Air pistol shooting requires a high level of postural stability, upper extremity neuromuscular control, and concentration to achieve optimal performance. Prolonged maintenance of the shooting position may lead to shoulder muscle fatigue, reduced joint stability, and impaired shooting accuracy. Although sport-specific exercise programs have been recommended to improve physical performance in shooters, the effectiveness of the T10 exercise program has not yet been investigated in this population. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week T10 exercise program, in addition to routine training, on shooting performance in competitive air pistol athletes. Secondary outcomes include upper and lower extremity functional performance, balance, muscular endurance, upper extremity stability, grip strength, medicine ball throw performance, and visual and auditory reaction time. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group receiving the T10 exercise program plus routine training or a control group continuing routine training alone. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. The findings of this study may provide evidence for the effectiveness of a sport-specific neuromuscular exercise program in enhancing shooting performance and physical function in competitive air pistol athletes.
Age between 18 and 40 years.
Competitive air pistol athletes with at least 2 years of regular shooting experience.
Participating in shooting training for at least 6 hours per week.
Being in the preseason training period.
Current upper extremity musculoskeletal injury or pain.
History of upper extremity orthopedic surgery.
Neurological or cognitive disorders affecting participation.
Visual or hearing impairments that may interfere with testing or shooting performance.
Parallel
Exercise
BehavioralParticipants in the control group will continue their regular shooting training throughout the 12-week study period without receiving the T10 exercise program or any additional physiotherapist-supervised exercise intervention. Routine training will be conducted according to the athletes' usual training schedule under the supervision of their shooting coaches and will include technical shooting practice, aiming exercises, competition-specific drills, and standard warm-up activities. Participants will be instructed to maintain their usual training habits and refrain from initiating any additional upper extremity strengthening or neuromuscular exercise programs during the study period.
Exercise
Other interventionParticipants in the control group will continue their regular shooting training throughout the 12-week study period without receiving the T10 exercise program or any additional physiotherapist-supervised exercise intervention. Routine training will be conducted according to the athletes' usual training schedule under the supervision of their shooting coaches and will include technical shooting practice, aiming exercises, competition-specific drills, and standard warm-up activities. Participants will be instructed to maintain their usual training habits and refrain from initiating any additional upper extremity strengthening or neuromuscular exercise programs during the study period.
Shooting Performance Score
Shooting performance will be assessed according to the official International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) rules using the athletes' total shooting score obtained during a standardized air pistol shooting test. Higher scores indicate better shooting performance.
1. Upper Quarter Y Balance Test
Upper extremity dynamic balance and stability will be assessed using the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test. Reach distances in the medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions will be recorded and normalized to upper limb length.
2. Y Balance Test
Dynamic balance of the lower extremity will be evaluated using the Y Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions will be recorded and normalized to leg length.
3. Flamingo Balance Test
Static balance performance will be assessed by recording the duration participants maintain balance on a narrow beam.
4. Grip Strength
Maximal isometric handgrip strength will be measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer. The mean of three trials will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
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