The effect of banana consumption on blood glucose level, performance and recovery in archers

In this study, it was investigated whether banana consumption during training has an effect on blood glucose level, performance and recovery in archery athletes. A total of 22 classical bow athletes, 6 female and 16 male, who train at least 5 days a week, whose average age is 17.86±1.12 years, and who have been doing archery for an average of 6.54±2.55 years, voluntarily participated in the study. . The athletes consumed the 4000 calorie diet program prepared by the dietitian for 3 days before the measurement. The blood glucose levels of the athletes were measured before the training, half of the randomly selected half consumed 0.8 g/kg of banana and the same amount of water, and the other half drank 0.8 g/kg of water. One week later, the group that consumes banana water; The group that consumed water consumed bananas. Each workout lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes. Athletes shot 252 arrows in total. Blood glucose was measured every 30 minutes until the end of the training. After each measurement, the group consuming banana consumed 0.4 g/kg of banana and the same amount of water, the other group drank 0.4 g/kg of water. The lactic acid values of the athletes were measured at the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes of rest before the training and after the training. Blood glucose levels measured at 90., 120., 180. and 210. minutes after banana consumption were found to be statistically higher than water consumption (p<0.05). Both banana and water consumption showed a decrease in blood glucose levels throughout the training. However, this decrease was less in banana consumption. The resting lactic acid levels of the athletes and the lactic acid levels measured at the 1st, 5th and 10th minutes after the training did not show a significant difference between banana and water consumption (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the average arrow scores after 36 arrow periods and the total arrow mean scores at the end of the training of the athletes who consumed bananas and water (p>0.05). The 1st period arrow mean score was lower in both banana consumption and water consumption compared to other periods. As a result, when both banana and water were consumed, blood glucose levels decreased during training. However, this decrease was less when bananas were consumed. Banana consumption provided a more stable blood glucose level compared to water consumption and preserved the blood glucose level. However, this did not affect the recovery lactic acid level and arrow shooting performance. In our study, 0.4 gr/kg banana consumption was realized every 30 minutes after the training started. This amount was not sufficient to achieve the expected effect. For this reason, it is recommended to increase the amount of banana consumption in future studies.