Abstract
Carrying a biathlon rifle increases physiological demands and alters skiing mechanics. How rifle position and harness tightness influence these responses remains unclear. This study examined the physiological, biomechanical, and perceptual effects of manipulating rifle position and harness tightness in elite biathletes. Sixteen biathletes skied with their rifle in five configurations: habitual baseline (HAB), high/tight (HT), high/loose (HL), low/tight (LT), and low/loose (LL). Respiratory and heart rate variables, 3D kinematics, plantar forces, and athlete perceptions of comfort and efficiency were measured. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and Statistical Parametric Mapping. The HT configuration decreased oxygen consumption by 5.2% (p = .002) and improved apparent gross efficiency by 6.1% (p = .003) compared to HAB. HT was also associated with longer cycle times and lengths and lower cycle rate (all p < .001) compared to the low conditions. Peak plantar forces were greater in HT compared with HAB (p = .013). SPM temporal analyses revealed condition-specific differences in pole angles, plantar forces, sagittal plane shoulder and elbow motion, and frontal plane hip motion (all p < .05) during distinct phases of the ski cycle. Perceived comfort varied widely, with no condition being consistently preferred (p > .096). Changing rifle position and harness tightness alters physiological demand and selected biomechanical characteristics during biathlon skiing. However, perceived subjective comfort did not align with objective measures, underscoring the need for individualized, evidence-based rifle carriage strategies in biathlon.
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