ArcheryNCT07070427
Cognitive-Based Balance Exercises on the Shooting Performance of Archers
A study testing Exercise in people with Archery and Cognitive Performance, run by Cyprus International University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Archery, Cognitive Performance, Balance Training
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2023to 23 Sep 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 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Cyprus International University
Mersin, Lefkosa, 99040
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Cognitive-Based Balance Exercises on the Shooting Performance of Archers
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:
Read more
- 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.
Read the 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.
- Conditions
- Archery, Cognitive Performance, Balance Training
- Being tested
- Exercise
- Keywords
- shooting performance, static balance, dynamic balance, cognitive
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseOther
Cognitive-based balance exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Interventions | Experimental | Participants performed balance exercises twice a week for 12 weeks using the BOSU balance ball. The exercises included static and dynamic balance tasks. Additionally, during dual-task training, cognitive tasks such as counting backwards, naming months and days of the week in reverse order, and identifying numerical differences were incorporated alongside balance exercises. Archery performance was assessed by shooting 5 sets of 3 arrows at a target from a distance of 18 meters, both before and after the intervention. Receives: Other: Exercise |
| Control | Experimental | Participants performed the same balance exercises twice a week for 12 weeks using the BOSU balance ball, focusing on static and dynamic balance tasks without additional cognitive tasks. Archery performance was evaluated in the same manner as the experimental group, shooting 5 sets of 3 arrows at a target 18 meters away, before and after the training period. Receives: Other: Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Static and Dynamic Balance Exercise Training
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.
Measured: 5-6 minutes
Evaluation of Dynamic Balance:
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.
Measured: 5 minutes
Evaluation of Static Balance
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.
Measured: 5 minutes
Dual Task Training
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.
Measured: 10 minutes
Evaluation of Shooting Performance
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.
Measured: 5 minutes
Evaulation of Joint Position Sense
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.
Measured: 3 minutes
Evaluation of Bilateral Deficit
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.
Measured: 2 minutes
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jul 2025
- Study start15 Feb 2023
- Primary completion10 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion23 Sep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ArcheryStudies 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cyprus International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Sema ÖZDEN ACARÖZ, Msc, Principal investigator, Cyprus International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07070427
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 1301MA-001
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 9 May 2025
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Cognitive-Based Balance Exercises on the Shooting Performance of Archers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07070427
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 1301MA-001
- Conditions
- Archery, Cognitive Performance, Balance Training
- Keywords
- shooting performance, static balance, dynamic balance, cognitive
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Cyprus International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 23 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Jul 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.
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Interventions | Experimental | Other: ExerciseParticipants performed balance exercises twice a week for 12 weeks using the BOSU balance ball. The exercises included static and dynamic balance tasks. Additionally, during dual-task training, cognitive tasks such as counting backwards, naming months and days of the week in reverse order, and identifying numerical differences were incorporated alongside balance exercises. Archery performance was assessed by shooting 5 sets of 3 arrows at a target from a distance of 18 meters, both before and after the intervention. |
| Control | Experimental | Other: ExerciseParticipants performed the same balance exercises twice a week for 12 weeks using the BOSU balance ball, focusing on static and dynamic balance tasks without additional cognitive tasks. Archery performance was evaluated in the same manner as the experimental group, shooting 5 sets of 3 arrows at a target 18 meters away, before and after the training period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseCognitive-based balance exercises. | Other | Control, Interventions |
Primary outcome
Static and Dynamic Balance Exercise Training
Time frame: 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:
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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.
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 2 Sep 2025.
- Dynamic stretching is effective as static stretching at increasing flexibilityLink provided by the sponsor.
- Postural Sway Distinguishes Shooting Accuracy among Skilled Recurve ArchersLink provided by the sponsor.
- Sensorimotor System Measurement TechniquesLink provided by the sponsor.
- Comparison of Modular Control of Trunk Muscle by Japanese Archery Competitive Level: A Pilot StudyLink provided by the sponsor.
- Proprioception and balance training can improve amateur soccer players' technical skillsLink provided by the sponsor.
- Correlation among proprioception, muscle strength, and balanceLink provided by the sponsor.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Sema ÖZDEN ACARÖZ, Msc principal investigator
Cyprus International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise in people with Archery and Cognitive Performance, run by Cyprus International 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 5 inclusion and 5 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Sep 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?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Static and Dynamic Balance Exercise Training (time frame: 5-6 minutes). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 2 Sep 2025.