Pistol Shooting Research Articles

Individual work of an instructor with trainees at the initial stage of training in pistol shooting learning. Methods of error elimination

Individual work of an instructor with trainees at the initial stage of training in pistol shooting learning. Methods of error elimination

Peculiarities of Investigated Characteristics of Lithuanian Pistol and Rifle Shooters’ Training and Sport Performance

The purpose was to identify the peculiarities of selected training and sport performance characteristics: 1. Training strategies, 2. the body sway and 3. mental fitness. Methods: we analysed the sport performance and training characteristics and applied interviews with elite and Lithuanian shooters. The body sway was studied applying the method of static posturography. The subjects were standing in four postures. Mental fitness of the shooters was evaluated 30 min before the start using CSAI–2 methodology and adapted SCAT methodology. The shooters were divided into two groups according to their sports performance: the high and the moderate mastery groups. Statistical analyses was made applying the SPSS 11.0 statistical package. Results: 1. The Lithuanian women pistol shooters’ mean age of the first three place winners corresponded to that of the elite athletes, however the sports results (p < 0.001) were significantly lower. We indicated the following reasons: they trained less than the elite shooters, their specific training was inappropriate (p < 0.001), their mental fitness and competition experience were inappropriate (p < 0.001). 2. The trajectory of the COP in a specific posture (legs at shoulder length, arms down; posture without the pistol; posture with the pistol) was significantly (p < 0.05) different (Fig. 1, Masalskytė et al., 2002) between high and moderate mastery shooters but not in general posture (folded legs and arms down). The results suggested developing shooters’ posture from the very beginning of training. 3. The Lithuanian shooters’ level of anxiety before the starts showed the importance of the duration of exercise and competition experience because the difference between their indices and those of elite shooters was significantly less (p < 0.001). Conclusions: On the basis of sport performance as a multidimensional construct which requires to select the main factors of athlete trainability we conclude that Lithuanian pistol and rifle shooters need a training programme that improves posture stability; they should increase their international competitive experience and have to monitor sport fitness in order to manage psychological stress, and model a further training programme. Social conditions might be the main problem of the Lithuanian shooters to terminate their sport career too early.Keywords: pistol, rifle, shooters’ training, sport performance.

Chasing the zone: Reduced beta power predicts baseball batting performance

Mental state prior to sports skill execution is related to subsequent performance. For example, relationships between pre-performance electroencephalogram (EEG) power and subsequent movement outcomes in golf putting, pistol shooting, and basketball free throw shooting have been previously reported. With that said, the existing body of research examining the pre-performance EEG – performance relationship has been focused on the execution of internally as opposed to externally-paced motor skills. Given that the execution of internally and externally-paced movements are dependent on different neural pathways, in the present study we examined whether or not pre-performance EEG power predicted ensuing performance of an externally-paced motor skill – baseball batting. Sixty-seven baseball players had EEG data recorded for 120 s prior to batting practice. Performance was assessed by three expert coaches and the accuracy of coach performance ratings was verified via Generalizability Theory. An analysis of our data revealed an inverse relationship between frontal EEG power in the beta range and subsequent batting performance - reduced beta power was associated with better batting performance whereas increased beta power was associated with worse batting performance. Our results are in line with prior research that has demonstrated a relationship between increased EEG power in the beta range and the subsequent commitment of motor errors in addition to the aforementioned work examining pre-performance EEG and the execution of internally-paced motor skills.

Effects of Dental Occlusion on Body Sway, Upper Body Muscle Activity and Shooting Performance in Pistol Shooters.

