Investigation of the effects of balance training applied to biathlon athletes on throwing performance and lap times

Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the effects of balance training applied to biathlon athletes on shooting performance, balance parameters, physiological indicators and variables related to competition performance. Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design. Twenty athletes (experimental = 10, control = 10) who had participated in the Turkish Biathlon National Team or regional competitions and had been training regularly in biathlon for at least five years were included in the study. The experimental group received balance training three days a week for eight weeks, while the control group continued their routine training. An Independent Samples T-Test was used to examine the difference between the pre-intervention groups, and a two-way mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA (Group = 2 × Time = 2) was used to assess the effects of group and time on the dependent variables. Results: As a result of the research, significant increases were found in shooting accuracy rates both while prone and while standing in the experimental group. For shooting accuracy while prone, group effect (F(1,18)=26.375; p<0.001; ηp²=0.594), time effect (F(1,18)=146.815; p<0.001; ηp²=0.891) and group × time interaction (F(1,18)=57.778; p<0.001; ηp²=0.762) were found to be significant. Similarly, in standing shooting accuracy, group effect (F(1,18)=16.142; p=0.001; ηp²=0.473), time effect (F(1,18)=94.379; p<0.001; ηp²=0.840) and group × time interaction (F(1,18)=28.428; p<0.001; ηp²=0.612) were significant. While significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed in the static and dynamic balance parameters in the experimental group, no change was observed in the control group. In terms of lap times, group effect was found to be significant only in the first lap (F(1,18)=6.315; p=0.022). On the other hand, no significant differences were detected in heart rate and blood lactate values. Conclusion: Balance training has been shown to be effective in improving shooting performance and balance skills in biathlon athletes, but has limited effects on lap times and physiological parameters. Therefore, it is thought that balance exercises can be considered as a complementary element in training design for shooting performance. Keywords: Biathlon, postural control, balance training, shooting accuracy, sport performance