Abstract

The quadruple approach in the title refers to four different studies over a period of 3 years. Exp. 1 investigated muscular behaviour in target shooting, both indoors and outdoors. It was found that a significant increase in activity only exists between 25 and 50 m, and that there is no linear increase of activity with increased distance. No differences in muscular pattern or activity between the indoor distances and between th outdoor distances were found. Exp. 2 investigated the muscular economy of four string grips: the three-finger grip, two-finger grip, thumb grip and reversed grip. The largest variations in activity were found for the two most unfamiliar grips, i.e. the thumb and reversed grips; however, low iEMG and the rapid precision improvement suggest that the thumb grip, if practised long enough, might be the most economical technique. Exp. 3 attempted to differentiate muscular activity and a number of performance variables in three different populations of archers in order to obtain feedback regarding improved performance. Apparently, overall muscle pattern, intensities and arrow speed were not discriminatory. The differences found between the groups were affected by the ability to reproduce identical patterns and arrow velocities in consecutive shots and by the constancy of neuromuscular control of the M. trapezius, M. biceps brachii and M. extensor digitorum. Finally, Exp. 4 investigated the muscular activity of elite archers shooting at distances of 70 and 90 m with and without stabilizers. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)