The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Traditional Archery Athletes

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

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

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Archery Shooting Performance Score — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.
• Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.
• Upper Quarter Y Balance Test — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.
• Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.
• Isometric Upper Extremity Muscle Strength — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.
• Upper Extremity Proprioception — Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
  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.

Trial sites (1)

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