Cansu Keskin1,2, Ayşe Nur Tunalı Van Den Berg3
1Istanbul Medipol University Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Türkiye
2Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Akyazı Vocational School of Health Services, Sakarya, Türkiye
3Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Istanbul, Türkiye
Effects of Breathing and Imagery Exercises on Postural Sway and Shooting Performance in Olympic Archers: A Pilot Study
Sport Mont 2025, 23(3), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.251011
Abstract
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.
Keywords
archery, breathing exercises, mental imagery, postural balance, cognition
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