance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
09/09/2024
BOC
1
09/09/2024
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
09/09/2024
CSCCa
1
09/09/2024
Fatigue during high intensity sports or activities (~1-10 minutes in length) is caused by several components with strong evidence that muscle acidosis via accumulating hydrogen ions is a key performance inhibitor. To address this issue, skeletal muscle has intra and extracellular buffering mechanisms to attenuate exercise induced acidosis. Carnosine is an intracellular buffer that is key in slowing the decline of muscle pH. Carnosine has a nitrogen containing imidazole side ring which accepts or buffers hydrogen. This buffering can contribute as much as 15% of total buffering capacity. Additionally, carnosine has been shown to be a calcium/hydrogen exchanger, delivering calcium back to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and hydrogen away to the cell membrane. This suggests that carnosine may increase calcium sensitivity and muscle contraction efficiency. Plasma beta-alanine is the rate limiting substrate of carnosine. Approximately 3-6 g/d of beta-alanine supplementation over at least four weeks can elevate muscle carnosine stores by 30-60%. Several meta-analyses have been conducted and has shown 2-3% increased performance in non-elite athletes, followed with just 0.5-1% increased performance in elite athletes.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
06/24/2024
BOC
1
06/23/2024
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
06/23/2024
CSCCa
1
06/23/2024
Dehydration (>2% reduction in body mass) can result in decreased performance and delayed recovery. Although it has not been largely studied, there is limited evidence that suggests that dehydration may exacerbate exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) and prolong recovery. The proposed mechanisms for the adverse effects of dehydration on EIMD include alterations in cell volume and ion flux, cell membrane disruption, impaired excitation-contraction coupling, decreased skeletal blood flow, modified red blood cell properties, and/or intensification of maladaptive signaling.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/21/2023
BOC
1
10/21/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/21/2023
CSCCa
1
10/21/2023
During exercise, both fat and carbohydrate are metabolized to produce energy. At lower intensities and rest, fat is the predominate substrate that is metabolized. As intensity increases, carbohydrate metabolism increases and fat metabolism decreases. Incremental exercise tests have been developed on both a cycle ergometer and treadmill to measure the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and at what intensity MFO occurs (FATMAX). It has been shown that there is large individual variation in MFO and FATMAX, and that individuals may have a unique FATMAX curve. Increasing an athlete’s fat oxidation may be beneficial as it could preserve the limited amount of muscle and liver glycogen, which could then delay fatigue. Several nutritional supplements thought to increase fat oxidation have been studied, such as; green tea, New Zealand blackcurrants, caffeine, and Omega-3. In addition to supplementation, training strategies to decrease muscle and liver glycogen availability prior to exercise have been shown to increase fat oxidation during exercise. It is important to note that an increase in fat oxidation during exercise has not been associated with improved performance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/20/2023
BOC
1
10/20/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/20/2023
CSCCa
1
10/20/2023
Understanding an athlete’s blood biomarkers is an objective way to measure performance, recovery, and nutritional status. Since an athlete is exposed to different stressors such as increased workload, sleep loss, and travel, it is important to monitor an athlete’s blood biomarkers to prevent injury and illness. Common issues that can be found my measuring blood biomarkers is low Vitamin D and Iron status, low energy availability, and decreased hormone levels. Analyzing blood biomarkers can help to keep an athlete healthy, however, the results can be jeopardized by faulty pre analytic approaches. Ensuring appropriate pre analytic approaches are taken are likely to increase the probability of measuring physiological changes in an athlete. In addition to blood biomarkers, other subjective, physical, and metabolic measurements should be taken to measure physiological changes during an athlete’s season.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/08/2023
BOC
1
10/08/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/08/2023
CSCCa
1
10/08/2023
Caffeine is one of the most studied supplements and has shown ergogenic effects in almost every sport scenario it has been studied. The benefits of ingesting moderate to high doses of caffeine (5-9 mg/kg of body mass) before and during exercise have been well established in endurance exercise. Although the moderate to high doses of caffeine improves endurance performance, side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, nervousness, mental confusion, inability to focus and disturbed sleep have been reported. Lower doses of caffeine (<3 mg/kg of body mass) have been shown to have similar performance benefits as the moderate to high doses, and without the side effects. In addition to endurance performance, caffeine also improves performance in stop-and-go and team sports that require short-term, high intensity movements. Caffeine seems to have an antagonistic interaction with adenosine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, which increases central drive and reduces the perception of fatigue and pain during exercise. There is some variation between individuals in response to the effects of caffeine and it is unclear whether genetic polymorphisms can explain the inter-individual seen during caffeine administration.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/08/2023
