Visual training programme applied to precision shooting

Abstract

A three month visual training programme was conducted at the CAR of Sant Cugat (Olympic Training Center). Eleven members of 'The Catalan Government Special Intervention Squad' were used in a clinical trial. Pre-test and post-test results were obtained for pistol shooting, visual function, and psychological and physical states. Statistical analysis indicated significant gains in visual function and pistol shooting scores after the programme, while psychological (anxiety) and physical condition remained the same. Some conclusive statements can be made with regard to the relation of visual function improvement and shooting performance increment, after analysing the data. This improvement is evident in statistically significant post-test gains in the following variables: 'phoria at distance, recovery points in fusional reserves at distance, analytical amplitude, negative relative accommodation, saccadic fixations, and accommodative facility at distance and at near. The rest of the controlled visual variables also showed clinical improvement.

The Efficiency of a Visual Skills Training Program on Visual Search Performance

“…The results from the present study are in line with previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of visual functions training in athletes, after a 6-week period ( Paul et al, 2011 ; Balasaheb et al, 2008 ; Schwab and Memmert, 2012 ), after 8 weeks ( Rezaee et al, 2012 ) or even after three months of training ( Quevedo and Solé, 1995 ). Some authors did not confirm an improvement in visual skills, since no increase in vision performance between the groups (pre- and post training) after the given period of four weeks of the visual training program was found in their research (e.g.…”

“…Taking into account the results of several authors ( Quevedo et al, 1999 ; Quevedo and Solé 1995 ; Paul et al, 2011 ; Balasaheb et al, 2008 ; Schwab and Memmert 2012 ; Rezaee et al, 2012 ) indicating the effectiveness of training of visual functions, we conducted an experiment in which we expected confirmation of the efficacy of specifically targeted training in the development of the visual search ability. We hypothesized that the efficiency of visual functions used in visual search was higher in people following a training program in order to improve these functions than in individuals not involved in any such training.…”

The role of visual perception measures used in sports vision programmes in predicting actual game performance in Division I collegiate hockey players

“…visual acuity, combined saccadic/ accommodative tracking and visual search) in athletes. For example, Junyent and Sole (1995) reported that specialised training of the above basic visual skills improved precision shooting scores of elite shooters compared to baseline. In a basketball study, Kofsky and Starfield (1989) reported improvements in both visual function and actual game performance following 5 weeks of general vision training (static and dynamic visual acuity, visual reaction time, peripheral awareness, eye-hand coordination and visualisation/visual imagery).…”