Improvements of Shooting Performance in Adolescent Air Rifle Athletes After a 6-week Balance and Respiration Training Programs

Context: Several factors, such as balance and respiration training programs, have been identified as contributing to a shooting performance. However, little is known about the benefits of these programs on the shooting records of adolescent air rifle athletes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether balance and respiration training can contribute to the shooting performance required for adolescent air rifle shooting athletes. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Shooting range. Participants: A total of 21 adolescent air rifle athletes were recruited from the local school community and assigned to an experimental (n = 11; EG) or control (n = 10; CG) group. Intervention: The EG performed respiration and balance training for 30 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and the CG performed balance training only. Main Outcome Measures: Data were collected on the respiratory function, muscle activity, and shooting record before and after the 6-week intervention. Results: The forced vital capa...