RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIETARY FAT AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG ATHLETES

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between dietary fats and physical fitness in young athlete of Pakistan. Methodology: An correlational study conducted in Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in 2018, after the approval of Director Admin of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), a total sample size of n=130 elite athletes (both male and females) were recruited from the camp for National games held in PSB through convenience sampling technique. The data was collected about the age, gender, BMI and physical fitness. Physical fitness was measured through following tests; back ward throw with 3kg medicine ball, 30 meter Speed Test, Single-leg hope three step test, Agility T test and 800 meter Endurance test. The pre camp dietary fat intake was calculated through online software Self Nutrition Data by entering the meal recipe and Nutrition Facts label was generated according to the nutrition labelling standard maintained by the FDA. The results were presented in terms of n (%), mean±SD and to determine association Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.63±5.30 years. The results showed positive correlation of agility T test (sec) with saturated fat (r=0.180, p=0.040), mono unsaturated fat (r=0.199, p=0.023), poly unsaturated fat (r=0.187, p=0.033), Omega 3 fatty acids (r=0.187, p=0.033) and total fat intake(r=0.202, p=0.021). The 800 M endurance test was positively correlated with polyunsaturated fat (r=0.187, p=0.033), omega 6 fatty acids (r=0.182, p=0.038) and total fat intake (r=0.181, p=0.039). While leg strength test was found to be negatively correlated with monounsaturated fats (r=-0.174, p=0.048) and polyunsaturated (r=-0.175, p=0.047). Conclusion: Nutrition rich in dietary fats results in decreases performance and ability of athletes involved in agility and endurance training, while for those involved in strength training dietary fats may enhance their performance