Effects of fati̇gue on shooti̇ng accuracy, oxi̇dati̇ve damageand stress hormones i̇n bi̇athlon athletesfirat özteki̇n

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fatigue on shooting accuracy, oxidative stress markers, and stress hormones in biathletes. A total of 20 elite athletes, 10 female and 10 male, aged 18-25, participated in the study at the Turkish Olympic Preparation Center (TOHM). Participants underwent a sprint-style shooting test without fatigue, and their shooting performance was evaluated. One week later, the same participants underwent a fatigue protocol and underwent a second shooting test. Blood samples were collected before and after the fatigue protocol, and several biochemical parameters were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) version 22. Statistical analyses revealed a significant decrease in prone and standing shooting accuracy scores after fatigue (p<0.01). A significant decrease in dopamine levels (p<0.00) and a significant increase in epinephrine and glucose levels (p<0.05) were observed. Additionally, a decrease in insulin levels (p<0.04) and a significant decrease in lactic acid levels (p<0.04) were detected. No statistically significant differences were observed in ATP, ACTH, CK, and cortisol levels (p>0.05). In conclusion, physical fatigue was found to affect shooting accuracy and some stress parameters in biathlon athletes. In particular, decreased dopamine and increased epinephrine indicate fatigue-induced central nervous system overload and stress responses. These results demonstrate the critical importance of fatigue management during training and competition for both performance and physiological balance.