Examination of the Relationship Between Archers’ Attention Levels and Nutritional Intakes: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION: Archery performance relies heavily on sustained attention and concentration. This pilot study examined the relationships between attention level, concentration performance (CP), and dietary intakes in adolescent and young adult archers.
METHODS: The sample comprised 27 active archers from Istanbul Anka Sports Club (mean age 17.3±3.2 years). Nutritional intake was assessed using a 3-day food consumption record. Attention was evaluated with the d2 Test of Attention, and concentration-related indices were derived. Body composition was estimated by measuring skinfold thickness at three sites (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal), and body fat percentage was calculated accordingly. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0.
RESULTS: Regarding the general nutritional status of the archers, it was observed that total energy and fluid intakes were generally below the recommended levels for their age groups. A significant negative association was found between attention consistency (FR) and body fat percentage (r=-0.507, p=0.043). Processing speed (TN-E) scores were negatively correlated with protein intake (g/kg) (p=0.035). CP showed significant positive relationships with carbohydrate intake (g/kg) and fiber intake (g) (p<0.05). Vitamin C intake was negatively associated with attention consistency (FR) and specific learning difficulty (E2) (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that nutritional factors and body composition are meaningfully related to attention and concentration metrics in archers. Appropriate, balanced nutrition strategies, particularly regarding macronutrient distribution and fiber intake, may support concentration continuity, whereas higher body fat percentage may be linked to reduced sustained attention. These results offer practical insights for sports nutrition and cognitive performance interventions in archery.

Keywords: Archery, athlete health, attention, cognitive performance, nutrition.