Kerick, S. E., McDowell, K., Hung, T. M., Spalding, T. S., & Hatfield, B. D. (2001). Event-related alpha power in marksmen: Motor versus integrated perceptual-motor demands of shooting. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1013.

EEG recordings of brain activity were made during preparatory periods of three shooting tasks that varied in perceptual-motor complexity. An attempt was made to determine if previously observed temporal asymmetries reported in the literature were due to cognitive or motor processes. In the postural control (PC) condition, Ss held the rifle in the shooting position, but did not aim the rifle or pull the trigger. In the motor control (MC) condition, Ss held the rifle, pulled the trigger (dry-fired), but did not aim.

The relatively higher left temporal alpha power observed during shooting was associated with attentional strategies, and is not just a reflection of motor demands of the act.

Implication. Preceding firing, expert marksmen are largely involved with attentional focus, that being accompanied with some motor control demands.

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