Acute muscle responses according to training level in traditional Turkish archery: an examination of swelling and damage

This study aimed to compare acute muscle swelling and echogenicity responses induced by repeated arrow shooting in experienced and amateur traditional Turkish archers, and to examine the influence of training level using ultrasonography. Twenty-four male athletes (12 experienced, 12 amateur) performed 105 arrow shots. Pre- and post-measurements of upper-extremity muscle thickness (MT) and echogenicity were collected. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-tests. Both groups showed significant increases in MT, particularly in experienced archers. Echogenicity increased in several muscles, notably the supraspinatus, brachialis, pronator teres, and brachioradialis. The lack of strong correlation between MT and echogenicity suggests that these parameters reflect distinct acute muscular responses. In conclusion, training level influences acute muscular adaptations to shooting, and certain muscles may require targeted protection to prevent overuse injuries. This study provides the first ultrasonographic evaluation of these responses in traditional Turkish archery.