Comprehensive assessment of physical fitness in rifle shooters

Aim. The paper aims to improve pre-competitive training of rifle shooters. Materials and methods. The study involved male and female rifle shooters between 17-19 years of age with 4-6 years of athletic experience (Candidates for Master of Sport, Masters of Sport). In male and female shooters, the indicators of psychofunctional status were compared. Physical performance was evaluated with the PWC 170 test. Simple and complex motor responses were identified. The quality of attention and memory was assessed with specialized software. Biceps tension was measured by using electromyography. Muscle efforts were also measured in the course of the study. Balance indicators and space orientation were recorded with the force platform. Standard indicators were used for the assessment of body performance and psychophysiological functions. Results. As a result of the study, low physical performance (PWC 170) and differentiated indicators of psychofunctional status were recorded among rifle shooters. Balance indicators, which are specific to this sport, were estimated as high at this stage of training. Reduced values of spatial and temporal orientation accompanied with insufficient quality of attention and memory negatively affect athletic performance, as well as technical and tactical skills of athletes. It was found that coordination abilities of young athletes were better than those of their peers. Conclusion. A set of research methods allowed us to identify the relationship between regulatory mechanisms from a system perspective. The comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular (PWC 170), neuromuscular (muscle responses), central nervous system-related (balance, space orientation, muscle efforts) and psychophysiological (speed of simple and complex motor responses, memory, concentration) indicators allows improving athletic performance of young shooters with respect to their strengths and weaknesses.