Sport Science Research Articles

Wearable solid-phase microextraction sampling for enhanced detection of volatile analytes in human ears

BackgroundInvestigating ear at molecule level is challenging task, since there is a lack of molecular detection by traditional diagnosis techniques such as otologic endoscopy, ear swab culture, and imaging diagnostic technique. Therefore, new development of noninvasive, highly sensitive, and convenient analytical method for investigating human ears is highly needed. ResultsWe developed a wearable sampling device for extracting trace analytes in ear by fixing solid-phase microextraction fibers into modified earmuffs (SPME-in-earmuffs). After sampling, SPME fiber was coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identification and quantification of extracted analytes. Enhanced detection of various analytes such as volatile metabolites, exposures, and therapeutic drugs of ears were demonstrated in this work. Particularly, sport-induced metabolic changes such as fatty acids, aldehyde compounds and oxidative produces were found from human ears using this method. Acceptable analytical performances were obtained by using this newly developed method for detecting ear medicines, e.g., low limit of detection (LOD, 0.005–0.021 ng/mL) and limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.018–0.071 ng/mL), excellent linear dynamic responses (R2 > 0.99, ranging from 0.050–8.00 ng/mL), good relative standard deviations (RSDs, 13.19 % ∼ 21.40 %, n = 6) and accuracy (84.43–150.18 %, n = 6) at different concentrations. SignificanceFor the first time, this work provides a simple, convenient, and wearable microextraction method for enhanced detection of trace volatiles in human ears. The enclosed space between ear and earmuff allows headspace SPME sampling of volatile analytes, and thus provides a new wearable method for monitoring ear metabolites and human exposures, showing potential applications in human health, disease diagnosis, and sport science.

Poster 171: Comparative Analysis of Kinetic Variables Between Different Pitch Types in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Objectives: The persistent high rates of elbow injuries among professional baseball pitchers indicates a critical gap in our understanding of how a pitch influences load on the elbow. Traditionally, research has examined the maximum value of various kinetics experienced at the throwing arm during a pitch, especially elbow varus torque. The maximum elbow varus torque has been used as a surrogate for potential elbow injury; however, the elbow injury epidemic has still persisted. It is possible that analysis focused on only the maximum value misses the total load experienced on the throwing arm. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate different metrics to evaluate elbow stress, including maximum elbow varus torque, elbow loading rate, and cumulative varus torque between different pitch types. By evaluating these aspects of elbow stress, our study aims to uncover previously overlooked kinetic variables that might be potential contributors to elbow injuries, bridging the gap between existing kinetic analyses and the persistent high injury rates. Methods: Data from a cohort of 41 professional baseball pitchers were utilized for this analysis (188 ± 6 cm; 91.9 ± 8.2 kg). Pitchers threw a series of fastball, changeup, and curveball pitches (fastball: 10 ± 3 pitches, changeup: 3 ± 1 pitches, curveball: 4 ± 1 pitches) captured using a 3D motion capture system (480 Hz). Kinetic variables were calculated for each pitch, including maximum elbow varus torque, loading torque rate (measured as the derivative of the varus torque curve), and cumulative elbow varus torque (measured as the area under the elbow varus torque curve). A linear mixed effects model was employed to examine within player associations between pitch type and ball velocity, maximum elbow varus torque, loading torque rate, and cumulative elbow varus torque. Statistical significance was set at p<0.01. Results: Our findings reveal that the fastball pitch created greater loading on the elbow compared to the change up and curveball pitches (Table 1). Pitchers threw their fastball with increased ball velocity (40.3 ± 0.6 m/s) compared to throwing their changeup (36.6 ± 0.5 m/s) and curveball (33.7±0.5 m/s) (p<0.001). Maximum elbow varus torque was also greater in the fastball pitch (93.7 ± 3.3 N∙m) compared to the changeup pitch (84.1 ± 2.4 N∙m) and curveball (91.0 ± 2.3 N∙m) (p<0.001); the curveball pitch had greater maximum torque compared to changeup pitches (p<0.001). The loading rate was 15% lower for the changeup pitch (690.0 ± 49.4 N∙m/s) (p<0.001) and 6% lower for the curveball (753.6 ± 60.3 N∙m/s) compared to the fastball (820.1 ± 72.2 N∙m/s) (p<0.001). The cumulative elbow varus torque for the fastball was 4% greater than the changeup pitch (2996.9 ± 92.9 vs 2894.1 ± 84.1 N∙m) and 7% greater than the curveball pitch (2996.9 ± 92.9 vs 2797.2 ± 85.8 N∙m) (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study reveals the importance of considering pitch type when evaluating kinetic variables in professional baseball pitchers. The observed differences in elbow varus torque, loading rate, and other kinematic metrics between fastball, changeup, and curveball pitches highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of biomechanical variations associated with different pitch types. These findings have implications for optimizing pitcher training programs, injury prevention strategies, and player management. By unraveling the intricate connections between kinetic variables and pitch types, this research contributes to advancing the biomechanical knowledge within the field of orthopedics and sports science.

