Novice Archers Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Upper Extremity Performance Variables in Elite and Novice Recurve Archers: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Scapular stability, grip strength, and fine motor skills are found to be the important variables to achieve the highest performance in precision tasks. Archery being one of the precision games, understanding these variables in archers is crucial as they can influence shooting performance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the fine motor skill, hand grip strength and scapular stability in elite and novice recurve archers.50 Novice and 50 Elite recurve archers in the age group of 15-25 years were recruited. Scapular stability was assessed by Scapular dyskinesis test, hand grip strength by baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer for both upper limbs (bow arm and draw arm) & fine motor skill was assessed by Purdue pegboard. The results were analysed using SPSS software, version 16.00. Independent T-test and Mann Whitney U test were performed for between-group comparisons. Elite archers [draw arm (27.02±7.08), bow arm (26.16±7.31) CI- 95%] showed statistically significant greater hand grip strength [draw arm (p=0.039), bow arm (p=0.008)] than novice archers [draw arm (23.92 ±7.73), bow arm (22.04 ± 7.86) CI-95%]. In assembly tasks for fine motor skill, elite archers [(34.44 ±3.92) CI-95%] showed significantly better coordination (p=0.011) than novice archers [(31.78±6.14) CI-95%]. For scapular stability, elite archers showed significant scapular dyskinesia on the draw arm (p=0.005) and bow arm (p=0.012)] than novice archers. Elite recurve archers had significantly better hand grip strength and fine motor skill than novice recurve archers. However, 52% subtle and 18% obvious scapular dyskinesia was observed in elite archers than novice archers who showed 38% subtle and 8% obvious scapular dyskinesis. The results of the study indicate that elite archers had statistically significant hand grip strength for both arms, fine motor skills, and a greater presence of obvious and subtle scapular dyskinesis than novice archers.

Muscle coordination during archery shooting: A comparison of archers with different skill levels

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the muscle coordination of different skill level archers by using the concept of muscle synergies. A total of 28 archers (8 elite, 12 mid-level, and 8 novices) were recruited to participate in this study. Electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded using a 13-channel (Trigno EMG sensor, Delsys Inc., USA) wireless surface EMG system. Fundamental synergies containing time-dependent activation coefficients (motor primitives) and time-invariant muscle weightings (motor modules) were extracted using non-negative matrix factorisation. We observed three fundamental synergies in all groups during archery shooting. The results showed that the centre of activity of the motor primitive of synergy-3 occurred earlier in novice archers than in elite and mid-level archers, which was followed by an increase in the averaged frequency of overlaps. The results also showed a slight difference in the relative muscle contribution of the motor module of synergy-2 and -3 within different groups. These findings revealed that the number of muscle synergies did not depend on the proficiency level; however, more expert archers improved timing management better than less experienced ones. Therefore, we suggest that coaches and athletes focus on optimising the temporal coordination of the follow-through phase.

Autonomic Cardiac Activity Among Novice Archers During Baseline, Shooting, and Recovery.

Tok, S, Dal, N, Zekioğlu, A, Çatıkkaş, F, Balıkçı, İ, and Doğan, E. Autonomic cardiac activity among novice archers during baseline, shooting and recovery. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2627-2635, 2020-In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether heart rate variability (HRV) of novice archers may vary during baseline, shooting, and recovery periods. In addition, we aimed to explore whether HRV may have different patterns between successful and less successful archers and man and woman archers. The sample consisted of 39 (12 woman) novice archers ranging in age from 21 to 27. Baseline HRV activity was measured in the first stage of the experiment. Then, participants shot 10 arrows, from 18 m to an 80 cm diameter target, whereas their HRV was measured. Lastly, HRV recovery response was measured immediately after shooting. HRV was represented as low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio. When considering the entire sample, repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that only HF power differed among baseline, shooting, and recovery periods [F(2, 76) = 6.90, p = 0.002, ω = 0.15]. When the data partitioned, based on the median split of the shooting scores, repeated measures of ANOVA demonstrated that none of the HRV components differed in the less successful group from baseline to recovery. However, in the successful group, both LF [F(1.47, 30.98) = 4.75, p = 0.024, ω = 0.18] and HF [F(1.54, 32.37) = 6.61, p = 0.007, ω = 0.24] power significantly differed among baseline, shooting, and recovery. No differences were found between man and woman archers in terms of HRV indices. The results of the present study indicated that physical activities requiring the use of perceptual motor skills, in addition to physical qualities, may lead to different HRV responses. Moreover, coaches aiming to develop archers' shooting accuracy may take into account LF power measured during an arrow shooting session.

