The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Traditional Archery Athletes

NCT07002008 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: archery
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week scapular stabilization exercise program on shooting accuracy and upper extremity performance in athletes engaged in traditional archery. Thirty licensed archers aged between 15 and 35, with at least 2 years of experience, will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive scapular stabilization exercises in addition to their regular training, while the control group will continue their usual training routine. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations will assess upper extremity strength, stability, proprioception, and shooting performance.

Conditions

Athletes; Exercise; Archery

Keywords

traditional archery; scapular stabilization; shooting performance; strength; balance; endurance; proprioception

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Archery Shooting Performance Score

  Shooting accuracy will be assessed using a standardized Archery Shooting Score Test. Athletes will perform ten shots at a distance of 18 meters using a standard indoor target with concentric colored scoring rings. The first 4 shots are considered warm-up, and the total score of the final 6 shots will be recorded. Scoring will be based on World Archery guidelines.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

• Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test

  Upper extremity stability and strength will be evaluated using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. Participants will perform hand touches across a 91.4 cm distance while maintaining a modified push-up position. Each trial will last 15 seconds, and the number of touches will be counted. The test will be repeated three times, with 45-second rest intervals, and the average number of touches will be recorded as the final score.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

• Upper Quarter Y Balance Test

  Assesses shoulder mobility, proprioception, and balance in three directions (medial, superolateral, inferolateral). The average normalized reach distance (in cm) across three attempts in each direction will be recorded and used to calculate a composite score.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

• Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test

  Measures upper extremity explosive power by calculating the average distance (in cm) a 2 kg medicine ball is thrown while seated against a wall with back and head contact maintained. The best 3 of 4 trials will be averaged.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

• Isometric Upper Extremity Muscle Strength

  Strength will be assessed using a digital handheld dynamometer. Measurements will be taken in multiple directions including shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal and external rotation; elbow flexion and extension; and wrist extension. A maximum of three trials will be performed for each direction, and the highest value will be recorded in Newtons.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

• Upper Extremity Proprioception

  Proprioception will be assessed using a digital inclinometer. Participants will be asked to reproduce 90° of shoulder flexion and abduction with their eyes closed. The angular deviation from the target position will be recorded. Lower deviation values will indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention

Study Arms (2)

Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program

EXPERIMENTAL

Frequency: 3 times/week for 8 weeks Duration: \~40 minutes per session Exercises: Scapular retraction, push-up with plus, scapular depression with resistance band, dipping, forward lean on therapy ball Load progression based on 20-rep max tests every 2 weeks Conducted under physiotherapist supervision

Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Regular archery training without additional exercises

Interventions

Scapular Stabilization Exercise OTHER

Intervention Description: The intervention consists of a structured, physiotherapist-supervised scapular stabilization exercise program developed specifically for athletes engaged in traditional archery. The program is designed to enhance scapular alignment, motor control, and dynamic stability by targeting key stabilizing muscles such as the serratus anterior and lower trapezius. Participants in the intervention group will continue their standard traditional archery training and will additionally perform the scapular stabilization protocol three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. The exercise regimen includes: Scapular Retraction Exercise (prone position with arm elevation) Push-Up Plus Exercise (with scapular protraction emphasis) Scapular Retraction and Depression with Elastic Band Resistance Dipping Exercise (shoulder elevation and scapular control in seated position) Forward Lean Exercise on Therapy Ball (scapular pro

Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 15 to 35 years
• Licensed traditional archers with at least 2 years of experience
• Regular participation in training programs
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of upper extremity orthopedic surgery in the past year
• Existing musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity
• Presence of any neurological disease

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Atıcılar Archery Facility, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality

Bursa, Osmangazi̇, 16040, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Related Publications (2)

• Şimşek, D., A. Cerrah, H. Ertan, and M. Tekce. 2013. "The Assessment of Postural Control Mechanisms in Three Archery Disciplines: A Preliminary Study." Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 4 (3): 18-28.

  BACKGROUND

• Cerrah AO, Simsek D, Soylu AR, Nunome H, Ertan H. Developmental differences of kinematic and muscular activation patterns in instep soccer kick. Sports Biomech. 2024 Jan;23(1):28-43. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2020.1815827. Epub 2020 Sep 15.

  PMID: 32930059 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Metehan Yana, PhD

CONTACT

05072665522; metehanyana@karabuk.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director, PT, PhD

Model Details: This study utilizes a parallel assignment interventional model in which participants are randomly allocated into two distinct groups: an intervention group receiving scapular stabilization exercises and a control group continuing with standard archery training. Each participant remains in their assigned group throughout the 8-week intervention period. The intervention will be supervised by a physiotherapist aware of group allocation, while pre- and post-intervention measurements will be conducted by evaluators who remain blinded throughout the study. The model is designed to ensure comparability between groups and to assess the specific contribution of scapular stabilization exercises on the targeted outcomes.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 23, 2025
• First Posted: June 3, 2025
• Study Start: May 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 1, 2025
• Study Completion: July 1, 2025
• Last Updated: July 10, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)