Optimizing isometric midthigh pull testing protocols: impact on peak force and rate of force development and their association with jump performance.

Isometric strength testing is widely applied in sports science. However, we hypothesized that traditional testing procedures with a dual focus on both peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) may compromise the true assessment of early RFD measures and lower the associative value towards vertical jump performance. Therefore, PF and RFD were assessed for 47 active participants (24 females, 23 males) with a traditional isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) protocol ("push as hard and fast as possible" over 4 s) and an RFD-specific protocol ("push as fast as possible" over 2 s). IMTP measures were compared to squat (SJ), countermovement (CMJ) and drop-jump (DJ) performance. The RFD-specific protocol provided higher RFD (P<0.05) for time domains up to 100 ms but lower PF (P<0.001). Independent of protocol, SJ and CMJ performance displayed significant, but low-to-moderate correlations with all RFD measures (r=0.30-0.52) as well as PF (r=0.44), whereas DJ did not show any correlation. In conclusion, an RFD-specific protocol appears relevant for the assessment of RFD in the time domain up to 100 ms. However, the observed associations between RFD/PF measures and vertical jump performance remained low-to-moderate independent of the IMTP test protocol.

Light load jump squat and plyometric training enhance jumping, sprinting, change of direction, and balance performance of male soccer players (U-19): a randomized controlled trial.

In sports science, optimizing athletic performance is pursued through an emerging approach that combined light-loaded squat (LLS) training and plyometric jump training (PJT), targeting strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations, particularly beneficial for the dynamic demands of youth soccer. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a combined LLS training and PJT program on athletic performance and balance in youth soccer players. Thirty-two male players were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG: N.=16; age: 18.56±0.51 years; body mass: 66.87±4.99 kg; height: 1.78±0.07 m) and a control group (CG: N.=16; age: 18.68±0.47 years; body mass: 67.93±4.58 kg; height: 1.77±0.07 m) from the same U19 team of a professional club voluntarily participated in the study. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), drop jump (DJ), 30 m sprint (30 mS), change of direction ability (4×5 m sprint test [S 4×5 m]) and static balance (the stork balance) performance tests were carried out in the week before and the week after the 8 weeks with combined LLS and PJT period. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for all tests. The results of this study show that the EG had significantly greater improvements than the CG in all tests (all P<0.001). Also, EG experienced higher performance between preintervention and post intervention measures (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the 4×5mS performance (P>0.05). We conclude that coaches may be advised to use the combined LLS and PJT since it is as effective as traditional methods and perfect for sports and activities requiring fast, explosive movements during the in-season period than regular training.

