Using a cross-platform application for optimizing nutrition in the training process of powerlifters

The article analyzes scientific developments in the field of powerlifters' training. It points out that there are unexplored areas, especially in the use of digital technologies for monitoring athletes' nutrition. We have developed a mobile application for optimizing the nutrition of powerlifters. Assistance was provided to athletes in installing the developed application and conducting instructions on its use. A survey was conducted among participants regarding their overall impression of the application's use among powerlifters and identifying aspects such as interface convenience, data collection, perceived reliability, and validity. It is noted that most users highly rate the application's functionality and capabilities, although there are certain aspects that require attention and possible improvements. For the category «Suggestions for Interface Improvement» the following subcategories were created: «Displaying measurement units for each item», «User instructions, manuals, pop-up tips», «Additional information when grouping food», «Improving account settings», «Quick search for products and activities, product icons». For the category «Suggestions for Improving Program Functionality», the following subcategories were created: «Ability to add recipes, photos of dishes, diet planning, nutritional recommendations, diet templates», «Synchronization with other programs», «Choice of formula for basic metabolism, managing the thermal effect of food and activities», «Ability to download diagrams,' and «Ability to edit food and activities». Respondents highly appreciated the automatic calorie count, macronutrient settings, daily and weekly nutrition and activity tracking system, as well as the application's charts and their informativeness. This indicates the effectiveness of the developed functionality and the convenience of using the application. Two directions of proposed improvements that garnered the most interest among respondents were identified, such as «Ability to add recipes, photos of dishes, diet planning, nutritional recommendations, diet templates» and «User instructions, manuals, pop-up tips». Respondents noted that there is a certain reserve for improvements in the convenience and understandability of the application's interface, the completeness, diversity, and quality of functions, and the review of nutrition and activities for the week in the form of a list.