Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Eccentric Hamstring Strength and Interlimb Asymmetry in Professional Football Players: A NordBord-Based Longitudinal Analysis of Two Professional Teams
Altuğ, Tolga; Söyler, Mehmet; Yılmaz, Coşkun; Eraslan, Meriç; Aydın, Ahmet Serhat; Kadı, Mustafa Nurullah; Akyol, Pelin; Küçük, Hamza
The aim of this study was to examine temporal changes in eccentric hamstring strength, impulse-based mechanical outputs, and interlimb asymmetry in professional football players performing a football-specific eccentric hamstring training program. Forty male football players (18–25 years) from two teams competing in the Turkish Second Professional Football League participated in this longitudinal cohort study. Eccentric hamstring performance was assessed at three time points (pre-, mid-, and post-season) using the NordBord Hamstring Testing System. Mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects of time and significant time × Team interactions for left and right maximal impulse values (p < 0.05). In contrast, maximal eccentric force variables showed no significant time effects, although significant time × Team interactions were observed for both limbs (p < 0.05). Interlimb maximal force asymmetry and mean asymmetry demonstrated significant time effects, while Team effects and interaction terms were not significant. Overall, these findings indicate that temporal changes in eccentric hamstring performance in professional football players may be more clearly reflected in force–time–dependent metrics, particularly impulse, rather than peak force outputs. Accordingly, impulse-based measures may provide additional insight into eccentric hamstring performance changes in professional football players.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural male bodybuilders
Ceylan, Tülay; Ceylan, Levent; Yılmaz, Coşkun; Badau, Adela; Küçük, Hamza
Background: Inspiratory muscle warm-up (IWU) has been hypothesized to enhance athletic performance by pre-activating respiratory muscles; however, evidence in professional natural male bodybuilders is scarce. The present study investigated the acute effects of IWU on One-Repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance and pulmonary function. Methods: The present randomized controlled experimental study comprised 20 male athletes with an average training experience of 3.21 ± 1.44 years, who trained for more than 5 h per week and had participated in national or international competitions. At the commencement of the study, all participants underwent a series of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), measurements of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), and a 1RM test. Following the initial assessments, which were conducted seventy-two hours prior, participants were randomly assigned to either the IWU group (n = 10) or the control (CON) group (n = 10). While the IWU group performed both inspiratory muscle warm-up and standard exercise warm-up, the CON group performed only the standard warm-up. Subsequent to the execution of the warm-up protocols, both groups were subjected to re-evaluation through the means of the 1RM test and respiratory parameter measurements. Results: The IWU group demonstrated a 5.96% greater enhancement in 1RM performance in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC following IWU, with improvements of 2.57%, 2.44%, and 2.65%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an additional 2.39% enhancement in MEP was identified in favour of the IWU group (p = 0.008). The alterations in MIP and PEF exhibited by the two groups were analogous, with no statistically significant disparities observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated that IWU has the capacity to rapidly enhance maximal strength and respiratory function in professional bodybuilders. Consequently, IWU can be advocated as an efficacious warm-up technique to augment exercise performance in bodybuilding athletes. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the title “Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warmup on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural bodybuilders’’. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07390149, Date 18012026. (Retrospectively)
- MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026The mediating role of mental fatigue awareness in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among combat athletes
Yilmaz, Taner; Öz, Faik; Gül, Oguzhan; Dal, Suzan; Kara, Tayfun; Akkoç, Orkun; Küçük, Hamza; Fort, Patricia Roxana; Çitozi, Robert; Kadi, Mustafa Nurullah
Background Combat athletes face unique psychological demands, and stress may influence both their cognitive experiences and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of mental fatigue awareness in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being among combat athletes, thereby contributing to a clearer understanding of a potential cognitive mechanism linking stress to well-being in this population.Methods A total of 303 combat athletes voluntarily participated. