Supporting post-exercise recovery in adolescent soccer players: A study of a locally formulated recovery drink

Background: Athletes are prone to fatigue as a result of physical exercise. If not managed properly, this condition can lead to decreased performance, making it essential to implement effective recovery strategies. One such approach is the consumption of carbohydrate- and protein-based beverages during the recovery period. Research Objectives: This study aims to analyze the effect of a recovery drink made from low-fat milk, cocoa powder, banana, and gulo puan on the physical recovery of adolescent soccer athletes. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving student-athletes from Sekolah Olahraga Negeri Sriwijaya Palembang (aged 15-17 years) as subjects. The participants were divided into two groups: the control group (Placebo, n = 10) and the intervention group (HRD, n = 10). The treatment was administered single-blind, with two doses given within the 2-hour recovery period, one dose in the first hour and another in the second hour. Data collected included subject characteristics, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels. Finding/Results: The results showed no significant differences in blood pressure between the HRD and placebo groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found in post-recovery heart rate and blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). The HRD group showed significantly higher post-recovery blood glucose levels (95 ± 5.77 vs. 88.5 ± 6.49 mg/dL, p = 0.022), and heart rate in this group returned closer to baseline compared to the placebo. Conclusion: In conclusion, HRD consumption can be an effective strategy to support post-exercise recovery, particularly in maintaining cardiovascular stability and blood glucose levels.