Effect of Pilates Exercise Combined with Balance Training on Lumbopelvic Stability and Shooting Accuracy in National Level Archers

Objective.Lumbopelvic stability and shooting accuracy are some of the key determinants in the performance of archers.This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pilates exercise intervention combined with balance training on lumbopelvic stability and shooting accuracy in national level archers.Methods.A randomized control trial with pre-test and post-test control group design was conducted with thirty male professional archers between the ages of 18-30 years.The participants were randomly allocated into three groups (ten in each group: PB = Balance and Pilates exercises; B = Balance Exercises; C = No exercises).The lumbopelvic stability was determined using the Knee Lift Abdominal Test (KLAT) and Bent Knee Fall-Out Test (BKFOT) for both legs by using a pressure biofeedback unit.Shooting accuracy was measured by taking the score of two ends with 12 arrows.Baseline measurements were taken before given intervention.The training program was given for 20 minutes a day and three times per week for six weeks.Results.One-way ANOVA showed significant difference in shooting accuracy (F = 5.11, ηp 2 = 0.159, p = 0.03), KLAT (Right) (F = 8.51, ηp 2 = 0.240, p = 0.00), KLAT (Left) (F = 6.62, ηp 2 = 0.187, p = 0.01) and BKFOT (Left) (F = 6.31, ηp 2 = 0.195, p = 0.01).Whereas no significant difference is shown in BKFOT (Right) (F = 0.99, ηp 2 = 0.035, p = 0.33) among B, PB, and Control group for baseline measurement and after intervention.Conclusions.Although balance training showed improvements in the post-test values, the most significant improvements were recorded in the Pilates plus balance training group.This information can be used to plan the training protocols for archers.