Special Populations

Question 1

Potential causes of GI issues resulting from exercise

Answer 1

Reduced blood flow to the GI tract

Delayed gastric emptying

Altered gastric motility

Composition of the diet

Increased lactic acid levels

Question 2

Factors impacting gastric emptying

Answer 2

Energy dense meals

Dehydration

High solute load

Stress and anxiety (not to be overlooked as the major/main cause)

High intensity exercise

Question 3

List 6 classes of Paralympic athletes

Answer 3

Amputees

Spinal injuries

Cerebral palsy

Intellectual impairment

Visual impairment

Les Autres (Others)

Question 4

Main challenges of working with Paralympic athletes

Answer 4

Estimating energy needs - given the physiological alterations caused by the underlying condition and for some loss of limb
- Indirect calorimetry is recommended

Body composition assessment

Question 5

Common nutritional issues with Paralympic athletes

Answer 5

Increased fluid and fiber due to constipation

Inadequate or excessive intake

Eating difficulties related to spastic motions

Loss of the use of a limb

Need for feeding tube or modified consistency

Visual or intellectual impairments

Question 6

How early should an athlete arrive to an event

Answer 6

1 day early per time zone

1-2 weeks if an unfamiliar environment of high heat

Question 7

When traveling, what is a helpful tip

Answer 7

Create note cards with food allergies and intolerances in country’s native language to mitigate confusion and issues

Question 8

If a menu is for a period of a month or longer, how long should the menu cycle last

If a menu is for a period of 2 weeks, how long should the menu cycle last

Answer 8

5-10 days

1 week