Effects of Different Conditioning Activities on the Sprint Performance of Elite Sprinters: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE), which refers to the phenomena associated with the attainment of enhanced performance in sport-specific tasks after a conditioning activity, is an important objective of warming-up practices in many sports. This is even more relevant for sprinters, as potential increases in sprinting speed will directly influence their competitive results. This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the effects of different PAPE protocols (ie,using plyometrics, strength-power exercises, and resisted/assisted sprints) on the sprinting performance (ie,sprint time or sprint speed) of competitive sprinters. Initially, 1205 records published until last December 18 were identified, using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Clarivate Web of Science. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 14 high-quality studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Overall, there were no significant changes in sprint performance after implementing various types of conditioning activities (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.16 [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.33]; Z = 1.78; P = .08; I2 = 0%). In addition, when comparing prechanges and postchanges between experimental, control, and other conditions, no significant differences were found in sprint speed or time across all studies (SMD = 0.09 [95% CI, -0.10 to 0.28]; Z = 0.92; P = .36; I = 0%). Results revealed that different types of conditioning activities may not be capable of acutely enhancing the sprint speed of competitive sprinters. This aligns with previous observations indicating that sprinting is a highly stable physical capacity, a phenomenon that is even more consistent among elite sprinters. Coaches and sport scientists should collaborate to develop more efficient PAPE protocols for these highly specialized athletes, with special attention to study design and individualization, while considering their effects on acceleration versus top speed.

Overview Smoking Behavior and Quality of Life of Sports Department Students, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang

According to the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2021, there has been a considerable increase in the number of adult smokers over the past ten years, rising from 60.3 million in 2011 to 69.1 million in 2021, an increase of 8.8 million individuals. This study aims to compare the quality of life between actively smoking students and those who are exposed to passive smoking, examining their physical, psychological, social, and environmental health effects. The study utilized a sample of 100 respondents who completed a questionnaire on cigarette use and the WHOQOL quality of life assessment, covering variables such as cigarette type, disruption in daily activities, desire to quit smoking, cigarette consumption, and attitudes towards smoking bans in public places. Calculation of the WHOQOL score revealed that 60 percent of non-smoking student respondents reported a good quality of life. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced health awareness programs and stricter smoking regulations within the university to foster a healthier environment. The study's insights highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions and policies to reduce smoking rates among students to enhance their overall quality of life.According to the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2021, there has been a considerable increase in the number of adult smokers over the past ten years, rising from 60.3 million in 2011 to 69.1 million in 2021, an increase of 8.8 million individuals. This study aims to compare the quality of life between actively smoking students and those who are exposed to passive smoking, examining their physical, psychological, social, and environmental health effects. The study utilized a sample of 100 respondents who completed a questionnaire on cigarette use and the WHOQOL quality of life assessment, covering variables such as cigarette type, disruption in daily activities, desire to quit smoking, cigarette consumption, and attitudes towards smoking bans in public places. Calculation of the WHOQOL score revealed that 60 percent of non-smoking student respondents reported a good quality of life. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced health awareness programs and stricter smoking regulations within the university to foster a healthier environment. The study's insights highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions and policies to reduce smoking rates among students to enhance their overall quality of life.

The effect of educational situations according to the dimension (sequential - total) in learning the net lift

The aim of the research is to identify the learners’ preferred educational style according to the dimension (sequential and total), by designing educational situations according to the dimension (sequential and total) in learning the deadlift. The researcher assumed that there were statistically significant differences between the results of the pre- and post-tests for the two experimental research groups in learning the deadlift. For the sake of post-testing for students, the researcher used the experimental method to suit the nature of the research. The research population was intentionally selected from first-level students in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences - Samarra University for the academic year (2023-2024), as it reached (97) male and female students distributed into three divisions. Study section: Section (A) numbered (33), Section (B) numbered (32), and Section (C) numbered (32). As for the research sample, it was identified and chosen randomly. The first experimental group was represented by Section (B), which adopted the dimension ( Sequential) and its number is (15) students who tend to the sequential style according to the Felder and Silverman scale. As for the second experimental group, it was represented by Section (C) and its number is (15) students, which adopted the (total) dimension of those who tend to the holistic style according to the Felder and Silverman scale. Thus, it reached The proportion of the research sample was (30.927%) from members of the overall population, and the researcher used the assessment of the apparent form of performance as a means of collecting data. The main research experiment lasted (5) weeks with two educational units during one week for each group, and the statistical means were (arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Percentage, mode, skewness coefficient, simple correlation coefficient, T-test for related samples - for independent samples. The results showed that the educational situations prepared according to the dimension (sequential - total) have a positive impact on learning the movement of the net for the two experimental research groups under study, and it was recommended The researcher uses educational situations that take into account the different learning styles of learners because this has a positive impact on learning outcomes.

