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

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.

Keywords: external load; law enforcement personnel; military personnel; postural sway; uneven terrain.

Figure 1

The time in balance test before (PRE) and after (POST) the training period without (NO LOAD) and with load (LOAD), for the experimental (left panel) and control (right panel) groups. The values represent the mean of three trials for each foot, each separated by 30 sec of rest. The plotted values show the mean ± SD. * Significantly different form the respective NO LOAD condition, p < 0.01; # Significantly different from the respective PRE condition, p < 0.01.

Figure 2

The SCORE before (left panel) and after (right panel) the training period without (No Load) and with load (Load), for the experimental (a) and control (b) groups. The values represent the mean of six trials of ten shots. The plotted values show the mean ± SE. * significant differences from the respective no-load condition; # significant differences from the respective on balance condition; ✻ significant differences from the respective condition before training, p < 0.01.

Figure 3

The COG (%) before (left panel) and after (right panel) the training period without (No Load) and with load (Load), for the experimental (a) and control (b) groups. The values represent the mean of six trials of ten shots. The plotted values show the mean ± SE. * significant differences from the respective no-load condition; # significant differences from the respective on balance condition. ✻ significant differences from the respective condition before training, p < 0.01.