The effects of different music types on tennis performance among recreational players.

It is known that different types of music used during sports performance has different psycho-physiological effects. In this context, this study aimed to reveal the effect of different types of music on ITN test performance in tennis players. A total of 35 recreational tennis players voluntarily participated in the study. In the research, the ITN test performance of tennis players was measured in three different conditions with 48-hour intervals, these being without music, with motivational music, and with sedative music. The Freidman test was used in the analysis of the data that did not show a normal distribution, and the Repeated Measures ANOVA test was used in the analysis of the data that showed a normal distribution. According to the main findings of the study, it was determined that motivational music increased the ITN test performance of tennis players, while sedative music decreased their ITN test performance (p< .05). Additionally, it was determined that motivational music increased the groundstroke depth scores of tennis players, while sedative music decreased groundstroke depth scores (p< .05). In addition to this, it was determined that volley depth, groundstroke accuracy, and serve scores increased through motivational music (p< .05), whereas sedative music had no effect (p> .05). As a result, it was determined that the ITN test performances of tennis players can be increased through the psycho-physiological effect of motivational music. It can therefore be concluded that the use of motivational music during training and matches (between sets and/or time breaks) of tennis players can increase their shooting performance.

The effect of aerobic and high-intensity interval training on plasma pentraxin 3 and lipid parameters in overweight and obese women.

Background: It is unclear whether different exercise programs lead to an increase in the concentration of plasma Pentraxin3 (PTX3), an anti-inflammatory protein. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma PTX3 levels in overweight and obese women. Method: A total of 45 sedentary women aged between 32.26 ± 6.30 voluntarily participated in the study. The control group (CG, n = 15) was selected among normal-weight women. Women in the group of participants who partook in exercise consisted of overweight and obese women according to a random method, including the AE group (n = 15) and the HIIT group (n = 15). The AE session conducted was 50 min in duration and consisted of warm-up exercises (5 min), and primary exercises (40 min, basic aerobic-step exercises). HIIT consists of warm-up exercises (5 min), primary exercises (work intervals: 6-10 × 1 min (80-90% HRmax), rest intervals: 1 min (walk, 50% HRmax), 21-29 min running. The exercises were applied for three sessions/week for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken from all participants before and after exercise and their body composition was measured. Results: As a result of two different 12-week exercises, serum PTX3 levels increased significantly by 47.53% in the AE group and 50.21% in the HIIT group (p < 0.01). It was determined that the mean PTX3 before and after exercise increased from 1.71 ± 0.43 to 2.47 ± 0.40 ng/dL and HIIT from 1.62 ± 0.39 to 2.31 ± 0.33 ng/dL. A significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) values were detected, approximately 5.81% in the AE group and 5.06% in the HIIT group (p < .01). A significant decrease was detected in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, and hsCRP whereas HDL-C and VO2max value increased significantly in both exercise groups (p < .05; p < .01). There were no significant differences in TG and TC levels between groups (p > .05). Also, no significant differences were found between the two types of exercises in terms of parameters. A significant negative correlation in the total sample was found between PTX3 with BMI, fat mass, LDL-C, and hsCRP. Conclusion: The percentage change in PTX3 values was not different between exercise types, whereas PTX3 was increased with exercise, regardless of the type of exercise. It can be said that both aerobic and HIIT increase PTX3, VO2max levels and improve lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women.

Turkish version of a short nutrition literacy scale for young adults: cultural adaptation and validation.

Background: Recent changes in nutrition trends may lead to health issues. In particular, the unhealthy eating habits of young adults suggest that future generations may be at risk. Therefore, the importance and necessity of nutrition literacy is becoming increasingly apparent. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to create a Turkish version of a short nutrition literacy (S-NutLit-Tr) scale for young adults developed by Vrinten et al (2023). Methods: This research involved 115 young adults from Istanbul Gelisim University, who were selected through convenience sampling, a non-probability sampling method. After the original S-NutLit scale was translated into Turkish, the validity and reliability of the determined factor structure were tested on 115 young adults. Internal consistency was examined with the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the two sub-scale structures. Finally, measurement invariance was tested concerning participants' gender, aiming to ascertain whether the scale captured equivalent characteristics across different groups. Results: As a result of the reliability analysis conducted with the scale of S-NutLit-Tr, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was obtained as 0.86 for the scale of S-NutLit-Tr. Additionally, it was found to be 0.84 and 0.77 for the "information skills" and "expert skills" sub-scales, respectively. Accordingly, the scale of S-NutLit-Tr was found to be reliable. To examine the two sub-scale factor structures of the S-NutLit-Tr scale, fit indices were examined: χ2/df (1.246), GFI (0.923), IFI (0.975), TLI (0.967), CFI (0.974), RMSEA (0.046), and SRMR (0.055) and it was observed that the indices were within acceptable limits. In the analysis results obtained through the multi-group confirmatory factor analysis for measurement invariance, it was observed that the ∆CFI and ∆TLI values across all indices were less than or equal to 0.01. Consequently, it was observed that the item-factor structure, factor loadings, variances, covariances, and error variances of the scale were equivalent for both male and female young adults. Conclusion: The study found that the scale of S-NutLit-Tr for young adults was a valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish culture.

Nature relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors in nature-based leisure activities.

