The Effect of Wet Conditions and Surface Combat Swimming on Shooting

Shooting ability is an important aspect of performance in some sports and is vital during a military operation. Load carriage, clothing, and equipment normally associated with fatigue and reduced field of vision or lack of stability at a specific point are important factors that affect the ability to aim when shooting. Additionally, gun support and equipment appear to differentially affect shooting ability with varying shooting positions. All of the studies examining these factors have taken place on dry land and not in water. However, up to date, no study has examined the effect of wet conditions, especially after surface combat swimming (sCS), on shooting ability in different shooting positions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fatigue, produced by prolonged sCS, on a fighter's shooting ability. In addition, we investigated whether the effect of fatigue and wet conditions differed between the shooting positions.

Forty-five participants performed 10 shots in a shooting simulator while standing (ST) and 10 shots while kneeling (KN). This was performed twice and in three conditions: dry, wet, and after 1,000 m of sCS.

Wet conditions did not significantly affect shooting abilities. Surface combat swimming negatively affected shooting ability when both ST and KN. The reduction in the center of gravity (COG) of the shots after sCS was 3.7 ± 2.5% for ST and 3.5 ± 0.8% for KN (P < .01). This was accompanied by the increase in horizontal and vertical movement of the gun after the sCS (P < .01). Kneeling was more stable, as shown by a higher percentage of COG of the shots by 3.3 ± 0.1% (P < .01) and by fewer gun movements in both axes (P < .01).

In conclusion, combat swimming affects shooting ability, both in ST and in KN positions. The KN position provides better stability and improved shooting ability.