RGP 21/22

The IBU proudly presents the finalized projects of the IBU Research Grant Programme (RSGP) of 2021/2022. Four different universities/institutions conducted their studies on biathlon-related topics. Each of those projects aimed to get better insights into important aspects of biathlon. Spreading the gained knowledge of those projects among all members of the biathlon family will contribute to further developing the sport of biathlon.

Below you can find all project-related documents for free.

This year's projects:

• THE INFLUENCE OF BALANCE TRAINING AND MINDFULNESS TRAINING ON SHOOTING PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG BIATHLETES - Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland

• VALIDITY OF AN AUTOMATED GNSS-IMU SYSTEM IN TEMPORAL BIATHLON RANGE WORK ANALYSIS-Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

• ROLE OF CORE STABILITY AND DYNAMIC BALANCE IN STANDING SHOOTING PERFORMANCE- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, USA

• PREVALENCE, CONSEQUENCES, AND PREVENTION OF RELATIVE ENERGY DEFICIENCY IN SPORT IN FINNISH ELITE MALE ATHLETES (NO-REDS-STUDY)- Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport KIHU, Finland

ABSTRACT

This project evaluated the effectiveness of two alternative approaches to improving shooting performance in biathletes. The first is based on motor competence and focuses on body balance. The second approach focuses on psychological competence and is based on the concept of mindfulness. Recent findings indicate that aspects of mindfulness are positively linked to better shooting performance at competitions, which is associated with higher levels of awareness and refocus.

In total 26 youth biathletes took part in this study and completed different measurements encompassing functional balance, shooting characteristics (rest and fatigued), and psychological questionnaires. The experimental group (16 athletes) was divided into a balance (n=8) and mindfulness group (n=8), the remaining 10 athletes functioned as a control group.

The most important finding of the research and its potential value is the confirmation of the hypothesis that body balance and the level of mindfulness can significantly contribute to shooting accuracy. Future studies should use the employed methodology in more advanced athletes and a larger population to confirm our results.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a commercial wearable wireless GNSS-IMU system (Archinisis), which automatically calculates temporal shooting range work characteristics can be a valid substitute for manual time measurements.

A total of twelve biathletes volunteered for the study and performed a typical biathlon range work training session. Each biathlete skied twelve laps around the shooting range and performed six times a 5-shot set of biathlon shooting from the prone and the standing postures. The data of the wearable GNSS-IMU System was compared with synced camera footage to evaluate the accuracy of the range work characteristics derived from the sensor.

The main finding was that the wearable system could detect approaching time, preparing time, shot intervals, total shooting time, mat off time, leaving time, range time, and mat time with reasonable accuracy as compared to the corresponding video-derived time instants. The system can be used to collect temporal biathlon range work characteristics for coaching and research purposes with reasonable accuracy.

ABSTRACT

While the importance of proficient standing shooting is well documented for overall biathlon race success, much less is known regarding physical qualities which may be prerequisites for standing shooting. This study examines the hypothesis that core stability may be one important parameter.

Twenty-two biathletes varying in age and experience level completed a biathlon-specific core stability assessment and a common clinical movement screen for dynamic stability, the Y-Balance Test (YBT). They then performed dryfire shooting sessions while postural and rifle stability was assessed using IMU units attached to the pelvis and rifle.

These results have implications for developing physical training programs for biathletes as well as providing insight for future studies into the important role of core musculature for both biathlon skiing and shooting performance.

ABSTRACT

The first aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of low energy availability (LEA), as well as the underlying risk factors and symptoms of Relative energy deficiency syndrom (RED-S) in Finnish male athletes.

50 highly trained male athletes participated in laboratory measurements (body composition and bone mineral density with dual X-ray absorptiometry, blood hormone concentrations, resting metabolic rate, and a modified version of the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire (LEAM-Q) were completed. For endurance athletes (n=41) maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max) was tested using an incremental treadmill test. In addition, athletes were asked to complete a 4-day food and training log at the beginning of their general preparation period.

This study highlights the importance of regular screening for male elite athletes, to ensure the detection of RED-S. Although the compliance to food diaries was poor, the estimation of the carbohydrate intake should be highlighted in addition to laboratory measurements.