Introduction: Through nature-based leisure activities, spending time in nature offers opportunities to reduce stress, relax the mind, and enhance feelings of well-being. Being aware of the benefits provided by these activities increases the nature relatedness, and during the time spent in nature, it enables experiencing positive and satisfying moments by entering into a state of flow. The concepts of nature-relatedness and flow experience represent psychological experiences and characteristics that play an important role in enhancing psychological well-being and life quality. Methods: Based on structural equation models, the relationships among nature-relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors were investigated. Data were collected from 379 individuals (212 male, 167 female) who regularly engage in nature-based leisure activities such as cycling, hiking, and fishing. The participants were predominantly male (55.9%) and aged 45 years and over (53.3%). Results: The nature-relatedness significantly influences flow experience (R 2 = 0.505, p < 0.01), environmental behavior (R 2 = 0.108, p < 0.01), environmental sensitivity (R 2 = 0.137, p < 0.01), and communication with nature (R 2 = 0.200, p < 0.01). Specifically, nature-relatedness directly enhanced environmental sensitivity (0.494 total effect), environmental behavior (0.604 total effect), and communication with nature (0.599 total effect) and did so both directly and indirectly through the mediation of flow experience. Discussion: A higher level of nature-relatedness can lead to a stronger flow experience, which in turn can increase positive. environmental behavior, environmental sensitivity, and communication with nature.

Effects of 8-week alkaline diet and aerobic exercise on body composition, aerobic performance, and lipid profiles in sedentary women.

Background: Diet composition can affect systemic pH and acid-base regulation, which may in turn influence exercise performance. Purpose: It was aimed to determine the effects of the alkaline diet and 8 weeks of aerobic exercises on body composition, aerobic performance, and blood lipid profiles in sedentary women. Methods: Thirty-two sedentary women participated in the study voluntarily. The research was designed with a true-experimental design and the participants were divided into four different groups as the control group, aerobic exercise group, alkaline diet group, and alkaline diet + aerobic exercise group. The body compositions, aerobic exercise performances, and lipid profiles of sedentary women were measured as pre-test and post-test. In the analysis of the obtained data, One-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was used. Results: It was observed that the alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises caused a 5.17% decrease in BMI and an increase of 42.07 and 37.62% in VO2max and aerobic test durations, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, when lipid profiles were examined, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in HDL-C levels (p > 0.05). Despite that, there were statistically significant differences in TG and LDL-C levels (p < 0.05). According to this result, it was determined that there was a decrease in TG and LDL-C levels by 37.61 and 20.24%, respectively. Conclusion: An alkaline diet consumed with 8 weeks of aerobic exercises in sedentary women has positive effects on improving body composition, aerobic exercise performances, and TG and LDL-C levels.

The relationship between physical activity attitude and life satisfaction: A sample of university students in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is very important for a healthy life in the human existence, and regular physical activity and high attitudes towards physical activity can contribute to higher levels of life satisfaction of individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between university students' attitudes towards physical activity and their life satisfaction levels. METHODS: In the study, the Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure the participants' attitudes towards physical activity. In order to measure the participants' life satisfaction levels, The Satisfaction with Life Scale was used. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used in the analysis of the obtained data. RESULTS: According to gender, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference both in the result expectation and self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude and the total score of physical activity attitude. When the correlation analysis results were analyzed, the statistically significant positive relationship between life satisfaction and outcome expectation, self-regulation sub-dimensions of physical activity attitude, and the total score of physical activity attitude was determined. Also, it was found that the attitude towards physical activity explained approximately 6%of life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that as the attitudes of the participants towards physical activity increased, their life satisfaction increased.

Effects of bilateral or unilateral lower body resistance exercises on markers of skeletal muscle damage.

BACKGROUND: It is known that different intensity exercises create skeletal muscle damage at different levels. The purpose of the study was to compare effects of bilateral or unilateral lower body resistance exercise on markers of skeletal muscle damage. METHODS: The Brzycki Formula was used to calculate participants' one repetition maximum strength for each movement and limb, separately. Blood samples were obtained before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 min after exercise for both types of exercise. Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels were analyzed. Data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: When CK, AST, and ALT levels were compared according to time points, a statistical difference was found (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was revealed that LDH levels were statistically significant according to exercise types (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Unilateral lower body resistance exercise caused higher skeletal muscle damage than the bilateral lower body resistance exercise. This result suggests that unilateral lower body resistance exercise should be preferred for short preparation period as opposed to bilateral lower body resistance exercise.

Monitoring of pre-competition dehydration- induced skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels among elite wrestlers.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss practice before competitions is a common method in weight sports. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to monitor Plasma Osmolarity (POsm), skeletal muscle damage and inflammation levels induced by pre-competition dehydration among elite wrestlers. METHODS: Twenty-four male elite wrestlers participated in the study. A survey information form that assessed pre-competition weight loss practices were administered to the wrestlers. Additionally, Total Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), C-reactive Protein (C-RP) and POsm, analyses were evaluated by a specialist at the biochemical laboratory. POsm level for euhydration is ⩽ 290 mOsm/L. But if POsm level is > 290, then dehydration occurs. The wrestlers were divided into two groups according to POsm levels as weight loss and non-weight loss group. RESULTS: There were differences in the pre and post-test POsm levels of weight loss group. Similarly; it was identified that there were also statistically significant differences in terms of ALT, LDH and CK levels of weight loss group between pre and post-test. CONCLUSIONS: It was seen that POsm and levels of all indicators of skeletal muscle damage were higher than non-weight loss group. However, it was found that there were not any differences in terms of C-RP levels.