Occlusal splints, to some extent, have been related to reduced body sway in a static position and increased muscle activity in the upper limbs. However, how dental occlusion status affects sports performance remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether occlusal splints that reposition the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) influenced body posture, muscle activity, and performance in 10-meter pistol shooters. Thirteen national-level male shooters (age = 38.8 ± 10.9 yrs) were recruited for this study, and cleared of any cervical pathology. An occlusal splint (OS) and a placebo splint (PS) were fabricated for each of the subjects, with the mandibular and maxillary position verified by an expert dentist, with the aid of an adjustable articulator. Surface electromyography (EMG) was assessed in the upper limb that holds the pistol while the subjects were standing on a force platform. Subjects performed two series of 10 shots for each of the three experimental conditions (OS, PS, N (no splint)) in randomized order, with the mandible in a rest position. Results revealed similar centre of pressure (COP) parameters in all conditions, despite a reduction in the average oscillation area caused by the OS. There were also no significant differences in EMG activity between conditions in the five upper limb muscles monitored. Consistent with this, shooting performance was similar in all conditions, despite a reduction in shot dispersion in subjects using OS. Thus, changes in dental occlusion status induced by OS do not affect body posture, upper limb EMG muscle activity, or shot performance in healthy male pistol shooters.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Assist Experienced Pistol Shooters in Gaining Even-Better Performance Scores.

Recently, brain stimulation has been considered as a promising method for the empowerment of athletes' performance. This study recruited 16 pistol shooters who were randomly assigned to two arms, including the control receiving no intervention and the experimental group receiving either sham or real transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), i.e., anodal stimulation and cathodal suppression over the cerebellar and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) regions, respectively. Our outcome measures were the score and latency to shooting, as well as number of errors and task time in the dynamic tremor and mirror-tracing tasks. Our findings suggested that tDCS vs. sham improves the average shooting score in pistol shooters by 2.3% ± 0.65 (mean ± SEM, p = 0.018). Furthermore, the bullet hole distance from the Air Pistol Target center was found to be significantly shorter in the experimental (tDCS) group (p = 0.02). In the control group, no significant difference was noted between the shooting scores of shooters over the consecutive two sessions. In terms of latency to shooting, no significant difference was noted within groups between both sessions. However, for the dynamic tremor task outcome, there were significantly less errors after real tDCS than after sham stimulation. In addition, the results of the mirror-tracing task in the tDCS group showed significant differences between the sham and real-tDCS sessions favoring the real-tDCS session (p = 0.001). Therefore, concurrent suppression of dlPFC and stimulation of cerebellum through tDCS may increase shooting scores in experienced pistol shooters.

Maksimalna sila stiska šake u funkciji preciznosti i tačnosti gađanja iz službenog pištolja CZ 99 - generički modeli

Gun training with official weapons is one of the most important training activities in the police. The aim of this paper is to determine the relations and define the prediction model between the accuracy and precision of pistol shooting, as a specific motoric task, and the maximum muscular strength of the hand grip, as a basic indicator of general physical hand preparation. The sample covered a total of 46 subjects: students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education who selected the subject Shooting within the study program (N = 19, 11 male students and 8 female students), active Ministry of the Interior officers (N = 6), competitors in practical shooting, IPSC (N = 4), recreational shooters (N = 10, 8 men and 2 women), and beginners (N = 7) who have only passed one hour of basic training in firearms. For the measurement of the maximal muscle force of the hand finger flexor, a standardized test - 'grip of the hand' was used while the shooting was carried out from the CZ 99 handgun, using the precision shot method from a distance of 6 meters. Criterion variables were: accuracy and precision of shooting, while the predictive variables were the maximum forces of the left and right hand, as well as a summary indicator of the achieved maximum force level of both hands. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the accuracy of shooting statistically correlates with the following variables: inversely proportional to the accuracy (r = -0.889, p = 0.000) and proportional to all variables of the maximum force of hand grip, as measures of the strength of the upper extremities ( Fmax_R, Fmax_L and Fmax_SUM at r = 0.437, p = 0.002, r = 0.439, p = 0.002 ir = 0.443, p = 0.002, respectively). In relation to the accuracy of the shooting, a statistically significant but inversely proportional correlation with all variables of the maximum force of the hand grip were determined (Fmax_R, Fmax_L and Fmax_SUM at r = -0.356, p = 0.015, r = -0.375, p = 0.010 ir = -0.369, p = 0.012, respectively). In general, based on the obtained results of this study, it can be concluded that the maximum force of the hand grip, as an indicator of arm strength, is statistically significant, and at the level of influence of 19.3% positively influences the accuracy, i.e. with 13.4% positively affects the accuracy of the shooting from the CZ 99 official handgun in a precision shooting situation from a distance of 6 meters.

