Air Pistol Shooters Research Articles

Technical determinants of air rifle and pistol shooting performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The study aimed to investigate the influence of key technical determinants on shooting performance in both air rifle and pistol shooting disciplines. Following a systematic search across four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library), a total of 22 articles were included. The findings indicate that there was a significant correlation between the stability of hold component, as measured by DEV_X ( r = −0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.69 to −0.49; p < 0.001) and HITf ( r = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.79; p < 0.001) and shooting performance in both shooting disciplines. In addition, HITr, another stability component, revealed a significant positive correlation for shooting performance ( r = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.77; p < 0.001) in air pistol shooting. Furthermore, in both disciplines, there was a significant positive correlation between shooting performance and measures of aiming accuracy such as COGhit ( r = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.75; p < 0.001), Targetf ( r = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.63 to 0.84; p < 0.001), and Targetr ( r = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.78; p < 0.001). In both disciplines, there was a strong negative correlation between the cleanliness of triggering and shooting performance ( r = −0.63; 95% CI = −0.75 to −0.48; p < 0.001). Time on target measure significantly correlated with shooting performance ( r = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.68; p < 0.001) across both disciplines. The relationship between postural balance and shooting performance in air rifle shooting was negative, indicating that better postural balance is associated with improved shooting ( r = −0.53; 95% CI = −0.69 to −0.33; p < 0.001). This review emphasizes the significance of various technical components in both air rifle and pistol disciplines.

The Effects of Hand Tremors on the Shooting Performance of Air Pistol Shooters with Different Skill Levels.

Physiologic hand tremors are a critical factor affecting the aim of air pistol shooters. However, the extent of the effect of hand tremors on shooting performance is unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between hand tremors and shooting performance scores as well as investigate potential links between muscle activation and hand tremors. In this study, 17 male air pistol shooters from China's national team and the Air Pistol Sports Center were divided into two groups: the elite group and the sub-elite group. Each participant completed 40 shots during the experiment, with shooters' hand tremors recorded using three-axis digital accelerometers affixed to their right hands. Muscle activation was recorded using surface electromyography on the right anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii (short head), triceps brachii (long head), flexor carpi radialis, and extensor carpi radialis. Our analysis revealed weak correlations between shooting scores and hand tremor amplitude in multiple directions (middle-lateral, ML: r2 = -0.22, p < 0.001; vertical, VT: r2 = -0.25, p < 0.001), as well as between shooting scores and hand tremor complexity (ML: r2 = -0.26, p < 0.001; VT: r2 = -0.28, p < 0.001), across all participants. Notably, weak correlations between shooting scores and hand tremor amplitude (ML: r2 = -0.27, p < 0.001; VT: r2 = -0.33, p < 0.001) and complexity (ML: r2 = -0.31, p < 0.001) were observed in the elite group but not in the sub-elite group. Moderate correlation were found between the biceps brachii (short head) RMS and hand tremor amplitude in the VT and ML directions (ML: r2 = 0.49, p = 0.010; VT: r2 = 0.44, p = 0.025) in all shooters, with a moderate correlation in the ML direction in elite shooters (ML: r2 = 0.49, p = 0.034). Our results suggest that hand tremors in air pistol shooters are associated with the skill of the shooters, and muscle activation of the biceps brachii (long head) might be a factor affecting hand tremors. By balancing the agonist and antagonist muscles of the shoulder joint, shooters might potentially reduce hand tremors and improve their shooting scores.

Havalı tabanca atıcılarında beceri düzeyi plantar basınç dağılımını etkiler mi?

