Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Effects 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.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2017
    Diagnostic Value of Cyclophilin A in Acute Ischemic Stroke

    Karaca, Yunus; Tatli, Ozgur; Eryigit, Umut; Aksüt, Nurhak; Sahin, Aynur; Mentese, Ahmet; Altay, Diler Us; Beslioglu, Necla; Karatas, Mevlut; Örem, Asim

    Aim: The early diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting to the emergency department symptoms of stroke can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with it. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum yclophilin A levels in our study group who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: In total, 114 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke between October 2013 and October 2014 and a control group of 66 healthy volunteers were included. Cyclophilin A levels in the patient and control groups were compared. Results: The median cyclophilin A levels in the patient and control groups measured at the time of presentation were 13.47 (11.97-17.92) ng/mL and 11.54 (8.48-16.22) ng/mL, respectively. These levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Plasma cyclophilin A levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group.