european college of sport science

Saturday, June 27th, 2009
petitors) but also internal stress. In one earlier study, Groslambert et al (2003) have shown that 6 weeks of shooting training combined
with imagery training improved the stability of rifle at standing position in biathletes. However, there are only few studies considering
shooting performance or shooting training in biathlon. Therefore, totally 20 biathletes at high national level (age 20+-4 yr, VO2max 60+-7
ml/kg/min-1, 1-13 (range) years in biathlon) were recruited to the study. First, VO2max and shooting performance at rest and immediately
after two sub-maximal exercise intensities (75% and 90% of VO2max) were measured. Thereafter, subjects were randomized into experimental
(EXP) and control (CON) groups. During 11 weeks intervention, the EXP group performed specific ATR-training 6 times per week,
first with help of specific CD-ROM program (weeks 1-2). Thereafter, ATR training was successively combined with holding and “dry firing”
training, with a goal that during the last two weeks of the intervention, ATR was integrated into all shooting training. CON continued their
usual shooting training. Shooting performance was measured by SCATT prof. shooting training system® based on laser light, and was
determined as a group size (mm) and stability of aiming (mm) for 20 shots at rest, and for 10 shots per each exercise intensities, but also
as a total shooting accuracy which was calculated as a total sum of group size and stability of aiming at rest and during both exercise
intensities. The exercise mode in all measurements was roller skiing on the treadmill. Totally 12 subjects (EXP n=7, CON n=5) completed
the study. No change in VO2max was observed in EXP or CON group. EXP group showed decrease in group size at 75% of VO2max
(p