USATF Sports Nutrition & Hydration 3

Question 1

Iron deficiency is particularly common among which group of track and field athletes?

Accepted Answer

Female distance runners

Answer

Female distance runners face the highest risk for iron deficiency due to menstrual blood losses, foot-strike hemolysis, and high training volumes that increase iron demand.

Question 2

Which dietary strategy best supports glycogen supercompensation (carbohydrate loading) before a distance event?

Accepted Answer

Tapering training while increasing carbohydrate intake to 10–12 g/kg/day for 1–3 days before the event

Answer

Carbohydrate loading involves tapering exercise volume while consuming high carbohydrate intake (10–12 g/kg/day) for 1–3 days, which maximizes muscle glycogen stores for endurance events.

Question 3

A coach suspects an athlete may be developing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Which of the following is a physiological consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Impaired immune function and hormonal disruption

Answer

RED-S results from chronic low energy availability and can impair immune function, hormonal health, bone density, cardiovascular function, and athletic performance.

Question 4

What is the recommended approach for an athlete who must compete in the heat and humidity to minimize heat-related illness risk?

Accepted Answer

Heat acclimatize over 10–14 days, maintain hydration, and adjust race pace expectations

Answer

A 10–14 day heat acclimatization protocol, combined with proper hydration strategies and realistic pacing, significantly reduces heat illness risk in hot, humid conditions.

Question 5

Which substance is classified by WADA as a prohibited stimulant when used above threshold urine concentrations, and coaches must monitor athlete consumption?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine

Answer

While caffeine was removed from WADA's prohibited list in 2004, it remains on the monitoring program; historically it was banned above 12 µg/mL urine, and coaches should remain informed about its regulatory status.

USATF - USATF Coaching Education Certification Practice Test

USATF - USATF Coaching Education Certification Practice Test

USATF Sports Nutrition & Hydration 3