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Mental Fatigue Awareness Scale, and Psychological Well-being Scale. Statistical analyses assessed the direct effects of perceived stress on psychological well-being, the effect of stress on mental fatigue awareness, and the potential mediating role of mental fatigue awareness.Results Perceived stress significantly increased mental fatigue awareness (b = 0.732, SE = 0.064, beta = 0.549, p = 0.001) and directly decreased psychological well-being (b = - 0.488, SE = 0.166, beta = - 0.191, p = 0.004). Mental fatigue awareness negatively affected psychological well-being (b = - 0.374, SE = 0.124, beta = - 0.195, p = 0.003) and partially mediated the relationship between stress and well-being (indirect effect: b = - 0.274, SE = 0.115, beta = - 0.107, p = 0.003; 95% CI = - 0.504 to - 0.049).Conclusion Perceived stress was associated with psychological well-being both directly and indirectly through increased mental fatigue awareness. These findings suggest that mental fatigue awareness may represent a relevant cognitive pathway linking stress perceptions to well-being. Accordingly, stress management and strategies aimed at regulating mental fatigue may be considered as potentially beneficial components in efforts to support psychological well-being among combat athletes.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Effects of Halotherapy as an Adjunct to Preseason Training on Respiratory and Aerobic Outcomes in Elite Female Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Sarisik, Derya Cetin; Aydin, Ahmet Serhat; Söyler, Mehmet; Zileli, Raif; Özkurt, Ali; Yilmaz, Coskun; Küçük, Hamza; Karatas, Mevlut
Background: Aerobic capacity and respiratory efficiency are critical determinants of performance in elite female football, characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts and rapid recovery demands. Halotherapy, involving the inhalation of dry salt aerosol, has been shown to improve pulmonary health; however, its effects on exercise-related outcomes in athletic populations remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week post-training halotherapy intervention on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and aerobic performance in elite female football players. Methods: Twenty-eight elite female football players competing in the Turkish Women's First League were randomly assigned to a halotherapy group (HG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 14). Both groups completed an identical preseason training program, while the HG additionally performed 45 min halotherapy sessions three times per week in a controlled halochamber. Pre-and post-intervention assessments included maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MVV), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1), along with total distance covered. A 2 & times; 2 mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess time and group & times; time interaction effects. Results: Significant group & times; time interactions were observed for MIP, MEP, VO(2)max, FEV1, PEF, MVV, and Yo-Yo IRT1 performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes (eta p(2) = 0.269-0.924), favoring the halotherapy group. Forced vital capacity (FVC) increased over time in both groups (p = 0.141), with no significant interaction effect. Changes in the control group were comparatively smaller across most outcomes. Conclusion: Post-training halotherapy was associated with improvements in respiratory muscle strength, ventilatory function, aerobic capacity, and intermittent running performance in elite female football players. These findings suggest that halotherapy may be considered as a complementary, non-invasive strategy to support respiratory and aerobic adaptations. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to clarify the underlying physiological mechanisms. Trial registration: NCT07406386; 6 February 2026.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Diaphragm and Abdominal Wall Muscle Thickness with Fatty Liver Density in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Gökçelik, Eda; Yilmaz, Coskun; Budak, Cemallettin; Soylu, Hakan Huseyin; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Muntean, Raul Ioan; Küçük, Hamza; Ceylan, Levent
Background and Objectives: Post-menopausal estrogen decline is considered a contributing factor to sarcopenia, and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may provide benefits in this demographic. This study examined the impact of a four-week IMT program on diaphragm thickness, abdominal wall muscle thickness (AWMT; transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique), and liver fat percentage in healthy elderly women. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six women aged 60-80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT group (n = 13) or a control group (n = 13). The IMT group used the PowerBreathe (R) Classic device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with weekly increments of 10%. Training was performed twice daily, five days per week, with 30 breathing cycles per session (60 per day). The control group maintained their usual routines. AWMT, diaphragm thickness (DT), and fatty liver density (FLD) were measured by a radiologist before and after the intervention. Results: After four weeks, the IMT group showed significant improvements in all parameters compared to controls. Mid-diaphragm thickness (MDT) increased by 11.44% (effect size (ES) = 0.358, p < 0.001) versus 0.76% in controls (p = 0.271). Posterior diaphragm thickness (PDT) improved by 7.48% (ES = 0.282, p < 0.001) versus 0.38% (p = 0.564). Right AWMT increased by 12.7% (ES = 0.492, p < 0.001) compared to 0.10% (p = 0.872), and left AWMT increased by 9.93% (ES = 0.395, p < 0.001) versus 2.64% (p = 0.014). FLD improved by 11.79% (ES = 0.959, p < 0.001) in the IMT group, while the control group showed no meaningful change (-0.13%, p = 0.847). Conclusions: A short-term IMT protocol significantly enhanced diaphragm and AWMT and reduced liver fat in elderly women. These findings support the use of IMT as a simple, non-invasive intervention to preserve musculoskeletal and metabolic health in aging populations.