NCT07002008

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Traditional Archery Athletes

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Shooting Accuracy and Upper Extremity Performance in Traditional Archery Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Karabuk University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 15 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Detailed description

This study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises on shooting performance and upper extremity functional capacity in athletes engaged in traditional archery. Traditional archery is a sport that places significant demands on shoulder girdle stability, particularly during the aiming and release phases. Improper scapular positioning and muscular imbalances may negatively impact accuracy and increase the risk of shoulder injuries over time. Participants will be stratified by age and gender and randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group performing a standardized scapular stabilization program in addition to regular training, and a control group continuing with regular training alone. The exercise program targets key scapular stabilizers, including the serratus anterior and lower trapezius, with the goal of improving scapular alignment, motor control, and muscular endurance. Exercise progression will be tailored to individual response and load tolerance. Assessments will include validated performance and functional tests to evaluate changes in upper extremity strength, endurance, proprioception, and shooting accuracy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted by blinded evaluators to minimize measurement bias. The study protocol has been designed to ensure methodological rigor, with strict adherence to randomization, blinding, and standardized testing procedures. This research aims to fill a gap in the literature concerning shoulder health and performance in traditional archery athletes and may provide valuable guidance for clinicians and coaches involved in the training and rehabilitation of overhead sport athletes.

Conditions

• Athletes
• Exercise
• Archery

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Scapular Stabilization Exercise	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

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2025-07-01
• Completion: 2025-07-01
• First posted: 2025-06-03
• Last updated: 2025-07-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)