Personality traits and sporting level of athletes

Background and Study Aim. Personality traits significantly influence athletic performance and the development of athletes. However, these traits vary at different levels of sport. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to effectively tailor training and support programs. Thus, the purpose of this article is to identify differences in the expression of personality traits among professional athletes, competitive athletes, and amateur athletes. Material and Methods. The respondents (N=83) were sport seniors from Poland, aged 23 years, studying at the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences. They were classified into three groups: 1) n=23 professional athletes; 2) n=30 competitive athletes; and 3) n=30 amateur athletes. The Big Five model was used, and the NEO-FFI personality questionnaire was administered. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, with a statistical significance level set at α = 0.05. Results. Differences in neuroticism intensity among athletes from different sport levels were noted. Professional athletes showed the lowest level of neuroticism. However, no differences were observed in the intensity of individual personality traits among athletes by gender. Furthermore, correlations were noted between sport level and athletes’ personality traits: neuroticism (strong and negative), extraversion (weak and positive), and conscientiousness (weak and positive). Conclusions. Findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits when developing tailored training and support programs for athletes. The absence of gender differences in personality traits suggests that such programs can be designed without gender-specific adjustments. The identified correlations between sport level and personality traits provide valuable insights for coaches and sport psychologists to better understand and support athletes' psychological profiles.

Impact of arm technique and elastic force on vertical jump performance in physical education students: a convergent validation study

Background and Study Aim. Vertical jump performance is crucial for athletes in many sports. However, the optimal techniques for maximizing jump height and efficiency for both students and professional soccer players require more effective solutions. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various vertical jump techniques, focusing on arm swing and elastic force utilization, and to evaluate the extent of the impact that each modification has on biomechanical characteristics and performance outcomes. Materials and methods. Ten first-grade Sport Science students and ten professional soccer players from F.C. Malisevo participated in the study. The participants performed a series of jumps, including the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), and Abalakov jump (ABL), while being recorded on an iPhone 13 Pro at 240 frames per second. Data analysis was conducted using the My Jump 3 app and SPSS 26 software. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were employed for comparative analysis. The Independent Samples T-test was used to compare differences in jump performance between the groups. Results. Significant differences in jump performance and force production were observed between SP and PES, with professional athletes demonstrating superior neuromuscular capabilities and better utilization of elastic energy. However, within each group, no significant differences were found between the different jump techniques, suggesting that arm swing and elastic force contribute similarly to overall jump height. Arm swing contributed 11.0% to jump performance in PES and 12.0% in SP, while the influence of elastic force stored in tendons during the eccentric phase was 7.0% in PES and 6.0% in SP. Conclusions. Specialized training significantly enhances jump performance, as evidenced by differences in CMJ, SJ, and ABL between SP and PES. Arm swing and elastic force utilization play crucial roles in vertical jumping, with professional athletes potentially leveraging arm mechanics more effectively. The study validates the reliability of the My Jump 3 app for measuring jump performance across diverse athletic backgrounds.

