Summary
Four autonomic nervous system (ANS) variables: skin potential and resistance, skin blood flow and temperature — plus instantaneous heart rate and respiratory frequency — were simultaneously recorded during sporting competitions. The performances of 15 marksmen and 7 archers were analysed by comparing the variations in the six parameters during a concentration phase prior to shooting and during the shooting (or active) phase proper. The results of the performances distinguished two groups of sportsmen: firstly, the best shots and secondly, the worst shots. Comparison of the autonomic responses between the groups showed statistically significant correlations among the ANS variables. This made possible a relationship between performance characteristics and a percepto-effector factor to be defined. More precisely, this factor was defined as the number of correlations of the measured variables in the two phases, concentration and shooting. A positive relationship was demonstrated —the higher the factor, the better the performance. In addition, the stability of the factor, was greater within the best marksmen and archers groups. A model of the temporal change of the percepto-effector factor in both groups was given in three dimensions. This modelling of performance characteristics gave a visual indication of the differences between best/worst performances.
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Caterini, R., Delhomme, G., Dittmar, A. et al. A model of sporting performance constructed from autonomic nervous system responses. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 67, 250–255 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00864224
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00864224