The effects of physical fitness and physiological variables on archery performance in traditional Turkish archers

This study aims to examine the effects of selected physical fitness and physiological characteristics on archery performance among athletes engaged in traditional Turkish archery. A total of 45 athletes, including 20 females and 25 males, from two clubs operating in Yozgat province participated in the research.Participants were assessed based on various parameters, including anthropometric measurements, strength, flexibility, balance, hand dexterity, attention level, and average heart rate. Gender-based differences and the relationships between these variables and archery performance were analyzed. Independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical evaluation.The findings revealed that male athletes had significantly higher values in body composition, strength, and performance levels compared to female athletes, while female athletes showed significantly better flexibility (p<0.05). Regarding performance-related correlations, positive relationships were found between back strength and attention level, and a negative relationship with average heart rate in female athletes. In male athletes, attention level was positively, and heart rate negatively correlated with performance (p<0.05).In conclusion, morphological differences based on gender were found to affect performance. Male athletes, in particular, appeared to possess structural advantages, and specific physical and physiological parameters were identified as key determinants of archery performance.