Investigation of Balance Assessment of TecnoBody Devices in Athletes

Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced user-computer interface that includes real-time simulation and interactions through visual and auditory senses. VR is increasingly being used on athletes for assessment and training. Balance refers to maintaining the position of the body's center of gravity. Static and dynamic balance is the basis of postural stability and mobility and is an important skill in sport. Balance impairment increases the risk of falls and is clinically assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. However, more objective methods need to be developed. For this purpose, technologies such as posturography, which measures the center of pressure trajectory, are used. TecnoBody devices play an active role in the assessment and rehabilitation processes. In particular, proprioceptive and stability analyses are performed with ProKin devices, dynamic balance analyses are performed with D-Wall device and audiovisual feedback is provided with exergame. These devices are effective in rehabilitation and can increase patients' interest in treatment. As a result of the studies conducted in the literature review, TecnoBody Prokin has also been used in the field of sports sciences. In the studies conducted with Prokin, it was seen that it was generally used in dynamic and static balance evaluations. However, no studies on TecnoBody's other devices were found in the literature. In addition, in the studies examined, it was seen that TecnoBody devices were used as a evaluation tool instead of being used in exercises. With the advancement of technology, it is thought that TecnoBody devices can be more effective in people through exercise feedback.Keywords: Athlete Balance, Balance, TecnoBody,

Investigation of the Effect of Sports Participation Motivations of Students of Faculty of Sports Sciences on Their Leadership Orientations

In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between motivation to participate in sports and leadership orientations of students of the faculty of sports sciences. A relational survey model was used in this study. The study group consisted of students studying in the Faculty of Sports Sciences. The questionnaire part of the study consists of three parts. Firstly, includes demographic information. Secondly, the “Leadership Orientations Questionnaire”, which was developed by Bolman and Deal (1990) and adapted into Turkish by Dereli (2003), is explored. Thirdly, consists of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire, which was developed by Gill et al. (1983) and adapted into Turkish by Oyar et al. (2001). For the determine normality assumption skewness and kurtosis values was used. Skewness and kurtosis values were found to be between ±2 and it was determined that the data had a normal distribution (George and Malley, 2003). Afterward, an Independent samples t-test was used between paired groups, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for paired variables. Moreover, reliability coefficient, frequency and percentage and mean and standard deviation calculations were conducted. Simple regression analysis was used to determine the effect between the dependent and independent variables. The findings, a statistically significant difference was found in the variables of leadership orientation and age, income level, and frequency of weekly sports participation in sports participation motivation. As a result, it was determined that there was a low-level significant and negative relationship between the participants' motivation to participate in sports and their leadership orientations.Keywords: Leadership, Motivation, Sports.

Examining the Relationship Between Individual Innovativeness and Positive Future Expectation Levels of Physical Education Teacher Candidates

This study aimed to examine the effect of teacher candidates' individual innovativeness levels on their positive future expectations. A total of 412 teacher candidates, 194 women and 218 men, studying at sports science faculties of universities in Ankara, participated in the research. “Personal Information Form”, “Individual Innovativeness Scale” and “Positive Future Expectation Scale” were used in the data collection process. During the data analysis phase, Independent Samples T test, One Way ANOVA analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in the SPSS 25.0 program. The research found that the individual innovativeness levels and positive future expectations of the teacher candidates were above the medium level. It was found that the individual innovativeness levels and positive expectations of teacher candidates differ according to the type of university (public, private) and the class they study in (p &lt;0.05). It was observed that there was a positive relationship between the individual innovativeness level and positive future expectation among the teacher candidates participating in the research (p&lt;0.05), and it was also determined that the individual innovativeness level positively affected the positive future expectation (pz0.05). As a result, it can be said that the high level of individual innovativeness in teacher candidates is a factor that increases positive future expectations.

