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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07526376

Unstable Core Training in Air Pistol Athletes

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Postural Stability Motor Control Sports Performance

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Shanghai University of Sport

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China

About this study

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of unstable versus stable trunk core strength training on shooting performance and postural stability in elite 10 m air pistol athletes.

A total of 20 national-level athletes will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups: the unstable trunk core strength training (UTCST) group and the stable trunk core strength training (STCST) group. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random number table, and allocation will be concealed using sealed opaque envelopes. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group assignments.

Both groups will undergo an 8-week training program with three sessions per week. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes. The UTCST group will perform core strengthening exercises on unstable surfaces such as Swiss balls, BOSU balls, and balance discs, while the STCST group will perform identical exercises on stable surfaces. Training intensity, volume, and progression will be standardized between groups to ensure that surface instability is the only independent variable.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Shooting performance and gun-holding stability will be evaluated using the SCATT optoelectronic system, including shooting score, aiming time, 10-ring stability, and muzzle movement velocity. Postural stability will be assessed using a plantar pressure measurement system by analyzing center-of-pressure (COP) parameters such as sway area and path length.

Statistical analysis will be conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance to examine the effects of group, time, and their interaction. A significance level of p < 0.05 will be used.

This study aims to provide evidence on whether unstable trunk core strength training offers superior benefits compared to traditional stable training for enhancing shooting performance and postural control in elite athletes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

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.

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Shooting Performance Score

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

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

  2. Holding Stability

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

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

Secondary outcomes

  1. Core Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Core muscle strength assessed using standardized trunk flexion, extension, and plank endurance tests. Higher values indicate greater core strength.

  2. Postural Stability

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Postural stability measured using balance platform or center of pressure (COP) parameters. Lower sway values indicate better stability.

  3. Trunk Muscle Activation (EMG)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Surface electromyography (EMG) used to assess activation of trunk muscles (e.g., rectus abdominis, erector spinae). Increased activation indicates improved neuromuscular control.

  4. Aiming Stability

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Aiming stability evaluated by pistol movement trajectory or aiming trace analysis during shooting. Reduced movement variability indicates better stability.

  5. Fatigue Resistance

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention

    Fatigue resistance assessed by time to exhaustion during standardized core endurance tasks. Longer duration indicates better fatigue resistance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Shanghai University of Sport

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Unstable Versus Stable Trunk Core Strength Training on Shooting Performance and Holding Stability in Elite 10 m Air Pistol Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: UTCST

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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