Visual Illusions Affect Motor Performance, But not Learning in Highly Skilled Shooters

Enhanced expectancies are an important component of OPTIMAL theory and are thought to contribute to motor performance and learning. There is limited information, however, on the generalizability of OPTIMAL theory to highly skilled individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual illusions, specifically an Ebbinghaus illusion, on the performance and learning of an aiming task using highly skilled 10-m rifle and pistol shooters. Two groups of shooters with international experience were recruited and practiced with perceived larger and smaller targets. Our results indicated that participants who perceived the target larger reported higher self-efficacy immediately after practice. In addition, these participants had higher shooting performance during practice. Our retention test (24 hours later), however, did not produce differences in self-efficacy or shooting performance. Our data suggests that visual illusions are beneficial for motor performance in highly skilled shooters, but may not affect learning in those who are in the latter stages of learning. Further studies should continue examining the role of visual illusions for enhancing expectancies in highly skilled and experienced performers.

Skill level changes the coordination and variability of standing posture and movement in a pistol-aiming task

ABSTRACTThe study investigated the coordination and variability of posture and pistol motion for skilled pistol shooters and novices in a pistol-aiming task. The participants stood on a force platform and held a pistol with the preferred arm to aim for accuracy to a target on 30 s trials. The results revealed that the amount of the centre of pressure (COP) and pistol motion was lower for the expert than novice group. The time–varying structure of COP as indexed by multiscale entropy (MSE) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) was also lower for the expert than the novice group. The relative phase between the COP in the anterior–posterior (AP) and pistol in the AP and between the COP in the medial–lateral (ML) and pistol in AP was close to inphase for the both groups. However, for the novice group the coordination patterns of posture and pistol motion were more variable with the pistol motion leading the posture motion while it was lagging in the skilled group. The findings show different qualitative and quantitative dynamics in pistol-aiming as a function of skill level with postural control foundational to supporting the reduced dispersion and complexity of the skilled arm-pistol motion.

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.

Assessment of shooter's task-based exposure to airborne lead and acidic gas at indoor and outdoor ranges

Airborne lead and acidic gasses are generated through combustion and mechanical abrasion of ammunition constituents during shooting events. Shooters and other personnel at shooting ranges are exposed to these airborne toxicants and the potential health risks of irritation, nervous system damage, and cancer. Past studies primarily focused on full-length work-shift exposure to lead with little research examining short-term task-based exposure. The objective of this study was to measure the shooters’ task-based personal exposure to total fume, lead, and acidic gasses during two-hour shooting sessions at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. Both pistols and rifles were used, and about 180 rounds of ammunition were fired per shooting session. Total fume was collected by inhalable and respirable fractions and determined gravimetrically. Airborne lead and acidic gasses were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and an ion chromatograph, respectively. The results indicated that significant amount of aerosol mass was in the respirable fraction (0.4–2.8 mg/m3) and inhalable fraction (0.6–3.5 mg/m3). The respirable airborne lead concentration during two-hour shooting sessions was between 0.2 and 1.7 mg/m3, although not directly comparable, were exceeding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 8-h time-weighted-average permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.05 mg/m3. Hydrochloric acid was detected at levels lower than the PEL, during some outdoor shooting sessions possibly due to the presence of corrosive ammunitions. Sulfuric acid was detected and above the PEL during outdoor shooting sessions, but potential measurement artifacts exist in the standard method. Indoor ventilation effectively removed gaseous pollutants, but unable to migrate the particulate fume and lead exposure to acceptable levels. Outdoor ventilation relied more upon natural weather and had a larger deviation. Rifle shooting produced more exposure than did pistol shooting, but the finding was reversed after the exposure was adjusted to ammunition propellant loadings. The present study confirmed the shooter’s exposure to airborne lead and some acidic gasses at levels higher than comparable PEL values. More engineering controls and administrative management should be sought to prevent overexposure to these airborne toxicants.