In order to achieve optimal shooting performance, athletes need to make postural stability adjustments at an optimal level. The aim of this study was to investigate plantar pressure distributions of shooters during shooting performance. Twelve air pistol shooters (Elite, n=6; Novice, n=6) volunteered to participate in the study. Plantar pressure assessments [total foot, forefoot, midfoot, and hind foot maximal force (MF)(N), peak pressure (PP)(kPa), and mean pressure (MP)(kPa) during 10 shots were examined using the PEDAR® insole system. It was found that right total foot MF, MP and hind foot PP values of the novice group were higher than elite group. In left foot, elite group’s left total foot, forefoot and hind foot PP; left forefoot MF and MP values were higher than novice group’s (p

Evaluation of physiological parameters and gaze behaviour of air pistol shooters related to performance outcomes

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological parameters and quiet eye (QE) of air pistol shooters in relation to performance outcomes. QE duration, skin conductance (SC), and heart rate (HR) were recorded for 20 shooters (10 novices and 10 intermediates) during shooting. All variables were examined according to the score and total shots. Physiological parameters were evaluated according to the shooting phases. Intermediate shooters exhibited significantly longer QE duration than novices (p < .001). There were no significant differences in QE duration and normalised SC according to the score and normalised SC between groups (p > .05). In SC, an increase in the preparation and resting phase and a decrease in the aiming phase were observed in both groups (p < .001). Intermediate shooters had lower HR than novices in all phases (p < .001). Additionally, more HR changes were detected in the intermediate shooters than in novices. HR of 10-score shots was lower than other shots (p < .05). Intermediate shooters exhibited longer QE duration than novices and they can decelerate their HR before shots. Coaches are recommended to incorporate exercises into training programmes that will enhance the visual focusing skills and reduce heart rate for novice shooters.

Scapular muscle endurance may improve shooting performance in air pistol shooters.

In air pistol shooters, the number of studies evaluating the physical characteristics is very few. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of core, scapula, and shoulder girdle muscles endurance on performance in air pistol shooters and to determine the importance of the endurance parameters. Twenty-eight male air pistol shooters were included. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, Upper Quarter Y Balance Test, Prone Bridge Test, Side Bridge Endurance Test, and The Scapular Muscle Endurance Test were used to evaluate the endurance of shoulder girdle, core, and scapular muscles. The relationships between endurance and shooting performance parameters were investigated. A positive moderate correlation was found between the scapular muscle endurance test and the shooting performance (P=0.002 r=0.638). A significant regression equation was found for shooting scores (F<inf>(1.26)</inf>=11.975, P=0.02, R2=0.315). It was observed that the shooting score increased by 0.375 points for each unit increase of the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test. No statistically significant relationship was observed in other parameters (P>0.05). In this study, core and shoulder girdle muscle endurances were not associated with shooting performance. Scapular muscle endurance may contribute positively to shooting performance. An exercise program to increase scapular muscles endurance can be beneficial for the performance of shooters.

Is cognitive control of perception and action via attentional focus moderated by motor imagery?

Motor imagery (MI) has emerged as an individual factor that may modulate the effects of attentional focus on motor skill performance. In this study, we investigated whether global MI, as well as its components (i.e., kinesthetic MI, internal visual MI, and external visual MI) moderate the effect of attentional focus on performance in a group of ninety-two young adult novice air-pistol shooters (age: M = 21.87, SD = 2.54). After completing the movement imagery questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3), participants were asked to complete a pistol shooting experiment in three different attentional focus conditions: (1) No focus instruction condition (control condition with no verbal instruction) (2) an internal focus instruction condition, and (3) an external focus condition. Shot accuracy, performance time, and aiming trace speed (i.e., stability of hold or weapon stability) were measured as the performance variables. Results revealed that shot accuracy was significantly poorer during internal relative to control focus condition. In addition, performance time was significantly higher during external relative to both control and internal condition. However, neither global MI, nor its subscales, moderated the effects of attentional focus on performance. This study supports the importance of attentional focus for perceptual and motor performance, yet global MI and its modalities/perspectives did not moderate pistol shooting performance. This study suggests that perception and action are cognitively controlled by attentional mechanisms, but not motor imagery. Future research with complementary assessment modalities is warranted to extend the present findings.

