Abstract

This study aimed to identify the means of recovery and nutrition supplements used by the coaches in the 4th Intercollegiate Central American and Caribbean Games and the reason for their use. Methods. Using a validated survey a descriptive and cross sectional study surveyed 41 coaches (36 male and 6 female) of 13 sports disciplines and from 8 countries between 10 and 15 November 2013, in the city of Armenia, Colombia. Results. 87% of respondent coaches used at least one means of recovery with their athletes subsequent to a workout or athletic competition, with stretching (91%) and massage (66.6%) the most used, and the main reason for using these resources was the greater ease of use of these techniques. Concerning nutrition supplements, 68% of the coaches regularly used them, providing vitamins (46.4%) and sports drinks (32.1%) in first and second place, with the main cause for the use of these food supplements being the personal opinion of the coach. Conclusions. Most coaches use means of recovery to facilitate the physical recovery of their athletes, but the two most used resources have little scientific support. Although a higher percentage of coaches used nutrition supplements for athletes to restore their energy sources and restore tissue, they require greater assistance and advice from experts in nutrition.