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.

Critical evaluation of food intake and energy balance in young modern pentathlon athletes: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundModern pentathlon comprises five sports: fencing, swimming, equestrian jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and running. Despite the expected high energy demand of this sport, there are few studies that provide support for the nutritional recommendations for pentathletes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate young modern pentathlon athletes with respect to body composition, biochemical profile, and consumption of food and supplements.MethodsFifty-six young modern pentathletes aged 13.5 ± 2.4 years participated in the study: 22 adolescent girls and 34 adolescent boys, weight 55.8 ± 13.3 kg, height 1.6 ± 0.1 m, and body fat 21.1 ± 3.1 %. Food consumption was analyzed through a 24-h recall method and food-frequency questionnaire. Assessment of body composition was carried out by checking anthropometric measures (body mass, height, and skinfolds) and using protocols according to participants’ age and sexual maturity.ResultsMale participants consumed less energy than the general recommendations for athletes from the American Dietetic Association (2749 ± 1024 kcal vs. 3113 ± 704 kcal, p < 0.01), whereas female participants consumed more energy than those recommendations (2558 ± 808 kcal vs. 2213 ± 4734 kcal, p < 0.01). Neither young men nor young women followed the carbohydrate intake recommendations for athletes (6.3 ± 2.5 g/kg/day and 6.6 ± 2.2 g/kg/day, respectively). Lipid and protein intakes corresponded to recommendations for both sexes; however, insufficient intakes of calcium, fruits, and vegetables were seen, as well as frequent consumption of baked goods and sugared soft drinks.ConclusionsAdolescent modern pentathlon athletes presented inadequate eating habits with respect to consumption of carbohydrates and energy. Many participants had insufficient intake of micronutrients, especially calcium. However, future research is needed that is aimed at elucidating the real nutritional demands for good physical performance in this sport and the impact of inadequate eating habits on performance, especially among young athletes who are in the growth-stage years and are exposed to intense physical exercise routines.

Facility Design Tips for Rifle, Pistol, and Archery Shooting Facilities

Facility Design Tips for Rifle, Pistol, and Archery Shooting Facilities

A Methodology for Introducing Competitive Anxiety and Pressure in VR Sports Training

Athletes' performances are influenced by internal and external factors, including their psychological state and environmental factors, especially during competition. As a consequence, current training programs include stress management. In this paper, we explore whether highly immersive systems can be used for such training programs. First, we propose methodological guidelines to design sport training scenarios both on considering the elements that a training routine must have, and how external factors might influence the participant. The proposed guidelines are based on Flow and social-evaluative threat theories. Second, to illustrate and validate our methodology, we designed an experimental setup reproducing a ten meter Olympic pistol shooting. We analyzed whether changes in the environment are able to induce changes in user performance, physiological responses and the subjective perception of the task. The simulation included stressors in order to raise a social-evaluative threat, such as aggressive public behavior or unforced errors, increasing the pressure while performing the task. The results showed significant differences in their subjective impressions, trends in the behavioral and physiological data were also observed. Taken together, our results suggest that highly immersive systems could be further used for training in sports.

Relationship between twelve mechanic measures and score for national-level pistol shooters

The relationship between shooting mechanic measures and performance was determined by combining data from two pools. Eight national-level air-pistol athletes performed 60 simulated competition shots from each of four stance angles (0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees). A different pool of eight national-level shooters performed 60 simulated competition shots from each of two spine-to-arm angle positions (70 and 90 degrees). NOPTEL optoelectronic system was used to collect data for 12 mechanic measures from both pools.Analyzing data from two different pools by stepwise multiple regression identified the mechanic measures most effective in predicting adjusted score. Combining data from both pools and using a stepwise multiple regression analysis on all fired shots found similar results as that from the individual pools, p < 0.001, R2Adj = 0.41. The independent variables significantly related to performance were the shooting mechanic measures hold (COGf and COGr), hold accuracy (Hitr and Hitf), and time (HitHt and Total Time). NOPTEL mechanic measure, Hitr was the single most important criterion, accounting for 39% of the variation in adjusted score. These measures reflect important information that could be used when training with an optoelectronic system in conjunction with some system to capture score.