A Comparative Study of the Fatigue of the Lower Extremities According to the Type of Shoes Worn When Firing a 10 m Air Pistol.

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in shooting performance, physical stability, and lower extremity muscle fatigue in high-level shooters wearing shooting shoes and sports shoes, and to determine the causes. Eight high-level 10 m air pistol shooters wore shooting shoes and sports shoes in a simulated shooting qualification experiment (60 rounds in 75 min) and we recorded shooting scores, pressure centers (COP), and median frequency of muscle fatigue index (MDF). All the data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and are compared using a paired t-test. Athletes in shooting shoes scored higher than those in sports shoes (p < 0.05); COP moved less in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes; and fewer muscles experienced fatigue, with fatigue also occurring later, for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes. Shooting shoes may reduce the sway of athletes’ center of pressure in the anterior−posterior and left−right directions, enhance postural stability, and result in higher shooting scores. In addition, they may make shooters feel more comfortable and relaxed during long training sessions and competitions.

Optoelectronic analysis of technical factors and performance of elite-level air pistol shooting.

Technical elements are related to shooting performance; however, the importance of each factor regarding performance, especially in elite-level pistol shooters, remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the technical factors that influence pistol performance. One elite-level shooter was analysed during the season before the Olympic classification European championship through a total of six competitions (n = 360 shots). Aiming point trajectories were measured with the SCATT optoelectronic system. Variables were classified into six categories: performance; aiming time; stability of hold; aiming accuracy; cleanness of triggering and shooting delta. Principal component analysis, multiple regressions, Pearson correlations and ANOVAs were used to analyse the data. The results showed that five components (aiming time, stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and shooting delta) determined a total of 79.68% of the shooting variance. Specifically, aiming accuracy and cleanness of triggering explained up to 25% of the shooting score, with cleanness of triggering serving as the determining factor. Correlations were found among the performance and stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and shooting delta. Last, significant differences were found among 8-score, 9-score and 10-score shots. We conclude that while aiming accuracy seems to be related to the performance, cleanness of triggering could be the most critical technical element; furthermore, while stability of hold does not seem to be a determining factor of the score, it could be a general prerequisite to achieve high levels of performance in elite-level air pistol shooters.

Anthropometric, Physiological, and Psychological Variables That Determine the Elite Pistol Performance of Women.

Shooting is a high-precision sport that depends on many factors to achieve high performance levels. The main objective of this study was to analyze the differences in anthropometric, physiological, and psychological variables by sport level in women air-pistol shooters. Fifteen female pistol shooters, including seven elite national shooters of Iran and eight non-elite shooters, participated in this study. Analyzed variables were grouped into three sections: anthropometric, physiological, and psychological. Anthropometric variables included: height, weight, body mass index, length of leg, arm span, and proportions between variables. Physiological tests include resting heart rate, static and dynamic balance, flexibility, and upper body strength. Additionally, psychological questionnaires of SMS-6 sport motivation, TSCI trait sport-confidence and SSCI state sport-confidence, ACSI-28 athletic coping skills, and SAS sport anxiety scale were used. The Shapiro–Wilks test and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Effect size and test reliability were calculated using Cohen’s d and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Our results showed that elite shooters have higher values of dynamic balance (Y-test), upper body strength (sit-ups), and intrinsic motivation, and lower resting heart rate than non-elite. However, no differences were found in the anthropometric variables, nor in anxiety or coping skills. We conclude that physiological and psychological workouts should be included in the shooters’ training programs to improve their performance.

