Balance Training and Shooting Performance: The Role of Load and the Unstable Surface.

Military and law enforcement members' shooting ability is influenced by their postural balance, which affects their performance and survivability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a proprioception training program (standing or walking on unstable surfaces) on postural balance and shooting performance. Twenty participants, divided into two groups, completed 60 shots in a shooting simulator while standing, before and after a 4-week proprioception training program. One group (n = 10) followed the training program (EXP), while the other group followed the regular military academy program (CON). The shooting was conducted under four conditions: without load on a stable surface, with load on a stable surface, without load on an unstable surface, and with load on an unstable surface. The findings reveal that the training program had a significant impact on the EXP, improving their balance (p < 0.01). Additionally, only in the EXP, shooting score and the percentage center of gravity increased (p < 0.01) and the stability of the shots, measured by holding time on the target, doubled from 2.2 to 4.5 s (p < 0.01). These improvements were more pronounced when participants had a load and/or were on an unstable surface. In conclusion, a proprioception training program could be beneficial for improving postural balance and shooting performance.

The Effect of Wet Conditions and Surface Combat Swimming on Shooting.

INTRODUCTION: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, combat swimming affects shooting ability, both in ST and in KN positions. The KN position provides better stability and improved shooting ability.

The Effect of a Surface Combat Swimming Training Program on Swimming Performance.

In this study the effect of a surface combat swimming (sCS) training program on performance in freestyle swimming and sCS was examined. Forty-five officer cadets were divided into three equivalent groups: a control group (CG), a group that was trained only with a swimsuit and fins (SF), and a group that was trained with combat uniform and equipment (UE). Groups SF and UE followed a 60-min training program with sCS for 4 weeks, 4 times per week. Before and after the training program all groups performed 4×50 and 400-m freestyle swimming, 250-m sCS with a uniform and equipment, 350-m with a swimsuit and fins, and 300-m with a swimsuit. The UE group showed improved performance in 4×50-m (mean±SD 14±9 s) and in 250-m sCS (24±14 s) (p<0.01). Both the SF group and the UE group improved in 300-m sCS, in 350-m sCS and in 400-m freestyle (p<0.05). We conclude that the training adaptations seemed to be specific, not only with regard to the activity performed, but also in terms of the actual conditions of an operation, which also include equipment.