Heart Rate Values During Shooting is a Field-Side Performance Analysis Tool in Archery-A study of Elite Indian Archers

BackgroundHeart rate value during different phases of archery shooting has been correlated with performance scores.ObjectivesThis study was done to ascertain this and with an aim of real-time objective field assessment of training and performance among Elite Indian archers.MethodsThe study was conducted in Indoor archery hall as per World Archery Association rules with Cross-sectional study design. Seven volunteered male elite archers (mean age: 23.9 ± 3.00 years, mean experience: 8.5 ± 2.35 years) shot 30 arrows each (n = 210) with simultaneous recording of heart rate, score and shooting action. Release frames were identified by slow motion analysis. Heart rate values during release (0 s), every second for 5 seconds before and after the release of arrow were noted and analyzed. One-way ANOVA test was employed. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsOne-way ANOVA of heart rate values at all 11 time-points between the three scores 8, 9 and 10 showed significant differences from -5 s to -1 s with heart rate values at score 8 being significantly higher (P < 0.05). Heart rate decreased significantly from -5 s to +1 s and increased further.ConclusionsHeart rate deceleration was found in aiming and release phases of shooting. The elicited change in trend of the heart rate values can be used as a field-tool for training archers. Future studies on novice archers would help us understand the change in trend with training and experience in the sports.

Heart Rate Values During Shooting is a Field-Side Performance Analysis Tool in Archery-A study of Elite Indian Archers

Background: Heart rate value during different phases of archery shooting has been correlated with performance scores. Objectives: This study was done to ascertain this and with an aim of real-time objective field assessment of training and performance among Elite Indian archers. Methods: The study was conducted in Indoor archery hall as per World Archery Association rules with Cross-sectional study design. Seven volunteered male elite archers (mean age: 23.9 ± 3.00 years, mean experience: 8.5 ± 2.35 years) shot 30 arrows each (n = 210) with simultaneous recording of heart rate, score and shooting action. Release frames were identified by slow motion analysis. Heart rate values during release (0 s), every second for 5 seconds before and after the release of arrow were noted and analyzed. One-way ANOVA test was employed. Level of significance was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: One-way ANOVA of heart rate values at all 11 time-points between the three scores 8, 9 and 10 showed significant differences from -5 s to -1 s with heart rate values at score 8 being significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05). Heart rate decreased significantly from -5 s to +1 s and increased further. Conclusions: Heart rate deceleration was found in aiming and release phases of shooting. The elicited change in trend of the heart rate values can be used as a field-tool for training archers. Future studies on novice archers would help us understand the change in trend with training and experience in the sports.

THE EFFECTS OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCULAR RELAXATION ON NOVICE ARCHERS’ STATE ANXIETY, HEART RATE AND PERFORMANCE SCORES

Background: Studies have indicated that relaxation techniques are beneficial for athletes by enhancing their concentration, self-confidence, and reducing the levels of anxiety, stress, blood pressure and muscles stiffness. Progressive muscular relaxation (PMR) focuses on tightening and relaxing specific muscle groups of the body to achieve a state of relaxation which is a useful tool for competitive sport. Materials and Methods: PMR was applied to novice archers to examine its effect on state anxiety, heart rate and shooting performance. A total of 11 male and 17 female participants were recruited for this study. They were randomly assigned using gender matched into two research conditions, PMR ( n = 14) and control ( n = 14) groups. A pre- and post-tests archery shooting performance was conducted before and after the three weeks of intervention period, which consisted of nine sessions of PMR. Participant’s psychological aspects were measured using the Revised competitive state anxiety inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) questionnaires, while the physiological aspect was measured using a digital pulse oximeter to monitor heart rate. Archery shooting score were measured using ten metre distance. Repeated measure of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the results. Result: There were significant changes in time effect for cognitive anxiety ( p = 0.037) and archery performance ( p = 0.019) but no significant difference between group ( p = 0.458) and interaction effects ( p = 0.110). There were also no significant results for time, group and interaction effects for somatic anxiety, self-confidence and arousal state Conclusion: PMR training showed no significant effect on anxiety, heart rate and archery performance on novice archers. Future studies may compare the effects of PMR on trained athletes. Keywords: Progressive muscle relaxation, novice, archers, shooting, performance

The Influence of Trait Emotional Intelligence on Archers' Autonomic Cardiac Recovery Responses Immediately After a Shooting Session.

