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part 3
Although movement of a target improves the ability to detect a figure from its surroundings, at the same time, as speed of a target increases, the ability to distinguish details of the target decreases. It follows that once you fixate upon a target, the chances of engaging and discerning details of the target with precise eye-hand-mind coordination improves as the target speed slows towards becoming stationary. Fixation control is the ability to maintain steady and accurate eye position upon a stationary target. Many visual factors influence improved fixation control such as high contrast of target, color and size of target, as well as flexible eye focusing skills. Fixation control begins to deteriorate after a few seconds of steady fixation because the eye has an innate tendency to continually scan and move to change retinal areas of stimulation. Also, the ability to follow a moving target (pursuit movements) uses other neurological controls than do fixation control. Pursuit movements, as well as fixation control, improve as the quality of the target’s contrast and brightness increases.
During World War II optometrists used flash recognition training to teach U.S. Navy Pilots airplane recognition. This training reinforced optimal “visual posturing” (includes the posture of every body part whose adjustment affects vision) adjustments the pilots made to improve their visual perception of targets.
A 1995 research report discussed a three month visual training program conducted with the Catalan Government Special Intervention Squad at the Olympic Training Center in Spain. Pre-test and post-test results were compared for pistol shooting performance and visual function. Statistical analysis revealed significant gains in visual function and pistol shooting scores after the visual training program.
Another example of visual training is biofeedback training. Using an instrument that allows you feedback as the relative stimulation or relaxation of the eye focusing muscle (ciliary muscle) can exert a carry over effect during intense shooting competition. A learned behavior of voluntarily stimulating a positive accommodation (parasympathetic response) during the BAR can act as a counter force to the negative accommodation response to the sympathetic nervous system stimulation during the BAR.
Sports vision training has developed effective exercises to enhance and fine- tune depth perception, eye motility and movement speed and accuracy, eye-hand-body coordination, visualization, speed and flexibility of eye focus and visual memory skills.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Edward C. Godnig, O.D., FCOVD, is a 1976 graduate of the New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts. He maintains a private practice of optometry specializing in behavioral optometry. Behavioral optometry is a clinical discipline that diagnoses and treats visual skills and abilities that have an impact on learning and movement behaviors. Dr. Godnig has a particular interest in enhancing the ability of shooters to use their visual system to improve marksmanship. He has developed visual training exercises for shooters to improve the skills necessary for fast and accurate shooting.
Brownie
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