AthletesNCT07002008
The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Traditional Archery Athletes
A study testing Scapular Stabilization Exercise in people with Athletes and Exercise, run by Karabuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- What is being tested?
- Scapular Stabilization Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2025to Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 15 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- History of upper extremity orthopedic surgery in the past year
- Existing musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity
- Presence of any neurological disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Atıcılar Archery Facility, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality
Bursa, Osmangazi̇, 16040
Atıcılar Archery Facility, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, 716 22 14, metehanyana@karabuk.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Shooting Accuracy and Upper Extremity Performance in Traditional Archery Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the 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.
- Being tested
- Scapular Stabilization Exercise
- Keywords
- traditional archery, scapular stabilization, shooting performance, strength, balance, endurance, proprioception
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Scapular Stabilization ExerciseOther
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 group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Receives: Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercise |
| Control Group | No intervention | Regular archery training without additional exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Jun 2025
- Study start1 May 2025
- Primary completionJul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for AthletesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, METEHAN YANA, Karabuk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07002008
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- archery
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 23 May 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
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.
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.
PubMed 32930059
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Shooting Accuracy and Upper Extremity Performance in Traditional Archery Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07002008
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- archery
- Keywords
- traditional archery, scapular stabilization, shooting performance, strength, balance, endurance, proprioception
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program | Experimental | Other: Scapular Stabilization ExerciseFrequency: 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 |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Regular archery training without additional exercises |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- History of upper extremity orthopedic surgery in the past year
- Existing musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity
- Presence of any neurological disease
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization ExerciseIntervention 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 | Other | Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program |
Primary outcome
Archery Shooting Performance Score
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Jul 2025.
- BackgroundŞimşek, 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: PubMed 32930059Cerrah 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.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Scapular Stabilization Exercise in people with Athletes and Exercise, run by Karabuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Metehan Yana, PhD (05072665522, metehanyana@karabuk.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Archery Shooting Performance Score (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after intervention). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07002008, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Jul 2025.