Validity and reliability of an opto-electric training system in elite and national level ISSF air rifle shooters

Abstract

The validity of a commonly used optoelectronic training system was examined by identifying the variables that predicted shot score, investigating their ability to discriminate standard, and assessing the predictive variables’ test–retest error. A repeated-measures approach assessed test–retest error, a cross-sectional approach compared standards of shooters and an observational approach examined predictors of shot score. 21 elite and 8 national-standard athletes participated. Multiple linear regression, independent t tests, typical error and coefficient of variation assessed predictors of shot score, discrimination between standards and test–retest error respectively. Stability of aiming predicted 84.2% of the variance in shot score. Six Scatt Expert variables, 10a0, 10a5, 10.0, 10.5, Speed in the last 250 mm, and stability of aiming, discriminated standard (P < 0.05). Test–retest error ranged from a coefficient of variance of 0.72% for 10a0 to 30.69% for Accuracy of Aiming. Stability of aiming had a typical error of 0.55 mm and a coefficient of variance of 13.93%. Results suggest that this optoelectronic training system possesses construct validity if stability of aiming is used as the outcome measure.