Author(s): SIVAPERUMAN, P., GREEN-GOMEZ, M., STRINGHAM, J.M., ROCHE, W.J., NOLAN, J.M. , Institution: SINGAPORE SPORT INSTITUTE, SPORT SINGAPORE, Country: SINGAPORE, Abstract-ID: 2215

INTRODUCTION:
A target sport athlete’s visual system is always under intense pressure to achieve the technical components that are partly dependent on visual stimuli. There is currently limited data on carotenoid status and visual performance for these athletes. In this study, we present baseline data for shooting and archery athletes affiliated with the Sport Singapore Institute (SSI), aiming to compare carotenoid levels, visual function (VF), and sporting performance between these two sports.
METHODS:
Visual function was evaluated by measuring visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) at 6 CPD and 12 CPD in photopic and mesopic conditions for the dominant eye; sporting performance was assessed using shooting score at the end of 60 shots taken at the shooting practice range; and carotenoid status was assessed by measuring dietary intake of Lutein (L) and Zeaxanthin (Z) as well as skin carotenoid concentrations.
RESULTS:
A total of 29 shooters, mean (±SD) age 29 (± 9.09) years, and 22 archers, mean (±SD) age 25.8 (± 50692) years (p= 0.124), were assessed at the SSI. Mean ± SD dietary intake of L and Z for shooters and archers was 3,078 ± 3265 µg/day and 4564.3 ± 8643 µg/day, respectively (p=0.399). The mean ± SD skin carotenoid concentration for shooters was 31,379 ± 14,613, while for archers was 30,417 ± 9,999 (p=0.792). There were no significant differences between sports for VA (p= 0.406). There were statistically significant differences in Mesopic CS at 6 CPD (p= 0.027) and 12 CPD (p= 0.017), with moderate Cohen’s effect size, d, of d=0.61 and d=0.63, respectively. The Mesopic CS at 6 CPD and 12 CPD for shooters and archers were as follows: 4.36 (± 2.63) and 2.96 (± 1.74), and 14.98 (± 20.69) and 5.14 (± 2.92), respectively, expressed as Mean ± SD. Significant difference was observed in total shooting score (p= <0.001), with shooters achieving a mean (± SD) score of 595.78 (± 47.09) compared to archers who scored 466.0 (± 92.61).
CONCLUSION:
Despite having no differences in VA between sports, archers’ visual function in dimly lighted condition was significantly better than shooters. Having the capacity to effectively perceive objects at a distance, particularly in outdoor environments spanning 50 meters with diverse weather conditions, is a vital skill in archery. This ability significantly aids in quick adaptation and enhanced performance in this sport. Similar ability was not found among shooting athletes due to the inclusion of both indoor and outdoor groups in this study. Our future research will investigate whether enhancing the carotenoid status will improve VF and performance in the athletes.