Student athlete empowerment project

What's 'Eat 2 Win'?

Eat 2 Win is a nutrition education research program designed to help student-athletes understand how proper nutrition and hydration can boost their health and performance. The program includes three interactive nutrition workshops, access to online nutrition modules, and hands-on cooking classroom activities, that teach the essentials of sports nutrition. Students learn how to fuel their body for training and competition, unpack the Athlete's Plate, and discover game-day nutrition and hydration strategies. Led by UniSQ sports nutrition experts, this program will empower students to feel confident in the kitchen, with easy to prepare nutritious meals that will keep them performing at their best.

• Module 1: Winning Nutrition
• Module 2: Fuelling Performance
• Module 3: Hydrate to Dominate
• Practical: Inside the Athlete’s Kitchen

'Eat 2 Win' Research

Our previous research highlights that student-athletes, especially those from regional and rural areas, often have limited nutrition knowledge and hold several misconceptions. This highlights the importance of providing integrated nutrition education led by qualified professionals, which can greatly enhance their understanding and practices around nutrition. The Eat 2 Win research aims to measure changes in student-athletes’ nutrition knowledge before and after targeted nutrition education, while also evaluating how well the educational components are received by the students.

Professor Stephen Bird: Eat like a champion

"The Eat 2 Win program offers student-athletes a unique educational opportunity to actively explore the critical role of nutrition in supporting their health and performance. A key component of the program is learning practical cooking skills, empowering students to feel confident in the kitchen."– Professor Stephen Bird

Contacts

For more information, contact Dr Andrea Fuller or Professor Stephen Bird.

'Protect 2 Win'

‘Protect 2 Win’ is a neck strength and concussion education program designed to help student-athletes reduce their risk of concussive events. The program focuses on targeted neck strength training and concussion education, equipping athletes with practical tools to enhance neck stability and manage concussion risks. Led by UniSQ strength and conditioning experts, the program aims to provide student-athletes with the training and knowledge to support their performance and safety on the field.

"Increased isometric neck strength has been associated with decreased head acceleration during impacts, highlighting the potential of neck training in reducing concussion risk." – (Daly et al., 2021)

Part 1: Neck Strong

The first part of the program focuses on enhancing neck strength and stability to reduce the potential for concussions. Athletes will participate in a tailored, evidence-based neck strengthening program, including:

1. Initial Testing: Comprehensive neck strength assessments to evaluate isometric strength and head stabilisation.
2. Training Plan: A 6-week neck strengthening regimen, designed to improve neck stability.
3. Coach-Led Supervision: UniSQ will educate school strength coaches to ensure proper technique and maximise the program’s benefits.

Part 2: Neck Smart

The second part of the program provides athletes with neck strength and concussion education through interactive online modules, including:

• Module 1. Heads Up Concussion Awareness: Athletes learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of concussions and follow proper recovery protocols.
• Module 2. Neck Strength and Concussion Prevention: Discover the role neck strength plays in reducing concussion risks in contact sports.
• Module 3. Training Technique: Sport-specific tutorials on safe training techniques, such as tackling in rugby and heading in soccer.

‘Protect 2 Win’ Research

Research suggests that strengthening neck muscles may reduce the severity of head injuries by stabilising the head during impact. The ‘Protect 2 Win’ program is based on studies showing that athletes with stronger necks experience fewer and less severe concussions. This research component focuses on measuring the impact of neck strength training on concussion risk, evaluating how neck strength development influences injury prevention, and assessing student-athletes' knowledge of concussion risks.

Dr Chris Gaviglio: Leading strength coach tackles new chapter

"The Protect 2 Win program offers student-athletes a comprehensive approach to reducing their risk of concussions, blending evidence-based neck strength training with essential concussion education. By focusing on both physical resilience and knowledge, we aim to empower young athletes to take proactive steps toward their neck safety and performance." – Dr. Chris Gaviglio, UniSQ 

Contacts

For more information, contact Dr Chris Gaviglio or Professor Stephen Bird.

Disclaimer: While Protect 2 Win focuses on neck strength training and concussion education, it is important to note that no training program can fully prevent concussions or eliminate all risks of head injury. The goal of this program is to reduce risk factors and improve awareness, but external factors such as the nature of contact sports and individual circumstances can still result in concussions. Athletes and coaches should always follow safety protocols and consult medical professionals when dealing with concussive symptoms or head injuries.

‘Girls 2 Win’

‘Girls 2 Win’ is a student-athlete education program designed to help young female athletes understand the unique aspects of their physiology and how it may impact their health and performance. The program provides an overview of the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception, and the relationship between female physiology and athletic performance. Led by UniSQ experts in female athlete health and performance, ‘Girls 2 Win’ empowers student-athletes to make informed decisions about their health, ensuring they are equipped to optimise their wellbeing and performance on and off the field.

Part 1: Girl’s Know – Knowledge is power!

The first part of the program focuses on building a foundational understanding of female physiology and how it relates to athletic performance. Athletes will engage in educational sessions that cover:

• Module 1: Menstrual Cycle Phases: Learn about the menstrual cycle (what is normal, what is not) and its potential effects on exercise and recovery.
• Module 2: Hormonal Contraception: Explore the various types of hormonal contraception, how they influence the body, and their role in managing menstrual symptoms.
• Module 3: Nutrition for Female Athletes: Discover the importance of nutrition for health and performance, tailored to the female body, with a focus on energy balance, iron levels, and bone health.

Part 2: Girl Talk – Confidence through conversation!

The second part of the program focuses on practical training strategies for managing female-specific health and performance, including:

• Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Learn the role of menstrual cycle tracking in sport and how to effectively track your cycle and make use of the data.
• Menstrual Cycle Conversations: Learn what information is relevant to discuss with your doctor if you wish to try hormonal contraception, or if you are experiencing issues with your menstrual cycle.

‘Girls 2 Win’ Research

The ‘Girls 2 Win’ program incorporates research into how education can be used to empower female athletes. The program will use a newly validated survey tool developed by UniSQ and the AIS to assess menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive knowledge, ensuring that the education provided addresses the topics most relevant to the athletes.

Periods, contraceptives and performance: The need for more education.

“While the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception can undoubtedly be difficult conversation topics, it is imperative that an open environment is fostered within high-performance sport that allows female athletes to discuss their MC, particularly if issues arise.” – Dr. Brianna Larsen, UniSQ

Contacts

For more information, contact Dr Brianna Larsen.