Causer, J, Holmes, PS and Williams, AM (2011) Quiet Eye Training in a Visuomotor Control Task. MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, 43 (6). pp. 1042-1049. ISSN 0195-9131

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Abstract

Introduction: Several researchers have reported the importance of maintaining a longer final fixation on the target (termed the quiet eye period, QE) prior to performing an aiming task. We present an innovative, perceptual training intervention intended to improve the efficiency of gaze behavior (i.e., QE) in shotgun shooting. Methods: A sample of 20 International-level, skeet shooters were assigned equally to one of two, matched-ability groups based on their pre-test shooting scores. A perceptual training group participated in a 4-step, pre-shot routine, alongside three video feedback sessions involving their own gaze behaviors and those of an expert model in an effort to influence positively QE behaviors. A control group received video feedback of performance, but without the addition of feedback on QE behaviors. Participants completed pre- and post-tests along with an 8-week training intervention. Results: The perceptual training group significantly increased its mean QE duration (397 cw 423 ms), employed an earlier onset of QE (257 cw 244 ms), and recorded higher shooting accuracy scores (62 cw 70 %) from pre- to post-test. Participants in the perceptual training group significantly reduced gun barrel displacement and absolute peak velocity on the post- compared to the pre-test, even though neither variable was overtly trained. A transfer test, based on performance during competition, indicated that perceptual training significantly improved shooting accuracy pre- to post-intervention. No pre- to post-test differences were observed for the control group on the measures reported. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of QE training in improving shooting accuracy and developing a more efficient visuo-motor control strategy. Findings have implications for future research on training visuo-motor behaviors, attention and gaze orientation during the performance of aiming tasks.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, v.43(6), 2011, pp.1042-49.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1106 Human Movement And Sports Science
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport & Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
Related URLs:	Author
Date Deposited:	05 May 2016 14:06
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2021 12:57
DOI or ID number:	10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182035de6
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/3564

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