BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of specific ski ergometer exercise of various intensity on postural balance of youth biathletes and rifle stability in a standing shooting position.
METHODS: The study included seven young biathletes (mean age 16.2±1.3 years). The measurements were taken with Vicon system and AMTI force platform. Postural balance and rifle stability parameters in a standing shooting position were determined at rest and after three exercise sessions with intensities corresponding to 130 beats per minute (bpm), 150 bpm and 170 bpm.
RESULTS: Regardless of its intensity, physical exercise exerted a significant effect on all examined postural sway and rifle sway parameters. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between postural balance and rifle stability. Physical exercise of any intensity influenced postural balance and rifle stability during aiming.
CONCLUSIONS: The lack of significant changes in postural balance and rifle stability with increasing exercise intensity might reflect the involvement of a common fatigue-independent mechanism. Rifle sways during aiming at the target in a standing position seem to be coordinated with postural sways of biathlete’s body. Thus, an increase in postural sway contributes to a greater sway and lesser stability of the rifle.