@article{ref1,
title="Balance training and shooting performance: the role of load and the unstable surface",
journal="Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology",
year="2024",
author="Kounalakis, Stylianos and Karagiannis, Anastasios and Kostoulas, Ioannis",
volume="9",
number="1",
pages="-",
abstract="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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2411-5142",
doi="10.3390/jfmk9010017",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010017"
}