The Effects of Archery Practice on Sustained and Selective Attentional Processes

Abstract

As children mature, the focus shifts toward extracurricular activities that optimize the development of the body and mind. A passion for archery inspired this study to explore the potential advantages it has for young people. The hypothesis proposed that practicing archery would enhance one's sustained and selective attention, commonly known as concentration. The 16 participants (between ages 14-17) in this study were tested on their concentration through a mobile self-administered online test called Re: collect. The test was used to see whether or not practicing archery, a concentration-intensive sport, would increase their ability to focus on a single task compared to a person who does not engage in the sport. The UCancelation test was split into two types, with one being centered around pictures while the other centered around letters. Participants who did archery were shown to do better on the test centered around letters compared to participants who did not. The test centered around pictures did not particularly favor either side. The results suggest that archery can potentially improve an adolescent’s concentration in letter-focused tasks, including reading books or studying texts. Thus, regular participation in archery can give children benefits in concentration abilities in addition to the athletic and social advantages of engaging in archery.