Clinical Sports Medicine International
 
 
 The Journal Of All Movement Related Medical Topics In Health & Disease
  
     
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CSMI 2013

Electromyographic activity of the M. biceps brachii in various shooting positions in the standing position in biathlon shooting.

Siebert D1, Sklortz E2, Espig N1

Institute of Movement and Training Science in Sports II, Department: Winter Sports/Faculty of Sport Science, University of Leipzig1, (1Head: Jun.-Prof. Dirk Siebert, Ph.D., 2Federal Police Sports School Bad Endorf)

Summary

Siebert D, Sklortz E, Espig N. Electromyographic activity of the M. biceps brachii in various shooting positions in the standing position in biathlon shooting. Clinical Sports Medicine International (CSMI) 2013, 6(1): 8-13.

Objective: The importance of shooting performance in biathlon is continuously increasing. A strong performance in precision tasks is necessary for high shooting results. Therefore the shooting position has to ensure a stable foundation of athlete and rifle. It remains unanswered how different shooting positions affect the muscular activity of musculature responsible for fixation of the weapon during shooting. The aim of this study was to make a contribution in forming a valid tension profile of musculature involved in standing shooting position in biathlon.

Materials and methods: The research of the present study was carried out on seven athletes of the German Junior-National Team. Every subject had to complete three shooting series in a 15 s interval in standing position with three different positions of the butt plate. During the shooting series the angle of the shoulder axis, as well as the electromyographic activity of the M. biceps brachii were quantified.

Results:

  • Muscular activity is significantly dependent on shooting position.
  • Variations of the butt plate configuration lead to a significant change in the angle of the shoulder axis.
  • In relation to the original shooting position, muscular activity in shooting with the largest angle of the shoulder axis increased by 85 %.
  • The research results show the lowest activity level of the M. biceps brachii for the original shooting position.
Conclusion: The study could clearly demonstrate the influence of various shooting positions on the muscular activity and, therewith, the importance of a tension-free and stable shooting position could be emphasized.

Keywords: biathlon, shooting, EMG, goniometry
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