BOC
1
10/08/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/08/2023
CSCCa
1
10/08/2023
Bone health is an important aspect that the general population should pay attention to, especially the athlete population. Good bone health will not only prevent immediate injuries such as stress fractures but will prevent long lasting damage later in an athlete’s life such as osteoporosis. Even though athletes need to pay special attention to their bone health, the general recommendations to support bone health is not very different from the general population and it is not clear whether the recommendations for the general population will adequately support an athlete’s needs through periods of intense training. Athletes should consider consuming additional supplements if their food preferences or intolerances do not allow them to get sufficient nutrients needed to support their bone health. Athletes also need to be aware of their energy intake and expenditure to ensure they are maintaining a positive energy balance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/07/2023
BOC
1
10/07/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/07/2023
CSCCa
1
10/07/2023
High altitude training camps are commonly used by endurance athletes in order to increase their fitness prior to competition. Energy availability (EA) requirements may be altered by low to moderate altitudes, and it is suggested that EA may play a role in an athlete’s ability to adjusts to hypoxic conditions. Iron is a micronutrient with known importance to an athlete’s health while at altitude and is important for increasing hemoglobin mass. While studies investigating physiological adaptations at extreme altitudes (>3,000 m.) have been conducted, there is a call for more studies at low to moderate altitudes (1,600-2,400 m.). Since the effects of training at low to moderate altitudes are not yet fully confirmed, it is best to apply sea-level nutrition and hydration guidelines to an athlete’s training at altitude.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
10/07/2023
BOC
1
10/07/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
10/07/2023
CSCCa
1
10/07/2023
This session, developed by the team at Performance 365 in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and presented by Sports Dietitian Jen Ketterly, provides an overview on hydration strategies and explores the applications and factors impacting intake that have been affected by COVID-19. Disclaimer: Jen Ketterly is a founding member of the Performance 365 consulting group and this presentation was sponsored by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
0.5
08/11/2023
BOC
0.75
08/11/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
0.5
08/11/2023
CSCCa
.5
08/11/2023
Creatine supplementation has been considered a potential aid to athletic training and performance. This session will provide a review of the existing research surrounding creatine and scientific support for its use in athletic performance, adaptation and resistance training. The session will summarize its history, the effects of supplementation use on muscle creatine, brain metabolism and cognitive processing. Eric Rawson, Ph.D, FACSM, CSCS will also provide safe, practical uses for creatine and debunking its associated myths.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
06/10/2023
BOC
1
06/10/2023
NSCA
0.2
06/10/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
06/10/2023
CSCCa
1
06/10/2023
Indian spices have been historically regarded as powerful health aids, but scientists have begun researching specific effects only recently. This session will provide a review of scientific support for various Indian spices and their effects on health. The session will provide an understanding of each Indian spice, including its origin and proposed uses. In this session, Sports Dietitian Susan Kundrat will also summarize recent scientific evidence related to health benefits and outline practical applications and recommendations for the use of Indian spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, and cinnamon.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
06/09/2023
BOC
1
06/09/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
06/09/2023
CSCCa
1
06/09/2023
Many fruits have been postulated as potential aids to athletic performance. This session will provide an understanding of current scientific support for various functional fruits, including cherries and berries, and their efficacy in sport. The session will outline the approach to literature review, provide an overview of polyphenols and anthocyanins, and summarize current research surrounding functional fruits, specifically tart cherry, blackcurrant, and pomegranate. In this session, Ryan Nuccio, MS, RD will also provide practical applications of research findings related to form, amount, and occasion of functional fruit for optimal benefit athletes.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