The cognitive workload of air pistol shooters on the aiming task

Background: Pupil dilations of the eye are known to correspond to central cognitive processes. Pupil size variations have been used for many years as a window on the mind, and various pupillary features have been associated with a number of cognitive processes Aim: The aim of this study is to examine levels of cognitive workload that occur during the aiming task of air-pistol shooting athletes according to the change that takes place in the pupils. Methods: Eight right-handed skilled male shooters (4 elite and 4 novice) were recruited in this study. A total of 320 shots - 160 dry (unscored) shots and 160 live (scored) shots - were recorded with a mobile eye-tracking device. The obtained pupil data were subjected to biometric analysis. The athletes’ pupil sizes were determined with the independent samples t-test according to whether the shot made was scored or unscored and whether the athletes were elite or novice. The athletes’ pupil size values at the beginning and end of the shot were obtained using the paired samples t-test. Results: On completion of the shot, the sport shooters’ pupils dilated on average by 2.85 mm at a rate of 32.5% compared to the situation at shot onset. Moreover, novice shooters’ pupils dilated more when firing scored shots than when firing unscored shots. According to the research results, it can be said that sports shooters engage in intensive cognitive processes while aiming and trigger pulling immediately before firing the shot. Novice shooters engage in more intensive cognitive processes when firing scored shots than when firing unscored shots. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it can be said that in the sport of air pistol shooting, giving priority to dry (unscored) shooting training can contribute positively to the development of novice athletes’ aiming task skills and cognitive load capacity. Keywords: Cognitive workload, cognitive processes, eye tracking, air pistol, shooting

Air pistol shooting: upper limb muscle activation between training and simulated competition

ABSTRACT Heightened stress during air pistol competitions may impair shooters’ abilities to maintain gun stability, resulting in inferior performance. This study aimed to compare the pre-trigger muscle activation levels of upper muscles in 10-m air pistol shooters between training and simulated competition conditions. Seven sub-elite shooters from the Singapore National Youth Air Pistol Team shot 30 shots in a training versus simulated competition condition in randomised orders on separate days. Muscle activation for the forearm and shoulder muscles, namely extensor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, anterior deltoid, and posterior deltoid, were recorded using electromyography (EMG). Shooting performance was evaluated by total shot scores. Stress level was monitored via heart rate and the Mental Readiness Form-3. No statistically significant differences were found in EMG, performance, or stress-related variables between conditions, although moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed in some muscle activation and self-reported stress indicators. Analysis of individual performances using smallest worthwhile change showed that two participants improved under the simulated competition condition, while two declined, and three remained unaffected. In conclusion, sub-elite youth air pistol shooters were able to exhibit good neuromuscular control under high anxiety situations and thus their performance was largely unaffected.

The Quiet Eye durations of air pistol shooting athletes

Background: The Focusing the attention during the preparation period undergone immediately before carrying out a motor performance is vitally important for success. Visual ability, Quiet Eye and focusing the attention on the appropriate area play a critical role in achieving successful performance in branches of sport. Quiet eye (QE) is defined as the final fixation of the pupil on a location or object for a specific motor task. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the durations of effective and final focusing (quiet eye) carried out during the process of taking aim at the target by air pistol shooting athletes with their eyes immediately before taking a shot. Methods: A total of 8 right-handed male licensed pistol shooting athletes (4 novice and 4 elite) participated in the research. A total of 320 shots -160 dry (unscored) and 160 live (scored) shots were taken by the novice and elite athletes. For the purpose of recording pupil movements and quiet eye durations during the shots taken by the athletes, an eye-tracking device attached to the head was used. The recorded data were examined with iMotions computer software, which can perform biometric analysis. The athletes’ quiet eye durations occurring when taking aim at the target were examined according to athletes’ characteristics (novice and elite) and the type of shot carried out (scored and unscored) by means of the independent samples t-test. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the athletes had 25.3% longer quiet eye durations when firing scored shots than when firing unscored shots (p = .000). Especially, novice athletes exhibited 37.8% longer periods of focusing behaviour when firing scored shots than when firing unscored shots (p = .000). Elite athletes displayed 21.26% longer periods of focusing behaviour when firing unscored shots compared with novice athletes (p = .005). Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it can be said that in the sport of air pistol shooting, giving priority to dry shooting training and conducting special exercises for developing quiet eye (QE) duration can contribute positively to the development of novice athletes’ shooting skills. Keywords: Quiet eye, eye tracking, air pistol, shooting, motor skill, cognitive processes