Stability of equilibrium in upright stance and voluntary motion control in athletes-shooters in the process of ready position and target shooting

Purpose: consists in studying the relationships between the system of equilibrium regulation in upright stance and voluntary motion control in athletes-shooters during ready position and target shooting. Material: 19 highly skilled athletes specialized in pistol shooting were studied. Physiological and biomechanical characteristics of posture and voluntary motions were assessed by methods of stabilography, electromyography and tremorometry; besides, accuracy of target shooting was registered. Results: high degree of shooting accuracy dependence on posture somatic parameters has been revealed, of which the greatest impact upon the result is exerted by low-frequency vibrations of the body general centre of mass, subjected to voluntary control. Prognostic models of shooting accuracy dependence upon the character of posture regulation during ready position and the shot have been developed. Conclusions: obtained results reveal the mechanisms of functioning and interacting of two systems of management - posture and voluntary motion. Elaborated regression models permit to model and predict posture stability and shooting accuracy during ready position and the shot.

The Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise

Event Abstract Back to Event The Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise David L. Neumann1, 2* 1 Griffith University, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia 2 Griffith University, School of Applied Psychology, Australia A psychophysiological perspective offers many advantages to advancing theory and practice in sport. It also presents several challenges. Research will be reviewed that shows how physiological measurements have increased our understanding of affective states and cognitive processes in sport and exercise, particularly in regards to the effects of different attentional focus strategies and goal setting. Measures discussed will include ECG, EMG, VO2, and respiratory flow and the sport tasks will include golf, pistol shooting, cricket, cycling, rowing, running, and strength training. In this work, a triangulation of physiological-motor-verbal data has proved to be a useful framework to address the theoretical and methodological challenges that result from a psychophysiological approach. Practical applications, including a cognitive training approach to biofeedback enhanced sport performance, are also discussed. Keywords: Sport, Exercise, Heart Rate, EMG, Respiratory gas analysis, respiratory flow Conference: ASP2015 - 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Sydney, Australia, 2 Dec - 4 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Psychophysiology Citation: Neumann DL (2015). The Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise. Conference Abstract: ASP2015 - 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2015.219.00051 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 22 Oct 2015; Published Online: 30 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. David L Neumann, Griffith University, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia, D.Neumann@griffith.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers David L Neumann Google David L Neumann Google Scholar David L Neumann PubMed David L Neumann Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Effects of Upper Extremity Muscle Fatigue on the Heart Rate and EEG during a Pistol Shooting

Effects of Upper Extremity Muscle Fatigue on the Heart Rate and EEG during a Pistol Shooting

Validation of a dumbbell body sway test in olympic air pistol shooting.

We present and validate a test able to provide reliable body sway measurements in air pistol shooting, without the use of a gun. 46 senior male pistol shooters who participated in Spanish air pistol championships participated in the study. Body sway data of two static bipodal balance tests have been compared: during the first test, shooting was simulated by use of a dumbbell, while during the second test the shooters own pistol was used. Both tests were performed the day previous to the competition, during the official training time and at the training stands to simulate competition conditions. The participantś performance was determined as the total score of 60 shots at competition. Apart from the commonly used variables that refer to movements of the shooters centre of pressure (COP), such as COP displacements on the X and Y axes, maximum and average COP velocities and total COP area, the present analysis also included variables that provide information regarding the axes of the COP ellipse (length and angle in respect to X). A strong statistically significant correlation between the two tests was found (with an interclass correlation varying between 0.59 and 0.92). A statistically significant inverse linear correlation was also found between performance and COP movements. The study concludes that dumbbell tests are perfectly valid for measuring body sway by simulating pistol shooting.