Augmented biofeedback of postural- and barrel-stabilities in
top-level rifle shooters improves performance. Technique was also
measured using the postural- and barrel-stabilities, but differences
in these variables between biofeedback and control groups could
not be detected possibly owing to the already high-skill level of the
subjects or to the precision of the equipment used. Consequently
the mechanism leading to the improvement through biofeedback is
proposed to be from other variables, such as, developing a longer
window for triggering or trains the athlete to employ better decision
making in when to trigger. As few training techniques exist in
rifle shooting, this study supports that biofeedback provides an
innovative training tool that may allow athletes to develop their
skills to improve performance. Smallbore events and shot group
diameter in combination appear to be more sensitive measures of
improvement in top-level shooters. Biofeedback shows promise in
improving performance of top-level shooters, and could be further
explored using small bore and investigating effects of technique
changes (e.g. head placement on the rifle stock). Postural- and rifle stability
must be measured to greater precision in the future to
identify if the biofeedback variables or other mechanisms like
decision making lead to the observed improvements in the
performance outcome measures.