Development of Evaluation Criteria for the Sports Science Measurements of Baseball Players: A Delphi Study on Physical, Biomechanical, and Lifestyle Factors

Development of Evaluation Criteria for the Sports Science Measurements of Baseball Players: A Delphi Study on Physical, Biomechanical, and Lifestyle Factors

Strength as phenomenon: a pure phenomenology of sport

ABSTRACT Strength is a central element of sport and therefore an equally central topic in sports science. In sports science, strength is dealt with primarily in biomechanics. Biomechanics reduces strength – legitimately – to a scientific subject. As a result, it loses sight of strength as a lifeworld phenomenon. The discipline that allows us to grasp strength as an everyday experience is phenomenology. This essay undertakes a phenomenological analysis of strength to uncover the diversity of strength phenomena in the lifeworld of sport. The theoretical and methodological basis for this is Hermann Schmitz’s ‘new phenomenology’ (Neue Phänomenologie). With the help of new phenomenology, I first develop a real definition of strength (‘strength is an intrusive effect through one-sided incorporation’). Second, I work out the general structures of the phenomenon of ‘strength’, that is, a system comprising ten categories (‘pulling, pushing, centripetal, centrifugal, lifting, lowering, strong, weak, heavy, light’). Third, I use this system of categories for a phenomenology of sport-immanent strength phenomena. The paper thus makes a contribution to a pure phenomenology of sport.

Archery Analytic Workflow in a Web-Based Application

The integration of sports science and camera sensing technology has recently emerged to be an advanced analytical tool in sportsperson performance enhancement. The use of computing power and a web-based application can provide quick information analysis and data reporting between coaches and athletes. The design of an archery analytic workflow is demonstrated in this paper using the Python Flask framework, video analytic algorithms, a structured video inventory framework, MongoDB database setup and integration of the Keypoint R-CNN machine learning backend. A user-friendly data visualisation interface on the front end is integrated in the software to deliver athletes’ analytical capabilities such as thorough frame-by-frame video analysis, posture consistency estimation and joint kinematic analysis. This web application framework is not limited to archery sports, and can be extended to numerous sports, such as shooting, weightlifting and cycling. The significance of integrating camera sensing technology with the sports science field can offer quantitative and qualitative observations to improve training programs and performance evaluation.

Finding a predictive value for the achievement of running the 800 m in terms of some biochemical indicators among female students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

The 800m event was discussed, and that some biochemical indicators have a direct impact on the students’ ability to continue performing with maximum effort and in the shortest possible time, as this event falls within the most difficult energy production systems, which is the lactic acid system. The importance of research is to find a predictive equation for the completion of this race in terms of some Biochemical indicators for them this equation will be a valuable tool for trainers. As for the problem of the research, and through the researcher’s follow-up of the local championships, he noticed that there is a difference in the completion of the 800 m event for women between high and low, and between one student and another, and one student and another. This may be one of the most important reasons for the quality and trends of the training provided to them or the study of the biochemical components of the female students. The research sample represents female students in the College of Education. Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Dohuk used special tests and measurements and used statistical laws rather than extracting results. The researcher concluded that the contribution of the hemoglobin Hp index had the highest percentage of contribution to the completion of 800 meters among female students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. She recommended the need to pay attention to the percentages of the contribution that the study showed to the hemoglobin Hp index.

The Relationship of Smartphone Addiction with Motivation to Participate in Physical Activity: A Study in Sports Sciences Faculty Students

In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction and motivation to participate in physical activity within the scope of students studying at the Faculty of Sport Sciences. In addition to the relationship between students' smartphone addiction and motivation to participate in physical activity, it was also examined whether the related characteristics differed according to their age, gender, departments they studied, and whether they were doing licensed sports. In this study, which was conducted in the relational survey model, the Smartphone Addiction Scale and the Motivation to Participate in Physical Activity Scale were applied to 461 volunteer students. In the analyses, independent sample t-test for paired groups, one-way analysis of variance for multiple groups and Pearson correlation coefficient were calculated. According to the results obtained, it was determined that all participants had high motivation to participate in sports, when examined in terms of demographic variables; smartphone addiction was higher in 18-21 years old participants than 22-25 years old participants, motivation to participate in physical activity was higher in female participants than male participants according to gender variable, when examined according to the variable of doing licensed sports, it was determined that licensed sportsmen had higher smartphone addiction and participation in physical activity than non-licensed sportsmen, and there was a negative relationship between smartphone addiction and motivation to participate in physical activity.

