Upper Limb Strength Balance and Shooting Performance in Elite Air Pistol Athletes

Background: Upper limb strength characteristics are considered important determinants of shooting stability in precision sports; however, the specific relationships between upper limb strength variables and shooting performance in elite air pistol athletes remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations between upper limb specific strength characteristics and shooting performance in elite air pistol shooters. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted using a purposive total population sample from an elite training camp. Isometric peak force and rate of force development of nine upper limb muscle actions, including handgrip, elbow flexion and extension, and shoulder joint movements, were assessed using a Vald Dynamo handheld dynamometer. Official scores from an international selection competition were used as indicators of shooting performance. Ridge regression analysis was applied to examine the relationships between strength variables and shooting performance while addressing multicollinearity among predictors. Results: Twenty four elite air pistol athletes at national master level or above were recruited. Shooting performance demonstrated significant positive associations with handgrip peak force, handgrip rate of force development, elbow flexion peak force, elbow extension peak force, shoulder abduction peak force, shoulder internal rotation peak force, and elbow extension rate of force development. Significant negative associations were observed between shooting performance and shoulder flexion peak force, shoulder adduction peak force, shoulder external rotation peak force, shoulder extension rate of force development, shoulder adduction rate of force development, and shoulder internal rotation rate of force development. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a coordinated balance of upper limb specific strength is a key factor influencing shooting performance in elite air pistol athletes. Appropriate development of task specific muscle strength may enhance gun holding stability and trigger control, whereas excessive activation of antagonistic muscle groups may adversely affect shooting accuracy.