Higher power of sensorimotor rhythm is associated with better performance in skilled air-pistol shooters

- The best shots were preceded by higher SMR power than those of the worst shots.
- SMR power was inversely correlated with distance from the bull's eye.
- The best shots were associated with lower Fz-T3 high-alpha coherence than the worst performance.

ObjectivesPsychomotor efficiency has been linked with processing efficiency during sport performance. Reduced cortical activity in the sensorimotor area has been related to less variability in the movement preparation that is conducive to skilled motor performance. This study proposes sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), 12-15 Hz of the electroencephalography (EEG) in the sensorimotor area, may be used to investigate psychomotor efficiency in sports performance.MethodTwenty-four skilled air pistol shooters were recruited to fire 40 shots while EEG and shooting accuracy were recorded.ResultsThe data show that improved performance of skilled shooters is associated with higher SMR power during the last second and lower coherence on high alpha power at Fz-T3 before action initiation. A negative relationship is also exhibited between the SMR power and the shooting performance during the aiming.ConclusionsThis finding suggests that reduced interference from sensorimotor processing, as reflected by elevated SMR power, may be related to improved processing efficiency during the aiming period. We conclude that SMR may be used to understand psychomotor efficiency underlying air-pistol shooting performance.