The present study aimed to investigate the association between trait emotional intelligence and heart rate variability (HRV) recovery responses of archers immediately after a shooting session. The sample included 87 novice archers ranging in age from 18 to 26. Participants first completed Schutte Emotional Intelligence Inventory. Then, they shot 10 arrows from 18 m to an 80-cm diameter target in four minutes. Afterward, participants’ HRV recovery responses were measured during a four-minute recovery period. In this study, HRV was represented in terms of low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio. Results indicated a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and HRV recovery responses. A regression model containing emotional intelligence sub-dimensions was able to explain a significant amount of variance in HRV frequency domain parameters. Besides, high emotional intelligence archers were found to have higher-level LF and HF power but a lower LF/HF ratio than their low emotional intelligence counterparts. Taken together, the results observed in the present study indicated that emotional intelligence might give rise to more adaptive HRV recovery responses following a demanding arrow shooting session.

Somatic Anxiety May Represent Archers' Actual Autonomic Nervous System Activity But How: Moderating Role of Personality Traits

Objective: In the present study we aimed to examine the relationship between competitive anxiety, autonomic nervous system activity represented by Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and respiration, and performance in novice archers. We also interested in whether neuroticism may be a factor with a potential to moderate the link among anxiety, autonomic activity and archers' performance. Methods: The sample included 39 novice archers ranging in age from 18 to 27. Participants first completed to anxiety and neuroticism measures. Then, participants' HRV and respiration activity was measured for 4 minutes. Afterwards, participants shot 10 arrows from 18 m to an 80 cm diameter target while their HRV and respiration was measured. Shooting accuracy was determined in terms of radial distance (error) from the center of the target. To determine an overall performance score, the median value of the 10 arrows was calculated for each participant. Spearman correlation analyses together with linear regression were used to analyze obtained data set. Results: Overall, results indicated an association between respiration and anxiety. Moreover, results provided preliminary evidence that neuroticism may be a factor having potential to moderate the relationship between anxiety and autonomic activity before and during an archery competition. Discussion: Results of the present study suggested that determination of archers' performance should be based upon both physiological and psychological factors.

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL VARIABLES AMONG ARCHERS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EXPERTISE

The present study investigates the various physiological and mechanical techniques employed by archers of varying skill levels. A total number of four archers two females (gold medalist and non-medalist) and two males (expert and novice) participated in the study in two separate experiments. A sum of four shimmer sensors were used to examine, compare and differentiate the postural balance, movement of the bow, muscular activations of the muscle flexor digitorum superficial and muscle extensor digitorum as well as the heart rate variability of the archers. The results revealed that elite and medalist archers are better in controlling their postural sway, reducing the extensors. Both medalist and movement of their bows, have greater activation of muscle elite archers maintained a lower heart rate, hence achieved consistency and maximum scores as opposed to the non-medalist and novice archers. Keywords: archery; muscle activations; heart rate; bow movement; postural sway

Exploring the quiet eye in archery using field- and laboratory-based tasks

The ‘quiet eye’ (QE)—a period of extended gaze fixation on a target—has been reported in many tasks that require accurate aiming. Longer quiet eye durations (QEDs) are reported in experts compared to non-experts and on successful versus less successful trials. The QE has been extensively studied in the field; however, the cognitive mechanisms underlying the QE are not yet fully understood. We investigated the QEDs of ten expert and ten novice archers in the field and in the laboratory using a computer-based archery task. The computer task consisted of shooting archery targets using a joystick. Random ‘noise’ (visual motion perturbation) was introduced at high and low levels to allow for the controlled examination of the effects of task complexity and processing demands. In this computer task, we also tested an additional group of ten non-archers as controls. In both field and computer tasks, eye movements were measured using electro-oculography. The expert archers exhibited longer QED compared to the novice archers in the field task. In the computer task, the archers again exhibited longer QEDs and were more accurate compared to non-archers. Furthermore, expert archers showed earlier QE onsets and longer QEDs during high noise conditions compared to the novices and non-archers. Our findings show skill-based effects on QED in field conditions and in a novel computer-based archery task, in which online (visual) perturbations modulated experts’ QEDs. These longer QEDs in experts may be used for more efficient programming in which accurate predictions are facilitated by attention control.

