Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Kinesiology

College

College of Health and Human Performance

First Advisor

Kimberly Michelle Singleton

Abstract/Description

First responders and tactical athletes face substantial physical, physiological, and occupational demands that increase the importance of adequate nutrition for performance, recovery, and long-term health. Despite these demands, limited research has directly examined sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) within tactical populations, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The purpose of this study was to assess sports nutrition knowledge among first responders and identify potential knowledge gaps within tactical populations.

Participants completed electronic surveys distributed through Qualtrics, including demographic questionnaires and the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ). Data collection for the larger ongoing study is still in progress; therefore, the current thesis reflects preliminary findings from participants who had completed all survey materials at the time of analysis. At the time of analysis, 73 first responders had completed all portions of the survey. Results demonstrated an average SNK score of 51.34%. Female participants demonstrated significantly (p = .046) higher SNK scores compared to male participants, while no significant differences were observed among occupational groups.

The findings of this study suggest that SNK among first responders may be limited, particularly among male participants. These results highlight the need for targeted nutrition education strategies tailored to the unique occupational demands experienced by tactical populations. Future research should continue examining SNK and nutrition-related behaviors among larger and more diverse first responder populations.

 

Download

Available for download on Monday, August 16, 2027

Share

COinS