Unstable Core Training in Air Pistol Athletes

NCT07526376 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SUS-UTCST-2024-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of unstable versus stable trunk core strength training on shooting performance and postural stability in elite 10 m air pistol athletes. Twenty national-level athletes will be randomly assigned to either an unstable training group or a stable training group for an 8-week intervention. Both groups will perform identical core exercises with matched intensity and volume, differing only in the stability of the training surface. Shooting performance and gun-holding stability will be assessed using a SCATT system, and postural control will be evaluated using a plantar pressure system. The results of this study may help determine whether unstable core training provides additional benefits for improving shooting accuracy and stability in elite athletes.

Conditions

Postural Stability; Motor Control; Sports Performance

Keywords

Unstable Core Training; Trunk Core Strength; Air Pistol Shooting; Shooting Performance; Postural Stability; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Shooting Performance Score

  Shooting performance assessed by official 10 m air pistol competition scoring system, expressed as total score (points). Higher scores indicate better performance.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Holding Stability

  Holding stability measured by center of pressure (COP) sway or pistol movement trajectory during aiming phase. Lower values indicate better stability.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Core Muscle Strength

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Postural Stability

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Trunk Muscle Activation (EMG)

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Aiming Stability

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

• Fatigue Resistance

  Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training (UTCST)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform trunk core strength training on unstable surfaces, including Swiss balls, BOSU balls, and balance discs. The intervention will last for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, and each session will last approximately 60 minutes. Training intensity, volume, and progression will be standardized across participants.

Behavioral: Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training

Stable Trunk Core Strength Training (STCST)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will perform the same trunk core strength exercises as the experimental group, but on stable surfaces such as the floor or a bench. The training duration, frequency, intensity, and progression will be identical to those of the experimental group to ensure that surface stability is the only variable.

Behavioral: Stable Trunk Core Strength Training

Interventions

Stable Trunk Core Strength Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform the same trunk core strengthening exercises as the experimental group, but on stable surfaces such as the floor or a bench. The intervention duration, frequency, intensity, and progression will be identical to those in the unstable training group. This design ensures that the only difference between groups is the stability of the training surface.

Stable Trunk Core Strength Training (STCST)

Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform trunk core strength training on unstable surfaces, including Swiss balls, BOSU balls, and balance discs. The intervention will be conducted for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, and each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Exercises will focus on improving core stability and neuromuscular control under unstable conditions. Training intensity and progression will be individualized while maintaining standardized protocols across participants.

Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training (UTCST)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Elite 10 m air pistol athletes with regular training experience
• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Minimum of 2 years of systematic shooting training
• Currently engaged in regular training (≥3 sessions per week)
• No history of musculoskeletal injury affecting performance in the past 6 months
• Able to understand and follow study procedures
• Provided written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Current or recent (within 6 months) musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting trunk or upper limb function
• History of neurological disorders or balance impairment
• Participation in other structured core strength training programs during the study period
• Use of medications that may affect neuromuscular function or performance
• Any medical condition that contraindicates participation in physical training
• Inability to comply with the study protocol

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai University of Sport: lead

Study Sites (1)

Shanghai University of Sport

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and trainers cannot be blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an unstable trunk core strength training group (UTCST) or a stable trunk core strength training group (STCST). Both groups will perform identical exercises with matched training intensity and volume over an 8-week period, differing only in the stability of the training surface.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 6, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: August 4, 2024
• Primary Completion: October 15, 2024
• Study Completion: October 15, 2024
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)