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Background <p>Nutrition is critical for recovery following high-intensity intermittent sport. While total protein intake in athletes has been extensively studied, limited research has examined the distribution of protein intake across the recovery period in sports such as Gaelic football.</p> Aims <p>This study investigated the quantity, timing and distribution of protein intake in male Gaelic footballers during the 72&#xa0;h following match play. Secondary aims were to examine supplement use, alcohol consumption and self-reported muscle soreness.</p> Methods <p>53 Gaelic football players participated, with complete data obtained from 51 (age 24.0 ± 3.61&#xa0;years; body mass 86.0 ± 6.59&#xa0;kg). Players recorded food and fluid intake immediately post-match (match day 0) and for the following two days (match day + 1 and + 2), alongside muscle soreness ratings on the mornings of match day + 1, + 2 and + 3. Dietary intake was analysed for total protein intake and distribution amongst meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks).</p> Results <p>Mean protein intake in the 2-h post-match window was 51.24 ± 30.49&#xa0;g (0.60&#xa0;g/kg BW). 88% of players consumed protein and 98% met the ≥ 0.3&#xa0;g/kg BW guideline. Daily protein intake was adequate on match day + 1 and + 2 (2.1&#xa0;g/kg BW), but only 20% met recommended distribution guidelines. Muscle soreness declined across the recovery period, with players who trained on match day + 2 reporting higher soreness on match day + 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.030). Alcohol consumption was reported by 57% of players.</p> Conclusions <p>Male Gaelic footballers achieved adequate total protein intake following match play; however, protein distribution across the recovery period was suboptimal, highlighting a gap between nutrition guidelines and real-world athlete behaviour.</p>

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Dietary protein distribution and post-match recovery practices in male Gaelic footballers

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Paul Kelly,
  • Luke O’Brien

摘要

Background

Nutrition is critical for recovery following high-intensity intermittent sport. While total protein intake in athletes has been extensively studied, limited research has examined the distribution of protein intake across the recovery period in sports such as Gaelic football.

Aims

This study investigated the quantity, timing and distribution of protein intake in male Gaelic footballers during the 72 h following match play. Secondary aims were to examine supplement use, alcohol consumption and self-reported muscle soreness.

Methods

53 Gaelic football players participated, with complete data obtained from 51 (age 24.0 ± 3.61 years; body mass 86.0 ± 6.59 kg). Players recorded food and fluid intake immediately post-match (match day 0) and for the following two days (match day + 1 and + 2), alongside muscle soreness ratings on the mornings of match day + 1, + 2 and + 3. Dietary intake was analysed for total protein intake and distribution amongst meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks).

Results

Mean protein intake in the 2-h post-match window was 51.24 ± 30.49 g (0.60 g/kg BW). 88% of players consumed protein and 98% met the ≥ 0.3 g/kg BW guideline. Daily protein intake was adequate on match day + 1 and + 2 (2.1 g/kg BW), but only 20% met recommended distribution guidelines. Muscle soreness declined across the recovery period, with players who trained on match day + 2 reporting higher soreness on match day + 3 (p = 0.030). Alcohol consumption was reported by 57% of players.

Conclusions

Male Gaelic footballers achieved adequate total protein intake following match play; however, protein distribution across the recovery period was suboptimal, highlighting a gap between nutrition guidelines and real-world athlete behaviour.