Cognitive-Based Balance Exercises on the Shooting Performance of Archers

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Archery; Cognitive Performance; Balance Training

• Registration Number: NCT07070427
• Lead Sponsor: Cyprus International University

Brief Summary

The aim of this treatment study is to determine the effects of cognitive-based balance exercises on archers' shooting performance. The study focuses on archers and examines the effects of cognitive-based dynamic and static balance exercises on shooting accuracy.

In this context, the main questions that the study aims to answer are as follows:

* Cognitive-based balance exercises applied to archers have no effect on shooting performance.

* Cognitive-based balance exercises applied to archers have an effect on shooting performance.

The researchers will evaluate the effects of the interventions on shooting performance by comparing the performance differences between archers who apply cognitive-based balance exercises and archers who only do balance exercises.

Participants:

* The control group will apply various balance exercises during the 12-week training period. The study group will apply cognitive-based balance exercises.

* They will be subjected to performance tests that evaluate static balance, dynamic balance and shooting accuracy.

Detailed Description

This study investigates the effects of cognitive-based balance training on archery performance by targeting not only shooting accuracy, but also neuromuscular and sensorimotor parameters such as shoulder joint position sense and bilateral upper extremity force symmetry. While conventional balance exercises primarily focus on postural control and neuromuscular coordination, cognitive-based balance training integrates executive functions-such as attention, working memory, and decision-making-into postural tasks, aiming to enhance cognitive-motor coupling and sensorimotor integration.

The training program is designed to include both static and dynamic balance activities combined with cognitively demanding tasks, such as dual-tasking, response inhibition, and visuospatial challenges. Progression and supervision are employed to maintain intervention fidelity throughout the 12-week period. Archery performance will be assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized shooting accuracy protocols.

To further investigate potential mechanisms underlying performance changes, two additional neuromuscular variables will be evaluated. Shoulder proprioception will be assessed using a digital clinometer through passive position-reproduction tests in multiple planes of motion (e.g., flexion, abduction, and internal/external rotation at specific angles). This will help determine whether improvements in sensorimotor function accompany changes in performance. Bilateral force symmetry will be assessed using a digital hand dynamometer by comparing maximal isometric grip strength in unilateral and bilateral conditions. The resulting bilateral deficit values will offer insight into interlimb coordination and neural efficiency.

By combining cognitive, postural, and upper extremity neuromuscular assessments, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how cognitively enriched balance interventions may influence both central and peripheral components of athletic performance in archery. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing literature on cognitive-motor integration in precision sports and inform future training paradigms in disciplines that demand both motor accuracy and cognitive control.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-02-15
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-08
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-17
• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-02
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-10
• Study Completion: 2025-09-23

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• Being a licensed archery athlete,
• Having been practicing archery for at least 2 years,
• Participating in a training program at least 2 days a week,
• Using a compound bow,
• Being between the ages of 18-45.

Exclusion Criteria

• Having any diagnosed lung, cardiovascular, neurological, systemic and orthopedic disease,
• Receiving conservative or surgical treatment after trauma in the upper and lower extremities,
• Having had a musculoskeletal injury within the last year,
• Using corticosteroids or any other medication,
• Having a psychological dysfunction.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Static and Dynamic Balance Exercise Training	5-6 minutes	Duration and Type of Static and Dynamic Balance Exercises Using BOSU Balance Ball (minutes) Static and dynamic balance exercises were performed using the BOSU balance ball to enhance proprioception. Exercises included maintaining balance for 30 seconds with eyes open or closed in various positions: static standing with one foot crossed over the other, single-leg standing, gliding stance, double-foot tiptoe rise, and multi-directional reaching while balancing on one foot (right and left) on the BOSU ball. This training protocol was applied to both the control and experimental groups.
Evaluation of Dynamic Balance:	5 minutes	Y-Balance Test Reach Distance (centimeter) Description: Dynamic balance was assessed by measuring the maximum reach distance (in centimeters) during the Y-Balance Test at baseline and after 12 weeks of training.
Evaluation of Static Balance	5 minutes	Standing Stork Test Duration (seconds) Description: Static balance was evaluated by measuring the duration (in seconds) participants were able to maintain a one-legged stance during the Standing Stork Test at baseline and post-intervention.
Dual Task Training	10 minutes	Performance on Cognitive Tasks During Balance Exercises (e.g., counting backwards, reverse recitation) Participants in the study group performed cognitive tasks simultaneously with balance exercises. Tasks included counting backwards by 7 while standing statically, reciting months in reverse while standing on one leg, stating the preceding number when given a number between 1 and 100 during tandem stance, listing days of the week in reverse while standing on tiptoe, and naming 5 words starting with a given letter while reaching in multiple directions on one leg.
Evaluation of Shooting Performance	5 minutes	Total Archery Performance Score (points scored in 5 sets of 3 arrows at 18 meters) Archery performance was measured by the total points scored when participants shot 5 sets of 3 arrows at a target 18 meters away. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks of balance training.ce training.
Evaulation of Joint Position Sense	3 minutes	Mean Angular Error in Shoulder Joint Position Reproduction Test (degrees) Shoulder joint position sense was assessed using a passive position-reproduction test with a digital clinometer. Participants were passively positioned at predetermined angles and asked to actively replicate the position with eyes closed. Angular deviations (in degrees) from the target position were recorded. Measurements were taken for shoulder flexion, abduction (standing), and external/internal rotation at 90° abduction (supine). The mean error was calculated based on three repetitions for each movement. Tests were performed by two independent assessors on the same day to ensure reliability.
Evaluation of Bilateral Deficit	2 minutes	Percentage Bilateral Deficit in Maximal Isometric Grip Strength (%); Bilateral deficit of upper extremity muscle strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Participants performed three maximal isometric grip trials with each hand separately and three simultaneous bilateral maximal isometric grip trials. The bilateral deficit (%) was calculated using the formula: Bilateral Deficit (%) = ((Right Hand + Left Hand) - Bilateral Force) / (Right Hand + Left Hand) × 100.; Positive values indicate bilateral deficit; negative values indicate bilateral facilitation.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cyprus International University; Mersin, Lefkosa, Turkey (Türkiye)