An fMRI study of differences in brain activity among elite, expert, and novice archers at the moment of optimal aiming.

We investigated brain activity in elite, expert, and novice archers during a simulated archery aiming task to determine whether neural correlates of performance differ by skill level. Success in shooting sports depends on complex mental routines just before the shot, when the brain prepares to execute the movement. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, 40 elite, expert, or novice archers aimed at a simulated 70-meter-distant target and pushed a button when they mentally released the bowstring. At the moment of optimal aiming, the elite and expert archers relied primarily on a dorsal pathway, with greatest activity in the occipital lobe, temporoparietal lobe, and dorsolateral pre-motor cortex. The elites showed activity in the supplementary motor area, temporoparietal area, and cerebellar dentate, while the experts showed activity only in the superior frontal area. The novices showed concurrent activity in not only the dorsolateral pre-motor cortex but also the ventral pathways linked to the ventrolateral pre-motor cortex. The novices exhibited broad activity in the superior frontal area, inferior frontal area, ventral prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex, superior parietal lobule, and primary somatosensory cortex. The more localized neural activity of elite and expert archers than novices permits greater efficiency in the complex processes subserved by these regions. The elite group's high activity in the cerebellar dentate indicates that the cerebellum is involved in automating simultaneous movements by integrating the sensorimotor memory enabled by greater expertise in self-paced aiming tasks. A companion article comments on and generalizes our findings.

Neural processes distinguishing elite from expert and novice athletes.

This commentary builds on a companion article in which Kim et al compare brain activation in elite, expert, and novice archers during a simulated target aiming task (Kim et al. 2014. Cogn Behav Neurol. 27:173-182). With the archery study as our starting point, we address 4 neural processes that may be responsible in general for elite athletes' superior performance over experts and novices: neural efficiency, cortical expansion, specialized processes, and internal models. In Kim et al's study, the elite archers' brains showed more activity in the supplementary motor area and the cerebellum than those of the novices and experts, and showed minimal widespread activity, especially in frontal areas involved with executive control. Kim et al's results are consistent with the idea of specialized neural processes that help coordinate motor planning and control. As athletes become more skilled, these processes may mediate the reduction in widespread activity in regions mapping executive control, and may produce a shift toward more automated processing. Kim et al's finding that activity in the cerebellum rose with increasing skill is consistent both with expansion of the finger representational area in the cerebellum and with internal models that simulate how archers manipulate the bow and arrow when aiming. Kim et al prepare the way for testing of neuromodulation techniques to improve athletic performance, refine highly technical job skills, and rehabilitate patients.

Interaction of Hand Preference with Eye Dominance on Accuracy in Archery

In this study, the interaction of hand preference, eye dominance, and performance in archery was investigated. Beginners' accuracy (right-handed French students (48 men, 34 women) from the University of Sport Sciences (M age = 19.3 yr., SD = 1.7 yr.), were tested and 1,323 practitioners were given a laterality questionnaire. Analysis suggested the interaction of hand preference and eye dominance might influence accuracy of the novice archers (uncrossed patterns were more accurate) when the bow was used without sights, but the use of sights by practitioners seemed to eliminate this effect.

Neural correlates of pre-performance routines in expert and novice archers

The objective of the present study was to determine differences in neural networks between expert and novice archers during an archery pre-performance routine period (PPR). The experiment was conducted with eight world-class competitor or Olympic medalist archers and eight novices. In the experiment, the task was to shoot (by clicking a mouse with the right hand) if an archery target appeared on an LCD embedded in an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. The resultant fMRI data showed that when the experts were aiming, the occipital gyrus and temporal gyrus were activated, but when the novices were aiming, the frontal area was mainly activated. In addition, the anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate gyrus of the limbic lobe were also activated in the expert and novice groups, respectively. Our results demonstrated that expert and novice archers differed in levels of brain activation during the PPR period of a simulated archery task.