Key technical components for air pistol shooting performance

ABSTRACT Air pistol shooting is a complex sport discipline with high demands on fine motor control and postural stability. Earlier studies have reported questionable results regarding the most important technical components for air pistol shooting. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to investigate the key technical components for air pistol shooting and also to investigate how well the key technical components explain the performance in air pistol shooting. Eighteen national-level air pistol shooters completed a simulated qualifying round consisting of 60 shots. During each shot, shooting score and 17 aiming point trajectory variables were measured with an optoelectronic training device. Principal component analysis revealed five key technical components: aiming time, stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and timing of triggering. Four of the five components (not aiming time) correlated significantly (r = .48 – .74; p < 0.05) with shooting score. Two stepwise multiple regression analyses identified aiming accuracy followed by timing of triggering and stability of hold as the most important components, accounting for 75–78% of the variance in shooting score. Accordingly, these components should be in focus by coaches and athletes when conducting tests and training.

A preliminary study of stability in elite and novice 10 meter air pistol shooters

Numerous processes are involved in 10 meter air pistol performance such as physiological (Tremayne and Barry 2001), sensorimotor (Cheng et al. 2017), or psychological (Baeck et al. 2012). From a bi...

A Comparison Study on the Electrical Activity of Arm Abduction Muscles During Shoulder Abduction and Scaption Between Shooting Disciplines

Objective: Considering the positions that the shooter chooses during shooting in different disciplines, it seems that the activity of deltoid and supraspinatus muscles which are common muscles during movement, varies in different disciplines. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the electrical activity of deltoid and supraspinatus muscles between three shooting disciplines. Methods: 24 shooters (8 archers, 8 air pistol shooters, and 8 air rifle shooters) participated in the study. They performed shoulder abduction and scaption at 60 and 90 degrees. The electrical activity of deltoid and supraspinatus muscles was then recorded using surface electromyography. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey’s test at the significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results: The activity of anterior deltoid muscle at 60 and 90 degrees of abduction and the activity of middle deltoid and supraspinatus muscles only at 90 degree of abduction was significantly higher in the archery group than in the air pistol group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The higher electrical activity of deltoid and supraspinatus muscles in archery sport may be related to the tensile force of the bow and the greater arm angle at the shoulder joint during this type of shooting compared to air pistol and air rifle shooting.

The Relationship Between Pistol Olympic Shooting Performance, Handgrip and Shoulder Abduction Strength

The ability to stabilize the gun, a crucial factor for performance in air pistol Olympic shooting, is thought to be strongly related to the muscular work of the shooter´s shoulder and forearm. The objective of the present study was to confirm this relationship by analysing the influence of maximal finger flexor forces and maximal isometric shoulder force on performance in female air pistol shooting. Twenty‐three female pistol shooters participated in the study. Handgrip and shoulder force data were recorded under competition conditions, during the official training time of national Spanish championships on the day previous to the competition and at the official training stands. Performance was measured as the total score of 40 shots at competition. Linear regressions between performance and age, weight, height, training experience, body mass index (BMI), mean and maximal finger flexor and shoulder forces were calculated. Significant correlations were found between performance and a) training hours b) peak finger flexor force relative to the BMI, and c) peak isometric force of the shoulder abduction relative to the BMI. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant correlation between performance and muscular forces exerted by the athletes relative to their BMI. Appropriate muscular strength training programs are therefore necessary in female air pistol Olympic shooting.

An Examination of Ironic Effects in Air-Pistol Shooting under Pressure.

