Abstract

Aim of the study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sport shooting training on hand-grip-strength (HGS) and the range of motion (ROM) in the upper limb joints.

Material and Methods. A total of 55 individuals aged 16–70 years (mean age 38.23 ± 13.51) who actively practise sport shooting were included. Based on their experience, they were assigned to two groups. The study group (SG) consisted of 23 athletes with ≥4 years of training experience, and the control group (CG) included 32 athletes with < 4 years of training experience. A custom-designed questionnaire was used, and the functional status of the upper limbs was assessed using measurements of HGS and ROM in the shoulder joints. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to verify the normal distribution of variables, while the Mann–Whitney U test was applied for between-group comparisons. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. In the SG, the mean HGS for both hands was 53.65 ± 11.17, whereas in the CG it was 53.33 ± 8.89 (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences in shoulder joint ROM were found between the two groups (p > 0.05). In both groups, sex had a statistically significant effect on HGS (p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between age and HGS in the SG (r = 0.183) or CG (r = 0.355), with r = 0.245 for both groups combined (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. The duration of sport shooting training did not affect HGS or shoulder joint ROM. Women achieved lower HGS values compared to men. Age did not influence HGS.

Key words

sport shooting, hand grip strength, range of motion, functional status of the upper limbs