DEVELOPING A PERFORMANCE-BASED NUTRITION MOBILE APPLICATION DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

Background: The use of performance-based nutrition mobile applications is increasingly recognized in sports science for their role in optimizing dietary intake, enhancing athletic performance, and supporting recovery. These digital tools are designed to deliver personalized nutrition guidance based on athletes’ physiological needs, training regimens, and performance goals. Despite their growing adoption in developed regions, there is limited evidence evaluating their real-world impact in low- to middle-income countries, where digital health integration remains a developing field. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the FuelUp nutrition mobile application in improving dietary behavior, athletic performance, and rehabilitation outcomes among professional and semi-professional athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, involving 100 athletes recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from sports complexes and fitness studios in Punjab, Pakistan. Eligible participants were aged 18 to 40 years, actively engaged in competitive sports but not following structured nutrition plans. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered 23-item questionnaire assessing the app’s usability, reliability, and satisfaction levels. Quantitative variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visualizations, while internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s Alpha. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.79 ± 9.17 years, with an average height of 169.48 ± 10.17 cm and weight of 71.11 ± 8.46 kg. Males constituted 67% of the sample. Although 68% of users acknowledged the importance of nutrition in performance, only 24% reported a noticeable improvement through the app. Rehabilitation features were rated as effective by 64% of users. The app’s internal consistency was moderate, with Cronbach’s Alpha ranging between 0.682 and 0.744. Conclusion: FuelUp demonstrated moderate success in supporting nutrition and rehabilitation needs of athletes. However, inconsistent usage patterns and limited perceived performance benefits highlight the need for improved personalization, user engagement strategies, and integration of practical support features.