This study aimed to test the incidence of ironic performance errors in elite air-pistol shooters. Previous research has revealed that, when shooters are anxious, avoidant instructions can cause ironic performance breakdown, especially in the unintended direction. Fifty-seven experienced air-pistol shooters were given specific instructions not to shoot to a certain part of a target, under low- and high-anxiety conditions, respectively. Results demonstrated that, when instructed not to shoot in a specific direction, anxious shooters did so a significant number of times. Interestingly, there was no difference in non-target non-ironic error, which provides specific support for Wegner’s theory of ironic processes of mental control in air-pistol shooting. Consequently, these findings illustrated that the combination of increased anxiety with avoidant instructions could lead to such unintended performance errors, called ironic error. Thus, understanding the mechanism of the anxiety-performance relationship may be a useful theoretical framework which could provide practical, instruction-based interventions to reduce susceptibility to ironic errors under pressure.

Effect of Competitive Anxiety on Heart Rate and Shooting Efficiency of Female Air Pistol Shooters (10 Mts)

Effect of Competitive Anxiety on Heart Rate and Shooting Efficiency of Female Air Pistol Shooters (10 Mts)

Higher power of sensorimotor rhythm is associated with better performance in skilled air-pistol shooters

ObjectivesPsychomotor efficiency has been linked with processing efficiency during sport performance. Reduced cortical activity in the sensorimotor area has been related to less variability in the movement preparation that is conducive to skilled motor performance. This study proposes sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), 12–15 Hz of the electroencephalography (EEG) in the sensorimotor area, may be used to investigate psychomotor efficiency in sports performance. MethodTwenty-four skilled air pistol shooters were recruited to fire 40 shots while EEG and shooting accuracy were recorded. ResultsThe data show that improved performance of skilled shooters is associated with higher SMR power during the last second and lower coherence on high alpha power at Fz-T3 before action initiation. A negative relationship is also exhibited between the SMR power and the shooting performance during the aiming. ConclusionsThis finding suggests that reduced interference from sensorimotor processing, as reflected by elevated SMR power, may be related to improved processing efficiency during the aiming period. We conclude that SMR may be used to understand psychomotor efficiency underlying air-pistol shooting performance.

The Kinematic Factors of Physical Motions During Air Pistol Shooting

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic factors of motion during air pistolshooting.Method: This study aimed to investigate changes in forces during movement and determine the factorsthat affect changes in force during the first, middle, and last periods of shooting an air pistol. Two groundreaction force systems (force platform), SCATT (a shooting training system), and EMG (electromyogram)to measure the action potentials in the muscles of the upper body were used in this study. Four universityair pistol players (age: 19.75 years, height: 175.50 cm, body mass: 69.55±11.50 kg, career length: 6.25±6years) who are training to progress to a higher rank were enrolled.Results: In terms of the actual shooting results, the mean score in the middle section was 42.48±1.74points, higher than those in the first and the last periods when using SCATT. The gunpoint moved 13.48mm more vertically than horizontally in the target trajectory. With respect to action potentials of musclesmeasured using EMG, the highest action potentials during the aiming-shooting segments, in order higherto lower, were seen in the trapezius (intermediate region), trapezius (superior region), deltoid (lateral), andtriceps brachii (long head). The action potentials of biceps brachii and brachioradialis turned out to be highduring grasping motion, which is a preparatory stage. During the final segment, muscle fatigue appearedin the deltoid (lateral), biceps brachii (long head), brachioradialis, and trapezius (intermediate region). Interms of the ground reaction force, during the first period of shooting, there was a major change in theoverall direction (left-right Fx, forward-backward Fy, vertical Fz) of the center of the mass.Conclusion: The development and application of a training program focusing on muscle groups withhigher muscle fatigue is required for players to progress to a higher rank. Furthermore, players can improvetheir records in the first period if they take part in a game after warming up sufficiently before shooting inorder to heighten muscle action potentials, and are expected to maintain a consistent shooting motioncontinuously by restoring psychological stability.