# Evaluation of the Nutritional Education Program in Increasing Nutrition-Related Knowledge in a Group of Girls Aged 10–12 Years from Ballet School and Artistic Gymnastics Classes

## TL;DR

A nutritional education program improved knowledge in girls aged 10–12 from ballet and gymnastics schools.

## Contribution

A novel nutritional education program tailored for young ballet and gymnastics students was designed and evaluated.

## Key findings

- The program significantly increased nutritional knowledge in the target group.
- Knowledge improvements were maintained 3 months after the program ended.

## Abstract

Background: Adherence to nutritional recommendations in groups of adolescents practicing various sports, including esthetic disciplines, is insufficient. Hence, the authors of this study attempted to design, implement and evaluate a nutritional education program for girls aged 10–12 attending a ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes. Methods: The study was conducted with 60 female students at the state ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes (professionally practicing ballet and artistic gymnastics). The nutritional education program was implemented by all students for a period of 4 weeks. The program consisted of three parts: group sharing and discussing the educational brochure, group nutritional workshops, and providing and discussing individual nutritional recommendations. Information provided to students during the nutritional education program concerned the principles of proper nutrition contained in the Pyramid of Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity for Children and Youth, the most important sources of nutrients in the diet and their role, and the principles of nutrition of people practicing sports/training. Before starting the nutritional education program and 3 months after its completion, the level of nutritional knowledge was assessed in the group of ballerinas and artistic gymnasts to evaluate the program. Results: The proposed nutritional education program had a significant impact on the level of nutritional knowledge of students aged 10–12 attending the ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes. Conclusions: The presented nutritional education program may be used as a source of information for specialists for the preparation of educational and repair programs in the group of ballet dancers or artistic gymnasts aged 10–12.