Reasons for Gambling in University Students, Loneliness? A study on sports science students

This study was conducted to investigate the reasons behind university students' gambling and especially to examine the relationship between loneliness and gambling. The population of the research consists of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 1051 volunteer students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences selected by random method. The study data were obtained through Personal Information Form, Reasons for Gambling Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of students from 5 private and 2 foundation universities with a Faculty of Sports Sciences who had played at least one of the online games, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, card/table games and numerical lotto games with money in the last 3 months. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 package programme and the significance level was set as 0.05. According to the findings obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that students studying at private universities need to gamble for the reason of earning money, while students studying at public universities have a high urge to have fun/excitement as a reason for gambling. In addition, it was determined that students who do not work need to gamble for the reason of earning money. As another result, it was determined that students who do not do sports as a licensed athlete feel themselves more lonely than licensed athletes. In line with the main purpose of the study, it was concluded that loneliness triggers the urge to gamble.

Determining the relationship between physical activity and intuitive eating and mindful eating in university students

In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and intuitive eating (IE) and mindful eating (ME) in university students. The “International Physical Activity Short Form”, “Mindful Eating Test (MET)” and “Intuitive Eating Scale (IES)” were applied by questioning the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, health information and nutritional habits of 255 university students studying in Health and Sports sciences. Among the students whose mean age is 20.34±2.06, 86.7% of the students who are in health science are female, and 67.7% of them, who are in sports sciences are male (p&amp;lt;0.05). Students (51.4%) with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) consume three main meals and go on a diet for aesthetic reasons. Eating discipline (ED), emotional eating (EE), and intuitive eating total (IET) scores are higher in females, while control of eating (EC) scores are higher in males (p&amp;lt;0.05). Intuitive eating total score, reliance on hunger and satiety cues (RHSC), unconditional permission to eat (UPE) and EC cores are positively related to BMI. Students who are physically inactive have higher IET score, RHSC, body-food choice congruence, focusing and ED, and those who do adequate physical activity have higher eating control scores (p&amp;lt;0.05). Mindful eating total score and sub-dimensions are positively correlated with the score of all sub-dimensions except UPE, which is one of the sub-dimensions of IE (p&amp;lt;0.05). In addition, as the UPE score increases, the total scores of disinhibitions, ED, focusing, interference, EE, and ME decrease (p&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, ME and IE are positively related to each other. It is understood that adequate and balanced nutrition along with being physically active at the same time is quite important for younger individuals to be healthier.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Post-Exercise Inflammation, Muscle Damage, Oxidative Response, and Sports Performance in Physically Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Omega-3 is a family of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have been used to treat a wide variety of chronic diseases, due mainly to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. In this context, omega-3 could be post-exercise recovery agent and sports supplement that could improve performance by preserving and promoting skeletal muscle mass and strength. No conclusive evidence, however, exists about the potential effects of omega-3 on post-exercise biomarkers and sports performance in physically healthy adults. Based on the PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Sports Science (PERSiST) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline to assess the effects of omega-3 on post-exercise inflammation, muscle damage, oxidant response, and sports performance in physically healthy adults. The search was performed on original articles published in the last 10 years up to 5 May 2024, with a controlled trial design in which omega-3 supplementation was compared with a control group. Among 14,971 records identified in the search, 13 studies met the selection criteria. The duration of the interventions ranged from 1 day to 26 weeks of supplementation and the doses used were heterogeneous. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group in 3 of the 4 studies where these markers were analyzed. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group of 2 of the 13 studies where this marker was analyzed. The delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) gave mixed results. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) showed improvements with supplementation, but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) displayed no differences. The consumption of n-3 PUFAs improved some indicators of oxidative stress such as reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Additional evidence is needed to establish clear recommendations regarding the dose and length of n-3 PUFA supplements. These may benefit the post-exercise inflammatory response, mitigate muscle damage, and decrease oxidative stress caused by exercise. However, studies did not evaluate omega-3 status at baseline or following supplementation and therefore the observations must be treated with caution.