The Biomechanical and Physiological link between Archery Techniques and Performance

Abstract

In this study, biomechanical and physiological analyses (via electromyography (EMG)) were used to predict the accuracy of non-archers. This study was designed to provide evidence that biomechanical strain and associated muscular fatigue will result in unnecessary muscular activation that can be reduced by technique selection. Correct selection can result in increased non-archer accuracy. To accomplish this, a group of sixteen participants were given basic training using two string grip positions and four standard stance postures. The participant(s) performance (measured in FITA score) were recorded and analyzed. It was determined that the less physically straining techniques would result in higher subject performance. Hence, physiological and biomechanical techniques can be used to accurately make predictions (pertaining to grip type and archer stance) on non-archer performance. Specifically, selection of the thumb grip (least straining) and the even stance (least straining) were found to result in the highest initial performance.