The Acute Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Balance and Upper Extremity Functional Performance in Archers

Archery is a precision sport requiring optimal postural stability, balance, and upper extremity control. Core muscles play a critical role in maintaining trunk stability and enabling effective force transmission along the kinetic chain. Insufficient core stability may negatively affect shooting accuracy, balance, reaction time, and upper extremity performance, while also increasing injury risk.

Although long-term effects of core stabilization exercises have been widely investigated, evidence regarding their acute effects on balance and upper extremity functional performance in archers is limited. This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the immediate effects of a single session of core stabilization exercises added to routine warm-up on balance, upper extremity stability, reaction time, muscle strength, grip strength, and shooting performance.

Assessments will be conducted before and immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study may contribute to optimizing warm-up protocols and performance strategies in archery training and rehabilitation settings.

Inclusion criteria

• Have been involved in licensed archery for at least 1 year

• Be willing to participate in the program (both the athlete and their parent/guardian)
• Be an athlete without any illness or disability that prevents participation in sports (as determined by a current medical report submitted to the club for licensing purposes)
• Be able to read and write

Exclusion criteria

• ● Those with diagnosed mental or cognitive problems

• Those who have undergone orthopedic surgery or received intra-articular steroid treatment within the last 6 months
• Those with a diagnosed medical condition that could affect balance and shooting performance
• Those with instability issues and associated joint movement restrictions
• Those with acute muscle spasms and pain complaints
• Those using painkillers, sedatives, alcohol, etc., or any other medication or substance that may affect shooting performance
• Those with any diagnosis of injury related to the musculoskeletal system
• Those actively involved in another sport besides archery