The aim was to examine the effects of training with real-time biomechanical biofeedback on technique
and performance of rifle shooters. Top-level shooters were randomly assigned to biofeedback- (n ¼ 5)
and control- (n ¼ 4) groups. Bi-weekly training of 20 shots air-rifle for 4 weeks, with pre- and post-tests
of 20 shots air-rifle and smallbore, were performed. The biofeedback group received individualized realtime
auditory biofeedback on postural- and barrel-stabilities. Results revealed a technique of reducing
postural- and barrel-stabilities towards triggering (e.g. barrel speed 8.0 1.2 mm/s at 3.0e1.0 s reducing
to 5.4 0.8 mm/s at 0.3e0.1 s). There were no changes pre- to post-tests and no differences between
groups in these measures of stability. The biofeedback group showed meaningful improvements in
performance measures, whereas the control group showed no improvement (e.g. smallbore shot group
diameter change: biofeedback group 2.6 mm; control group 0.1 mm). Biomechanical biofeedback is
proposed to have improved performance, possibly through training better decision making, but the
actual cause requires further research.
2011 E