Shaky training, steady aim? study tests unstable core workouts for elite shooters
NCT ID NCT07526376
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two types of core strength training—on unstable surfaces like Swiss balls versus stable surfaces—in 20 elite 10-meter air pistol athletes over 8 weeks. Researchers measured shooting scores and how steadily athletes held the pistol. The goal was to see if unstable training boosts performance and stability more than traditional stable training.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- trunk core strength training (unstable vs stable surfaces)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help coaches choose better training methods to improve shooting accuracy and stability in elite athletes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 20 athletes, so results may not apply to other sports or skill levels. The difference between training surfaces might be too small to matter.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Finished
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Oct 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China
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