Age and weekly physical activity are correlated with ballistic VR decision making and reaction time shooting performance at rest

Ballistic virtual reality (VR) can measure shooting performance reliably in trained and untrained subjects. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether baseline traits such as age, habitual physical activity, and prior experience are correlated with VR decision-making and reaction time performance. Thirty participants completed a series of VR tests-Color Shapes and Steel Plates-while shooting a laser-guided and CO₂-recoil fitted rifle at digitally-projected targets. The first test measured decision-making as a function of shooting a series of correct shapes (squares/triangles/circles) and colors (green/red/blue), twice, in under 2 s. The second test measured left-to-right target transition shooting skills on six, equidistant metal plates placed 7 m away from the shooting line. Age was correlated with (1) lower decision-making scores during the Color Shapes array identification test and (2) slower target transition time, smaller throughput (time/accuracy) and Hit Factor [(correct hits-misses)/time] on the Steel Plates test. Weekly physical activity had an inverse effect. A multiple regression model revealed that age and weekly activity combined predicted the Hit Factor, the most relevant shooting proficiency metric. Tactical populations scored significantly better than non-tactical in the decision-making task. Age and physical activity may plausibly predict ballistic performance, whereas tactical experience positively modulates better decision-making.