Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA) 

The Program 

ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives) is a scientifically proven program for female athletes. It addresses the connection between young women in sports, disordered eating behaviors, and body-shaping drug use. Its multiple components provide healthy sports nutrition and strength-training alternatives to the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and performance-enhancing drugs. ATHENA is peer-led and gender-specific. It is interactive, engaging, and easy to implement for coaches during the sports season. 

Intended Audience 

This program’s intended audience is adolescent female athletes. 

Implementation 

A coach and selected student-athletes called “Squad Leaders” led the program. The program materials are scripted and easy to follow. Little or no preparation is needed. There are 8 sessions for ATHENA. Each session lasts 45 minutes. Sessions are typically scheduled once per week during the season on a “light” practice day. Coaches facilitate the program, keep athletes on task, and introduce and wrap up student-led activities. Squad Leaders provide most of the instruction for their small groups. Sessions include role-plays, student-created campaigns, public service announcements, and instructional, interactive games. Athletes practice goal setting and self-monitoring of nutrition behaviors. Students learn attitudes and skills that will help them make healthy choices in sports and throughout their lives. 

Outcomes 

• Reduced use of diet pills 

• Less use of steroids, amphetamines and sport supplements 

• Improved nutrition 

• Less riding in a car with a drinking driver 

• Less new sexual activity 

• Fewer injuries 

• Less long-term use of diet pills, alcohol and marijuana 

Evidence 

The evaluation of the ATHENA intervention across two studies showed mixed but notable results. In Study 1, athletes in the treatment group reported significantly less diet pill use and improved nutrition behaviors at a 2-week postseason follow-up. However, no significant differences were found in tobacco use or the use of athletic-enhancing substances compared to the control group. Study 2, a follow-up conducted a year after the intervention, found that treatment group athletes were significantly less likely to report lifetime alcohol and marijuana use and more likely to engage in positive nutrition behaviors, such as adequate calcium intake. The studies used rigorous methodologies, including randomized controlled designs, self-report surveys, and statistical analyses to assess ATHENA’s immediate and long-term impacts on substance use and nutrition behaviors, with overall positive effects on health behaviors. 

Additional Resources 

• Learn more about the ATHENA program
• Check out additional information about the ATHENA program
• Read a case study about the long-term outcomes of the ATHENA program
• Read an article about eating disorder risks in adolescent and adult female athletes

Contact Information 

Michelle Otis | Program Director  

steinerm@ohsu.edu  

Trainer and Developer 

This program was developed by Doctor Diane L. Elliot, Principal Investigator at Oregon Health and Science University.