Study of the Heart Rate and Accuracy Performance of Archers

Abstract

On archery performance, heart rate variability is associated to higher parasympathetic activity and a better balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic are beneficial to performance within the sport (Lo, Huang & Hung, 2008). The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate and archery accuracy in experienced and inexperienced archers as to determine if experience contributes to increased accuracy and decreased heart rate. Eighteen male individuals (23.2 ± 5.3 years) participated. The task consisted in the realization of archery, aiming to achieve higher scores corresponding to greater accuracy in target. Twelve trials were performed at two blocks (i.e., total of twenty-four trials) by each participant. At each archery attempt, we collected the heart rate immediately before the trial and the respectively accuracy of archery performance. The t-independent test showed significant statistical differences on heart rate (t(430) = - 4.135, p-value = 0.001) and score of archery performance (t(430) = 2.745, p-value = 0.006), between experienced and inexperienced archers. Experienced archers exhibit a better accuracy and at same time a less heart rate comparing to inexperienced archers. It is possible that the experience of the archers help to improve the arousal control and, consequently, balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.