Analysis of the Stability of the Body in a Standing Position When Shooting at a Stationary Target―A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Postural stability of the body depends on many factors. One of them is physical activity. It is especially important in the case of sports or professional work, which combine mobility with the accuracy of a shot in a standing position. The smaller the body fatigue, the more accurate the shot. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of physical effort on the center of gravity deflection and length of the COP (center of pressure) path, as well as the reaction of ground forces in people who do not engage in systematic physical activity. The study group included 139 people (23.1 ± 5.2 yr; M: 46.8%; F: 53.2%). The test consisted of performing a static test twice, shooting at the target in a multimedia shooting range. Group X performed the Harvard test between the static tests. Group Y made no effort. The reaction parameters of the ground forces were assessed using the Zebris PDM-L Platform. In Group X performing the Harvard test, an increase in the average COP, VCOP, and 95% confidence ellipse area was noted. The path length and the average velocity of COP speed increased. There were no differences in Group Y (p > 0.05). Physical effort significantly affected the postural stability of the studied people, increasing the average parameters assessing balance when adopting static firing position.