Relationships between nutrition, training frequency, and anthropometric characteristics in elite archers

Archery is characterized by precision and fine motor skills. Although it may not appear physically demanding, it requires prolonged concentration alongside the ability to control strength, endurance, and posture. The aim is to determine the relationships between nutrition, training frequency, and anthropometric characteristics among elite archers. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 51 participants from 22 countries. Data were analyzed using statistical descriptive tests, the parametric Student's t-test, and correlation analyzes. Negative correlations were identified between weight, BMI, and waist circumference with weekly training frequency (r = - 0.306, p = 0.029; r = - 0.291, p = 0.038; r = - 0.363, p = 0.000). Positive correlations included: height with weight (r = 0.555, p = 0.000); weight with BMI and waist circumference (r = 0.839, p = 0.000; r = 0.659, p = 0.000); BMI with waist circumference (r = 0.671, p = 0.000); and weekly training frequency with daily training hours (r = 0.440, p = 0.001). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between groups regarding diet planning factors: access to sports nutritionists, receiving professional nutrition advice, archery associations' involvement in diet, diet tracking, and personalized diet plans. The findings highlight that nutrition plans, informed by experts, and training frequency influence anthropometric variables in elite archers. Disseminating these insights to the broader scientific community and archery professionals may encourage greater focus on the importance of diet planning in enhancing training efficiency and sports performance. This study has limitations, including a small sample size and the use of self-reported data.