Postural stability in shooters.

Ten competition shooters were tested during simulated race using the force platform technique to investigate the effect of training on postural stability. The shooters were tested at 30-min intervals during a race simulating actual race conditions. Sway velocity was calculated during 27-second periods. The postural stability was evaluated with and without competition clothing. The shooters had significantly better stability than untrained control subjects, when tested without supportive clothing. The competition clothing reduced the sway velocity further both in visual and nonvisual conditions. The Romberg quotient was higher in shooters than in normal controls, indicating that the shooters used to an increased amount proprioceptive and vestibular cues to stabilize their posture. The good postural stability of the shooters apparently results from assiduous training aimed to improve postural stability.