Postural stability and skilled performance--a study on top-level and naive rifle shooters

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Human Motor Control

Background:

• Accurate rifle shooting demands exceptional postural stability.
• The relationship between posture control and shooting performance requires further investigation across different skill levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze posture control dynamics in rifle shooters of varying expertise levels.
• To determine if movement of the center of forces (COF) differentiates shooter skill.
• To assess the role of posture stabilization in shot success.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of center of forces (COF) movement speed and amplitude.
• Data collected in 1.5-second windows preceding the shot, starting 7.5 seconds prior.
• Comparison of posture control between national top-level, national-level, and amateur rifle shooters.

Main Results:

• Male top-level shooters demonstrated significantly better posture stabilization than female top-level and male national-level shooters.
• National-level shooters were more stable than amateur shooters.
• Experienced shooters improved stabilization in the final seconds, unlike amateurs.

Conclusions:

• Postural control is a key differentiator among rifle shooters of varying skill levels.
• Highly trained shooters exhibit superior whole-body stabilization, which is rarely a cause for poor performance.
• Amateur shooters show greater variability in COF movement between successful and unsuccessful shots.