Postural StabilityUTCSTNCT07526376
Unstable Core Training in Air Pistol Athletes
A study testing Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training and Stable Trunk Core Strength Training in people with Postural Stability and Motor Control, run by Shanghai University of Sport at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postural Stability, Motor Control, Sports Performance
- What is being tested?
- Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training and Stable Trunk Core Strength Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 4 Aug 2024to 15 Oct 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
China1 site
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438
About this study
Official 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
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Postural Stability, Motor Control, Sports Performance
- Being tested
- Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training, Stable Trunk Core Strength Training
- Keywords
- Unstable Core Training, Trunk Core Strength, Air Pistol Shooting, Shooting Performance, Postural Stability, Randomized Controlled Trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Unstable Trunk Core Strength TrainingBehavioural
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 TrainingBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training (UTCST) | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform trunk core strength training on unstable surfaces, including Swiss balls, BOSU balls, and balance discs. The intervention will last for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, and each session will last approximately 60 minutes. Training intensity, volume, and progression will be standardized across participants. Receives: Behavioral: Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training |
| Stable Trunk Core Strength Training (STCST) | Active comparator | Participants in this group will perform the same trunk core strength exercises as the experimental group, but on stable surfaces such as the floor or a bench. The training duration, frequency, intensity, and progression will be identical to those of the experimental group to ensure that surface stability is the only variable. Receives: Behavioral: Stable Trunk Core Strength Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Shooting Performance Score
Shooting performance assessed by official 10 m air pistol competition scoring system, expressed as total score (points). Higher scores indicate better performance.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Holding Stability
Holding stability measured by center of pressure (COP) sway or pistol movement trajectory during aiming phase. Lower values indicate better stability.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Secondary outcomes (5)
Core Muscle Strength
Core muscle strength assessed using standardized trunk flexion, extension, and plank endurance tests. Higher values indicate greater core strength.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Postural Stability
Postural stability measured using balance platform or center of pressure (COP) parameters. Lower sway values indicate better stability.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Trunk Muscle Activation (EMG)
Surface electromyography (EMG) used to assess activation of trunk muscles (e.g., rectus abdominis, erector spinae). Increased activation indicates improved neuromuscular control.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Aiming Stability
Aiming stability evaluated by pistol movement trajectory or aiming trace analysis during shooting. Reduced movement variability indicates better stability.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Fatigue Resistance
Fatigue resistance assessed by time to exhaustion during standardized core endurance tasks. Longer duration indicates better fatigue resistance.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start4 Aug 2024
- Primary completion15 Oct 2024
- Study completion15 Oct 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postural StabilityStudies 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an unstable trunk core strength training group (UTCST) or a stable trunk core strength training group (STCST). Both groups will perform identical exercises with matched training intensity and volume over an 8-week period, differing only in the stability of the training surface.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai University of Sport
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jin Rangxi, Shanghai University of Sport
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07526376
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SUS-UTCST-2024-01
- Acronym
- UTCST
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to privacy and ethical restrictions. The data contain sensitive participant information and are not publicly available. Access to the data may be considered upon reasonable request and with permission from the corresponding author and the institutional ethics committee.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07526376
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UTCST / SUS-UTCST-2024-01
- Conditions
- Postural Stability, Motor Control, Sports Performance
- Keywords
- Unstable Core Training, Trunk Core Strength, Air Pistol Shooting, Shooting Performance, Postural Stability, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai University of SportUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2026 (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 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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an unstable trunk core strength training group (UTCST) or a stable trunk core strength training group (STCST). Both groups will perform identical exercises with matched training intensity and volume over an 8-week period, differing only in the stability of the training surface.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training (UTCST) | Experimental | Behavioral: Unstable Trunk Core Strength TrainingParticipants in this group will perform trunk core strength training on unstable surfaces, including Swiss balls, BOSU balls, and balance discs. The intervention will last for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, and each session will last approximately 60 minutes. Training intensity, volume, and progression will be standardized across participants. |
| Stable Trunk Core Strength Training (STCST) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Stable Trunk Core Strength TrainingParticipants in this group will perform the same trunk core strength exercises as the experimental group, but on stable surfaces such as the floor or a bench. The training duration, frequency, intensity, and progression will be identical to those of the experimental group to ensure that surface stability is the only variable. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Unstable Trunk Core Strength TrainingParticipants 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. | Behavioural | Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training (UTCST) |
| Stable Trunk Core Strength TrainingParticipants 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. | Behavioural | Stable Trunk Core Strength Training (STCST) |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
5 secondary outcomes
Core Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Postural Stability
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Trunk Muscle Activation (EMG)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Aiming Stability
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Fatigue Resistance
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to privacy and ethical restrictions. The data contain sensitive participant information and are not publicly available. Access to the data may be considered upon reasonable request and with permission from the corresponding author and the institutional ethics committee.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Unstable Trunk Core Strength Training and Stable Trunk Core Strength Training in people with Postural Stability and Motor Control, run by Shanghai University of Sport at 1 site in China.
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 7 inclusion and 6 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Apr 2026. 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 China. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Shooting Performance Score (time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention). The study lists 2 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 15 Apr 2026.