International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): IJHET MAY 2026

The Correlation Between Macronutrient And Iron Intake And Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Rugby Athletes Of UNESA Student Activity Unit

Athaillah Dihyan Wijaya (Nutrition Study Program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Eastl Java, Indonesia)
Desty Muzarofatus Sholikhah (Nutrition Study Program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Eastl Java, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 May 2026

Abstract

Cardiorespiratory fitness or VO2 max is an important component in supporting the performance of rugby athletes who require high endurance, but nutritional imbalances are still often found among athletes. This study aims to analyze the relationship between macro nutrient intake and iron intake with physical fitness (cardiorespiratory) among athletes of the Surabaya State University Rugby Club. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 33 athletes. Macronutrient intake was obtained through a 2x24-hour food recall, iron intake was measured using the Iron-Semi Quantitaive Food Frequency Questionnaire (Iron-SQFFQ), and physical fitness was measured using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1). The average energy intake of athletes was 2040 ± 457.9 kcal/day, protein 88.3 ± 15.9 g/day, fat 78.2 ± 15.4 g/day, and carbohydrate intake 248.4 ± 75.8 g/day. The average iron intake was 13.7 ± 5.05 mg/day, with most athletes falling into the good category (81.8%). The average VO2 max value of the athletes was 45.0 ± 4.63 ml/kgBW/minute, with the dominant category being sufficient to very good. Data analysis used Spearman's rank correlation test. The correlation test results showed that energy intake (p= 0.008; r=0.451), fat intake (p= 0.004; r= 0.488), and iron intake (p= 0.008; r=0.451) were significantly related significantly with physical fitness, while protein intake (p= 0.133; r=0.267) and carbohydrate intake (p= 0.801; r=0.046) did not show a significant relationship. It was concluded that adequate energy, fat, and iron intake are related to the cardiorespiratory fitness of rugby athletes.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhet

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Dentistry Engineering Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology (IJHET) is to provide research media and an important reference for the progress and dissemination of research results that support high-level research in the field of Health, Engineering and technology. Original theoretical work and ...