BACKGROUND: The physical, physiological, and functional characteristics of archers affect target shooting performance. In our observational study, we aimed to examine the effect of pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength on sports performance in archers. METHODS: Our study included 46 (27 female, 19 male) professional archers registered in archery sports clubs in Istanbul. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics were recorded. Pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle strength, shooting performance test, Moberg-Pickup Collection Test, Nelson Hand Reaction Test, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were applied to all participants. RESULTS: The archery sports experience of the 46 athletes was determined to be 43.23±22.77 months. There was a moderate positive correlation between the archery shooting performance and FEV1 (L), FEV1 (%), FVC (L), FVC (%), MIP (cmH2O), and MEP (cmH2O) (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between the archery shooting performance and the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, Moberg-Pickup Collection Test, and FSS score (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was determined that pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength affected shooting performance in archers. Therefore, the respiratory muscle training included in the training programs of the archers can be supported to increase their shooting performance by improving their pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength.
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