INFLUENCE OF MUSCLE ACTIVITY ON SHOOTING PERFORMANCE IN ARCHERY: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

The use of proximal muscle is advocated for consistent archery shooting due to higher tolerance for fatigue. Muscle activity was subject of investigation in several archery studies. But thus far variation in muscle activity has been ignored. This study presents the preliminary findings of the influence of proximal muscle activity and variation on score and arrow release speed in Archery. Subjects were three Malaysian National archers shooting 29-36 arrows from 70 meter distance. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded for triceps (bilateral), left deltoid and right trapezius muscles. Arrow release speed was recorded with a speed radar gun. Linear and curvilinear associations of muscle activation and variation with score and speed are presented. Findings show each archer has different muscle determinants influencing score and speed.