Investigation of archery experience on shoulder girdle motion and acromiohumeral distance at full draw: A pilot study.

This study investigates how archery experience affects the acromiohumeral distance (AHD)—the space between the acromion and humeral head—during the full draw phase of archery, using three-dimensional electromagnetic motion tracking and dynamic ultrasonography. Comparing eight experienced archers with ten non-archers, the study found that string tension increased AHD in experienced archers but decreased it in controls, with significant differences in scapulothoracic joint posterior tilt and glenohumeral joint horizontal adduction angles between groups. These findings suggest that beginner archers may adopt shoulder girdle positions at full draw that reduce AHD, potentially increasing the risk of subacromial impingement syndrome. The study highlights the utility of combining motion tracking and ultrasound imaging to understand shoulder biomechanics related to archery and shoulder injury risk.