Heart Rate Values During Shooting is a Field-Side Performance Analysis Tool in Archery-A study of Elite Indian Archers

BackgroundHeart rate value during different phases of archery shooting has been correlated with performance scores.ObjectivesThis study was done to ascertain this and with an aim of real-time objective field assessment of training and performance among Elite Indian archers.MethodsThe study was conducted in Indoor archery hall as per World Archery Association rules with Cross-sectional study design. Seven volunteered male elite archers (mean age: 23.9 ± 3.00 years, mean experience: 8.5 ± 2.35 years) shot 30 arrows each (n = 210) with simultaneous recording of heart rate, score and shooting action. Release frames were identified by slow motion analysis. Heart rate values during release (0 s), every second for 5 seconds before and after the release of arrow were noted and analyzed. One-way ANOVA test was employed. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsOne-way ANOVA of heart rate values at all 11 time-points between the three scores 8, 9 and 10 showed significant differences from -5 s to -1 s with heart rate values at score 8 being significantly higher (P < 0.05). Heart rate decreased significantly from -5 s to +1 s and increased further.ConclusionsHeart rate deceleration was found in aiming and release phases of shooting. The elicited change in trend of the heart rate values can be used as a field-tool for training archers. Future studies on novice archers would help us understand the change in trend with training and experience in the sports.