Citation

Laaksonen MS, Finkenzeller T, Holmberg HC, Sattlecker G. J. Sport Health Sci. 2018; 7(4): 394-404.

Affiliation

Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg 5020, Austria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Shanghai University of Sport, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.003

PMID

30450247

PMCID

PMC6234024

Abstract

The biathlon, an Olympic sporting discipline that combines cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship, entails considerable physiological demands, as well as fine motor control while shooting after intense exercise and under mental pressure. Although much of our knowledge about cross-country skiing is probably also applicable to the biathlon, carrying the rifle and shooting under stress make this discipline somewhat unique. The present review summarizes and examines the scientific literature related to biathlon performance, with a focus on physiological and biomechanical factors and shooting technique, as well as psychophysiological aspects of shooting performance. We conclude with suggestions for future research designed to extend our knowledge about the biathlon, which is presently quite limited.

Language: en

Keywords

Cortical activity; Gaze behavior; Postural balance; Skiing; Triggering