06/08/2023
BOC
1
06/08/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
06/08/2023
CSCCa
1
06/08/2023
Sickness absence from training is incompatible with success in elite sport, which demands a consistently high training volume, i.e. the less sick, the more an athlete can train. Nutrient availability influences immunity because macro and micronutrients are involved in a multitude of immune processes. Macronutrients are involved in immune cell metabolism and protein synthesis and micronutrients are involved in antioxidant defenses. A new paradigm for exercise immunology is presented that considers resistance (the strength of the immune weaponry) and tolerance (the ability to endure microbes and dampen defense activity). This new paradigm of resistance and tolerance helps to explain why nutritional supplements with tolerogenic effects (e.g., probiotics, vitamin C and vitamin D) are the new targets, as these may reduce the infection burden in athletes.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/28/2023
BOC
1
05/08/2023
NSCA
0.1
05/08/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/08/2023
CSCCa
1
05/08/2023
Dehydration is known to impair physical performance. Additionally, dehydration and hyperthermia take a toll on other systems and organs of the body such as the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems and the brain. Dehydration is influenced by environmental conditions as well as the athlete’s training status, thus influencing an athlete’s core temperature. The impact of dehydration varies among individuals and depends upon factors such as training status, intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and acclimatization status. Hydrating during training or competition by consuming fluids is the best way to prevent or alleviate the effects of dehydration on performance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/27/2023
BOC
1
05/27/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/27/2023
CSCCa
1
05/27/2023
The mechanism of how polyphenol supplementation affects performance is complex and not fully understood. Polyphenols are derived from fruits and vegetables and are associated with color and taste. Approximately 90% of polyphenols are not absorbed in the small intestine, thus they are subsequently made available by colon gut bacteria in the source of phenolic acids. The phenolic acids are then able to be absorbed. Beneficial effects of polyphenol supplementation may include improved endurance, repeated sprint performance, and faster recovery of muscle strength however, only a small number of studies have been conducted to date and more research is needed to understand the ergogenic potential of polyphenol supplementation.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/26/2023
BOC
1
05/26/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/26/2023
CSCCa
1
05/26/2023
Optimal sleep is critical for health and is considered one of the most potent performance enhancers available. During sleep, many processes take place including repairing and rebuilding muscle, enhancing immune function, and the pruning and forming of new memories. For an athlete, sub-optimal sleep can lead to impaired mood, shorter time to exhaustion, poor nutrition choices, and greater injury risk. Sleep Scientist Amy Bender, MS, PhD will discuss the role of the athletic trainer and sports health practitioners to ensure athletes get sufficient quantity, quality and timing of sleep – so athletes can perform better on and off the field.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/21/2023
NSCA
0.2
05/21/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/21/2023
CSCCa
1
05/21/2023
Nutritional supplements are a multi-billion-dollar industry but what is the proof any of them benefit health or performance? The majority of studies involving the relationship between supplements and athletic performance have been carried out utilizing an endurance-exercise model. Although, most team sports have an aerobic component, they are characterized by bursts of high-intensity activity requiring power, speed, and quick decision-making. All athletes are looking for an “edge” and professionals working with athletes are charged with improving performance while keeping them safe. Sports Dietitian Kris Osterberg, PhD, RD, CSSD reviews the evidence supporting the food components and nutritional supplements that have been shown to improve some aspect of team-sport performance.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/21/2023
BOC
1
05/21/2023
NSCA
0.2
05/21/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/21/2023
CSCCa
1
05/21/2023
Gut health and immune function are central to preventing illnesses that negatively impact athletic performance. More recently, evidence suggests that gut health and immune function may play a role in promoting adaptation to exercise. Gut bacteria, or the microbiota, perform several vital functions. Athletes are advised to work with their dietitians to determine what may be useful to add or remove from their diet.
Course Objectives
Utilize dietary interventions to promote gut health
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
01/03/2023
BOC
1
01/03/2023
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
01/03/2023
CSCCa
1
01/03/2023