Effects of Breathing and Imagery Exercises on Postural Sway and Shooting Performance in Olympic Archers: A Pilot Study
SPORT MONT, cilt.23, sa.3, ss.75-80, 2025 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.26773/smj.251011
- Dergi Adı: SPORT MONT
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: SportDiscus, Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.75-80
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Archery requires the integration of motor coordination, postural control, and mental focus. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of breathing and imagery exercises on motor and cognitive performance in beginner archers. The goal was to assess the feasibility of applying these techniques and to provide methodological groundwork for a future full-scale doctoral study. Twenty-one novice archers were randomly assigned to a Breathing Group (n=7), Imagery Group (n=7), and Control Group (n=7). Over 8 weeks, the intervention groups practiced structured breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama) or guided imagery exercises in addition to standard archery training. Pre- and post-tests measured target shooting performance, respiratory function (FEV1), postural sway, handgrip strength, reaction time, attention, and imagery ability. Statistical analysis included paired-samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons. Both intervention groups showed significant improvements in target shooting, reaction time, atten- tion, and handgrip strength (p<0.05). The Breathing Group demonstrated increases in FEV1 and postural sway perfor- mance. The Imagery Group showed superior mental imagery skills. Between-group comparisons revealed that both interventions were significantly more effective than the control condition in most parameters. Breathing and imagery exercises enhanced both cognitive and physical components of archery performance in beginners. The findings sup- port the integration of such techniques into holistic sports training programs. These interventions appear feasible and effective, offering accessible methods to improve focus, balance, and motor control in precision sports like archery.