Learning Objectives
- Trace the pathway of food, starting with consumption and ending with usable energy.
- Outline the metabolic pathways including the phosphagen system, anaerobic glycolysis, aerobic glycolysis, and fatty-acid oxidation as they relate to exercise performance.
- Explain how energy is stored in the skeletal muscles and other tissues, and how other nutrients are delivered via the digestion and absorption system.
- Describe the pathway of glucose from food to fuel.
- Explain the rationale and effectiveness of carbohydrate loading.
- List the roles of protein in endurance and resistance training.
- Explain the rationale behind “fat loading” and why the method is not recommended.
- Recognize the major goals of pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise nutritional strategies.
- List several strategies to optimize nutrition before, during, and after exercise.
- Describe how gender, age, diet, and environment affect hydration status.
- Define hyponatremia, dehydration, and euhydration.
- Identify populations at greatest risk for dehydration and hyponatremia.
- Identify ways to recognize and treat hyponatremia and dehydration.
- List ways that hydration status affects athletic performance.
- Apply the most up-to-date and scientifically sound hydration recommendations before, during, and after exercise.
- Calculate sweat rate using the protocol provided by USA Track & Field.
- Describe the important nutrition variables that influence sports performance for endurance, strength, and power athletes, and discuss how they enhance athletic success.
- Outline a nutrition program for optimal performance in aerobic, strength, and power sports.
- Explain the limitations of dietary supplement regulation in the United States.
- Describe the product claims, efficacy, and safety of popular dietary supplements for weight loss, health, and performance.
- Define the scope of practice for allied health professionals with regard to the recommendation and sale of dietary supplements.
BOC: 5.5 Continuing Education Units
NATA PDC Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Program Faculty: Course content includes chapters 6-10 of the book “Sports Nutrition for Health Professionals”, 2nd Edition, by Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD, CSSD, FAAP & Michelle Murphy Zive, PhD, MS, RD. Assessment created by Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD, CSSD, FAAP, Michelle Murphy Zive, PhD, MS, RD & Diana Cuy Castellanos, PhD, RD.
The passing score for this course is 80%. The course is self-paced, home study format. All materials are available ONLINE immediately after purchase and is available for 6 months.
Cancellation/refund available up to 30 days after purchase. For further information visit our How Courses Work page.
This course is intended for Certified Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Strength & Conditioning Specialists, etc.

Sport Medics is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers.