Browsing by Author "Gencoglu, Cebrail"

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Aerobic Exercise in Cold Weather May Affect Metabolic Diseases and Bone-Cartilage Formation by Increasing CTRP-3 Levels
(Wiley, 2024) Sebin, Saime Ozbek; Sebin, Engin; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozbay, Serhat; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Altinkaynak, Konca
Aerobic exercise is recommended by clinicians in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise in cold weather on CTRP-3 levels and its potential implications for metabolic diseases. Twenty-seven healthy young individuals (age = 22.1 +/- 1.7 years, BMI = 22.2 +/- 1.3, and n = 27; 13 female and 14 male) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants performed 40 min aerobic running exercise at 0, 12, and 20 degrees C environmental temperatures. Our study demonstrates that 40 min of aerobic exercise at temperatures of 0 and 12 degrees C significantly increased CTRP-3 levels in athletes, while no significant change was observed at 24 degrees C. The main findings indicated significant differences between pre-and post-exercise CTRP-3 values for 0 degrees C (p = 0.001) and 12 degrees C (p = 0.005) environmental temperature, whereas no significant difference was found at 24 degrees C (p = 0.148). Additionally, two-way ANOVA revealed that both the temperature (0, 12, and 24 degrees C) and exercise (pre- and post-) affect serum CTRP-3 levels (p = 0.023). CTRP-3 elevation from baseline to post-exercise in the 0 degrees C, 12 degrees C, and 24 degrees C were +23.4%, +10.6%, and +8.1%, respectively. These findings suggest that engaging in aerobic exercise in cold weather conditions may serve as an effective intervention against metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. The significant increases in CTRP-3 levels following aerobic exercise in cold weather conditions justify the need for further, more extensive studies to assess their potential impact on metabolic diseases, as well as cartilage and bone formation. Athletes' serum CTRP-3 levels in 40 min aerobic exercise at 0, 12, and 24 degrees C were evaluated by comparing them with their baselines and healthy controls' values. The significant increase in CTRP-3 levels of 0 and 120C of aerobic exercise suggests that it may influence metabolic diseases and bone-cartilage production.
Attitudes Towards Nutritional Sport Supplement of National and International Kickboxers
(Natl Cave Research & Protection Organization, India, 2020) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozkara, Abdullah Bora
This study aims to investigate the nutritional ergogenic aids attitudes levels of the active Turkish kickboxers in terms of gender, competition weight, competition category, education status, income levels, and the status of the kickboxers whether international athletes or not. The Attitude Scale toward Nutritional Sports Supplements (ATNSS) was used in this study, which consists of the sub-dimensions benefit, side effects and ethics, natural nutrition. The side effects, ethics and natural nutrition sub-dimensions of female athletes were significantly higher than male athletes. When the relationship between income level and ATNSS sub-dimensions was examined, the side effects and ethics sub-dimension was significantly lower in the athletes with low income than the athletes with middle and higher income. Examining ATNSS' sub-dimensions according to their university education levels, the benefit sub-dimensions scores of athletes studying at the faculty of sports sciences were significantly higher than the athletes who did not study in the sports departments. Further, the benefit sub-dimension scores of the international kickboxers were significantly higher, and the side effect and ethic and natural nutrition sub-dimension scores were significantly lower than the national kick boxers. Conclusively, it is thought that informing the kickboxers about nutritional ergogenic sports supplements may be important in terms of increasing awareness and sporting performance in this area.
Comparing the Effects of 25-Minute Electrical Muscle Stimulation Vs. 90-Minute Full-Body Resistance Training on Body Composition and Strength: A 20-Week Intervention
(Elsevier Singapore Pte Ltd, 2025) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ari, Ugur; Kishali, Necip Fazil; Ince, Izzet; Cabuk, Salih; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozbay, Serhat
Objectives: Electromyostimulation (EMS) and traditional resistance training (TradRT) are widely used methods for improving muscle strength and body composition. However, comparative studies employing a multi-week longitudinal design remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 20 weeks of EMS vs. TradRT on body composition and strength performance in physically active adults. Methods: Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to either the EMS group (n = 22) or the TradRT group (n = 24). The EMS group performed twice-weekly, 25-min whole-body EMS sessions, while the TradRT group completed twice-weekly, 90-min full-body resistance training sessions. Results: Assessments of body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, and maximal strength were conducted at baseline, 10 weeks, and 20 weeks. A significant time effect was observed for all variables (p < 0.001), indicating improvements in both groups. However, group x time interactions revealed distinct adaptation patterns. The TradRT group exhibited greater reductions in body fat percentage and superior strength gains in bench press, leg press, shoulder press, and triceps pushdown, and abdominal strength. Conversely, the EMS group showed greater reductions in body weight and BMI. No significant interaction effect was observed for biceps curl strength. Both EMS and TradRT were effective in improving strength and body composition, but TradRT led to greater strength development and fat reduction, while EMS was more effective for weight and BMI reduction. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EMS may serve as a viable alternative for individuals unable to engage in high-load resistance training, whereas TradRT remains superior for maximizing strength and fat loss.
Comparison of Crossfit Barbara and Classic Resistance Trainings for the Protection of Strength Performance During Off-Season in Kickboxers
(IOS Press, 2021) Gencoglu, Cebrail; Sen, Ilhan
BACKGROUND: The inability of athletes to train or the decrease in the intensity and frequency of training may cause athletes to lose performance. Particularly in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining strength outside the normal framework provides an advantage to athletes for the next competitions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the CrossFit Barbara which can be applied easily at home during the off-season or some situations such as the epidemic limitation to classic resistance training methods used to maintain the strength performance of national kickboxers. METHODS: Forty-three national kickboxers, CrossFit (CF, n = 22), and resistance training (RT, n = 21), participated in this study. While CF performed 20 pull-ups, 30 push-ups, 40 sit-ups, and 50 squat exercises, RT performed bench press, lat pull down, leg press, biceps curl, and triceps extension exercises twice per week for six weeks. Before and after the six weeks, the following variables were measured; body mass (BM) and body fat percentage (FP), VO2max, bench press (BP), squat (SQ), leg strength (LS), hand grip strength (HGS), pull-up, push-up and counter movement jump (CMJ). RESULTS: BP (p 0.05). In the RT, the pull-up and push-up variables decreased significantly (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: CF Barbara workout was more effective in maintaining strength endurance performances, and RT in maintaining maximum strength performances. According to the individual performance needs of athletes, reasonable training method can be used to prevent performance decrement in the strength domain.
The Contribution of Energy Systems During 30-Second Lower Body Wingate Anaerobic Test in Combat Sports Athletes: Intermittent Versus Single Forms and Gender Comparison
(Public Library Science, 2024) Tortu, Erkan; Ouergui, Ibrahim; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ardigo, Luca Paolo
Combat sports, encompassing a range of activities from striking and grappling to mixed and weapon-based disciplines, have witnessed a surge in popularity worldwide. These sports are demanding, requiring athletes to harness energy from different metabolic pathways to perform short, high-intensity activities interspersed with periods of lower intensity. While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored. This study aims at comparing performance outputs, physiological responses and gender differences during the SMT and IST forms of the 30-second Wingate test. Thirty-three highly trained combat sports athletes (17 women, 16 men; 10 boxing, 8 wrestling, 8 taekwondo and 7 karate) randomly performed SMT and IST. The IST consisted of three 10-second all-out attempts separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery, whereas the SMT was a single 30-second maximal effort. Resting, exercise and post-exercise oxygen uptake and peak blood lactate value were used to determine the metabolic energy demands via the PCr-LA-O-2 method. The findings showed that total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE), ATP-PCr system contribution and the output of mechanical variables were higher in the IST than in the SMT form (all p0.05). In combat sports, performance is not only determined by physiological and technical skills but also by metabolic energy input and efficiency. Therefore, our results can provide a comparison regarding the effects of exercise type and gender on metabolic energy metabolism to design the training of combat sports athletes.
Counter Movement Jump and Sport Specific Frequency Speed of Kick Test to Discriminate Between Elite and Sub-Elite Kickboxers
(Univ Palackeho & Olomouci, Fak Telesne Kultury, 2020) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail
Background: Although counter movement jump (CMJ) test has been used for years to measure neuromuscular power, it is unclear what is the sensitivity of CMJ in distinguishing between combat athletes. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the ability of 10-second frequency speed of kick test (FSKT) and CMJ to distinguish between elite and sub-elite kickboxing athletes. Methods: Twenty-four kickboxers voluntarily participated in this study. The inclusion criteria for all participants were to compete in the national championships at least the last three years. Athletes reaching at least a quarter-final were considered as elite (n = 12, age 21.3 +/- 1.8 years, body height 176.0 +/- 0.6 cm, body mass 70.91 +/- 9.1 kg, training experience 7.2 +/- 1.8 years) whereas athletes who could not reach the quarter-finals were considered as sub-elite (n = 12, age 20.0 +/- 1.6 years, body height 177.0 +/- 4.5 cm, body mass 69.05 +/- 5.24 kg, training experience 6.21 +/- 0.62 years) in the national championship held in the last tournament. Participants performed 10-second FSKT and CMJ test twice. Independent t-test was used to determine whether there were differences between groups and effect size (Cohen's d) was calculated. Additionally, a discriminant function analysis was used to determine which test most accurately distinguished elite and sub-elite kickboxers. Results: Body height, body mass, body mass index, and training experience did not significantly differ between the groups (p >.05), while CMJ (p = .001, d = 1.49) and FSKT (p < .001, d = 2.56) were significantly higher in the elite group than the sub-elite group. According to discriminant function analyses, FSKT correctly classified participation of 91.7% athletes in the elite and sub-elite groups, while CMJ correctly classified 70.8 % of athletes. Conclusions: This study suggested that FSKT can be used to determine successful and non-successful kickboxers since it is more effective at distinguishing the groups than CMJ test.
The Effect of Fatigue on Strength-Power Tests for Distinguishing Elite-Level Male Kickboxers
(Sage Publications Inc, 2025) Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ulupinar, Sueleyman; Cinar, Vedat; Ouergui, Ibrahim; Holbling, Dominik
BACKGROUND: Based on recent research, slight performance differences, particularly dependent on the state of recovery, might be crucial for tournament success among elite-caliber kickboxers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to; a) determine which strength-power tests could discriminate better between elite and top-elite kickboxers and, b) to evaluate changes in testing results between fatigued and well-rested athletes. METHODS: Twenty-two international kickboxers (including World and European Champions) volunteered to participate in this study. Nine kickboxers were assigned to the top-elite group and 13 to the elite group based on their highest tournament achievements. Subjects performed the Wingate test (Win) for anaerobic power; countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) for neuromuscular power; push-ups and pull-ups for strength endurance; squats (SQ) and bench press (BP) for maximal dynamic strength; handgrip, leg, and back strength for isometric strength after full rest, following the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols. RESULTS: Discriminant function analysis correctly classified the groups at 60.5%, 75.3%, and 86.3% in the resting, fatigue, and advanced fatigue protocols, respectively. Furthermore, all strength-power performances have significantly decreased and lactate(peak) increased (p < 0.05) after the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols in both groups. Significant interaction were also observed in the Win(peak) (p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.559), Win(mean) (p = 0.009, eta(2)(p) = 0.246), CMJ ( p = 0.010, eta(2)(p) = 0.273), push-ups (p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.389), SQ(absolute) (p = 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.337), BPabsolute ( = 0.014, eta(2)(p) = 0.235) and, Lactate(peak) (p = 0.026, eta(2)(p) = 0.220). CONCLUSION: Resistance to fatigue may be the key component for distinguishing elite-level athletes. Thus, strength-power tests should be performed following a certain level of fatigue for the elite athletes due to distinguish them more effectively.
Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Performance, Physiological Responses, and Bioenergetic Pathway Contributions During Repeated Sprint Exercise
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Ozbay, Serhat; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ouergui, Ibrahim; Oget, Furkan; Yilmaz, Hasan Huseyin; Ardigo, Luca Paolo
Introduction This investigation aims to elucidate the impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on performance, physiological responses, and bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints.Methods Fourteen active male Muslim athletes (age = 22.4 +/- 1.8 years, body weight = 69.5 +/- 3.8 kg, height = 176 +/- 5.1 cm) executed a repeated sprint protocol, consisting of ten 20-meter sprints with 15-s passive recovery intervals, during both fasting and non-fasting conditions. The fasting session was conducted after a 12-14 h fast following Sahur (the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan). In contrast, the non-fasting session occurred before the Ramadan fasting period began, during the same hours of the day, at a time when fasting was not yet required for the athletes. Bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints were quantified using the PCr-LA-O2 method.Results The mean sprint time during fasting sessions was 3.4 +/- 0.3 s compared to 3.3 +/- 0.2 s in non-fasting sessions, indicating a trend approaching the threshold of significance for slower times in the fasted state (p = 0.052, effect size (ES) = 0.34). In terms of bioenergetic contributions, the total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE) was slightly lower during fasting sessions (236.5 +/- 22 kJ) compared to non-fasting sessions (245.2 +/- 21.7 kJ), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.102, ES = 0.40). Similarly, metabolic energy expenditure per sprint was 23.7 +/- 2.2 kJ in fasting conditions compared to 24.5 +/- 2.2 kJ in non-fasting conditions (p = 0.106, ES = 0.35). The oxidative energy contribution did not differ significantly between fasting (34.2 +/- 4.1 kJ) and non-fasting conditions (34.2 +/- 4.1 vs. 35.5 +/- 5.2 kJ; p = 0.238, ES = 0.28). Similarly, lactic (60.4 +/- 7.6 vs. 59.2 +/- 8.3 kJ; p = 0.484, ES = 0.15); and alactic (149.3 +/- 19.9 vs. 143 +/- 21.5 kJ; p = 0.137, ES = 0.30) energy contributions showed no significant differences between the fasting and non-fasting sessions. The percentage of performance decrement (Pdec) and the percentage contributions of oxidative, lactic, and alactic pathways to the total energy expenditure did not differ significantly between the fasting and non-fasting conditions, indicating a similar bioenergetic profile across both conditions.Conclusion The present findings indicate no significant differences in performance metrics and metabolic outcomes between fasted and non-fasted states. Future assessments with longer duration and higher intensity protocols may provide further insights.
Effects of Sprint Distance and Repetition Number on Energy System Contributions in Soccer Players
(Elsevier Singapore Pte Ltd, 2021) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Franchini, Emerson; Kishali, Necip Fazil; Ince, Izzet
Background/objective: This study aims to compare the effect of sprint distance and repetition number on performance, physiological responses, and energy systems contributions. Methods: Eighteen male university league soccer players (age: 19.9 +/- 1.6 years, height: 177.9 +/- 4.7 cm, body mass: 72.4 +/- 6.3 kg, percentage body fat: 8.9 +/- 1.8, training experience: 7.4 +/- 1.6 years) completed two different repeated sprint protocols: 20 x 20 m (20 x 20) and 10 x 40 m (10 x 40) with 15s and 30s rest intervals, respectively. Oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured during the rest, exercise, and recovery phases. Rest and peak blood lactate concentrations were determined. Using VO2 and lactate values, the energy system contributions were calculated using a mono-exponential model and mathematical calculations. Energy systems contributions and total energy expenditure (TEE) were calculated both for the entire protocol (overall) and for the sprints only. Results: Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), peak and mean heart rate (HR) responses were significantly higher in the 20 x 20 whereas lactate response was higher in the 10 x 40. TEE was similar between the 10 x 40 (586.3 +/- 60.8 kJ) and 20 x 20 (595.6 +/- 57.5 kJ). For overall estimations, the 10 x 40 and 20 x 20 presented similar results of oxidative (47.5 +/- 5.4 vs 45.7 +/- 5.1 kJ min(-1)) and phosphagen (44.7 +/- 5.4 vs (42.9 +/- 4.8 kJ min(-1)) systems contributions whereas glycolytic contribution was higher in the 10 x 40 (15.5 +/- 2.2 vs 12.8 +/- 2.3 kJ min-1). For sprints only estimation, the phosphagen (257.6 +/- 31.5 vs 225.2 +/- 28.2 kJ min(-1)), glycolytic (89.4 +/- 13.4 vs 67.3 +/- 12.5 kJ min(-1)), and oxidative (76.9 +/- 6.9 vs 72.0 +/- 7.9 2 kJ min(-1)) systems contributions were higher in the 10 x 40. Conclusions: Although HR and RPE responses were higher in the 20 x 20, phosphagen (during sprints) and glycolytic (during both sprints and overall protocol) were higher in the 10 x 40 protocol. Therefore, the 10 x 40 protocol seems more reasonable for developing or evaluating the anaerobic systems. (C) 2021 The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
Enhancing Post-Exercise Oxygen Kinetics Modeling with Physiological Bounds and Manual VO2_baseline Input: A Novel Approach
(Wiley, 2025) Ulupinar, Sueleyman; Ince, Izzet; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozbay, Serhat; Cabuk, Salih
This study addresses a critical limitation in existing computational tools for modeling post-exercise oxygen consumption kinetics (VO2). Although exponential modeling provides practical insights into recovery dynamics, the inability to incorporate an individual's pre-exercise baseline oxygen consumption value (VO2_baseline) can lead to inaccurate interpretations. A user-defined baseline allows for more precise modeling by aligning recovery kinetics with the true physiological endpoint, representing the individual's actual recovery target after a sufficient rest. To overcome this limitation, this study employs a customized Python algorithm that incorporates user-defined baseline VO2 and uses both mono-exponential and bi-exponential models, aiming to improve upon existing analytical methods. Twenty-two male amateur soccer players participated in this study and performed a 30-s Wingate test. VO2 was measured continuously before, during, and after exercise via a metabolic gas analyzer. Both mono-exponential and bi-exponential models were used to analyze post-exercise VO2 kinetics. The analysis was performed using Origin software (as the reference tool), GedaeLab (a specialized web-based platform), and a custom-developed Python algorithm. The bi-exponential model demonstrated superior fit compared to the mono-exponential model with higher determination coefficient (R2) values. Specifically, R2 values were 0.963 +/- 0.013 and 0.805 +/- 0.078 for the bi-exponential and mono-exponential models, respectively. The bi-exponential model also provided a more accurate approximation of real post-exercise oxygen consumption integrals at both 5 min and 15 min. Additionally, variations in VO2_baseline values had different impacts on key parameters in both models, showing that higher VO2_baseline values generally improved the model fit in the mono-exponential model but had minimal impact on the bi-exponential model.
Evaluating Bioenergetic Pathway Contributions from Single to Multiple Sprints
(Nature Portfolio, 2024) Ulupinar, Sueleyman; OEzbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ouergui, Ibrahim; OEget, Furkan; Kishali, Necip Fazil; Ardigo, Luca Paolo
This study aims to investigate the changes in bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprint exercises with an increasing number of repetitions. Twelve male amateur soccer players executed a single 20 m sprint and three repeated-sprint protocols (5x20 m, 10x20 m, 15x20 m with 15-second rest intervals), analyzing oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr energy pathways using the PCr-LA-O2 method. Findings revealed a significant decline in energy expenditure and performance outputs as the number of sprint repetitions increased. While the oxidative and ATP-PCr pathways' energy contributions significantly rose with more sprints, the glycolytic pathway's contribution notably increased only up to the 10x20 m protocol, then stabilized. Although the ATP-PCr pathway's energy contribution decreased slightly from sprints 1-5 to 11-15, it remained significantly higher than the oxidative and glycolytic pathways throughout. Initially, glycolytic contribution surpassed oxidative in sprints 1-5, equaled it in sprints 6-10, and fell below in sprints 11-15. Glycolytic activity, a major energy source initially (about 36%), diminished substantially with more sprints (below 7% in the 15th sprint). This indicates that the decrease in non-mitochondrial pathway energy, particularly glycolytic, outstrips the aerobic system's increased tolerance. These findings offer physiological insights into the relationship between performance decrement and bioenergetic metabolism in repeated sprints.
Examining the Efficacy of the Wrestling-Specific Sandbag Throw Conditioning Test in Distinguishing Between Elite and Sub-Elite Wrestlers
(Atatürk Univ, 2025) Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozbay, Serhat; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Asan, Selim; Ince, Izzet; Kishali, Necip Fazil
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sandbag Throw Conditioning Test (STCT) in distinguishing between elite and sub-elite wrestlers. This test has been developed to assess performance levels specific to the sport of wrestling. A total of 30 male wrestlers voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: elite and sub-elite. The STCT protocol was applied to both groups, and performance results were recorded. An independent samples t-test was conducted to determine if there were significant differences between the groups. Additionally, discriminant function analysis was performed to assess the extent to which the STCT correctly classified the groups. Statistical analyses were carried out using R software, and a significance level of p<.05 was considered. The p-values obtained for all rounds and the total score ranged between 0.005 and 0.013, indicating statistically significant differences between elite and sub-elite wrestlers. The analyses demonstrate that the STCT was able to successfully differentiate between the groups and that the test effectively reflects the performance levels of wrestlers. Additionally, the discriminant function analysis revealed that 70% of the participants were correctly classified. Considering that the probability of distinguishing between groups by random guessing is 50%, the STCT does not appear to be a highly successful test for differentiating between elite and sub-elite wrestlers. This suggests that the test may not fully capture the complex, sport-specific dynamics of wrestling performance, and highlights the need for more specialized, dynamic tests that better reflect the nuances of the sport.
Exercise in the Cold Causes Greater Irisin Release but May Not Be Enough for Adropin
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2021) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Altinkaynak, Konca; Sebin, Engin; Oymak, Burak
When irisin and adropin were discovered, it was popularly hoped that they would become therapies for metabolic disorders that threaten global health. However, contradictory results have been reported in the subsequent period. Irisin, induced by exercise or cold exposure, is believed to be a myokine that causes the browning of adipose tissue thus increasing energy expenditure. Adropin is thought to be beneficial for health by regulating blood flow, capillary density, and playing an active role in glucose and insulin homeostasis. However, there were no experimental studies investigating the simultaneous effect of exercise and cold exposure in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate irisin and adropin responses in young healthy individuals performing aerobic exercise in different environmental temperatures. Twenty-seven young, healthy individuals participated in this study. Participants performed 40 min of aerobic running exercise in environmental temperatures of 0 degrees C, 12 degrees C, and 24 degrees C. Venous blood samples were taken pre- and post-exercise. Irisin and adropin levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The principal findings showed that while serum irisin concentrations significantly increased after aerobic exercise was performed at an environmental temperature of 0 degrees C, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-exercise recordings for physical activity performed at 12 degrees C and 24 degrees C. Adropin concentrations, however, remained unchanged between pre- and post-exercise at 0 degrees C, 12 degrees C, and 24 degrees C. Interestingly, the exercise at 0 degrees C caused an increase in adropin (12.5%), but this amount was not enough to be a statistically significant result. The findings of this study suggest that aerobic exercise in a cold environment causes greater irisin release. However, the combined effect of exercise and cold exposure may not be enough to statistically increase adropin level.
The Impact of Inactivity During the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Physical Performance of High School Athletes
(BMC, 2024) Asan, Selim; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Namli, Sevinc; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Canyurt, Ferhat; Ozkara, Abdullah Bora
Background/Objective This study was conducted during the 2019-2020 academic year to evaluate the impact of participation in school sports on students' Body Mass Index (BMI) and Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) test scores. Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a suspension of in-person education, the study resumed in September 2021, refocusing on the effects of pandemic-induced inactivity on the physical fitness levels of the same cohort.Methods The study included twenty-nine male high school students (age: 17,24 +/- 0,73 years), divided into thirteen athletes (participating in sports such as football, basketball, and track) and sixteen non-athletic counterparts. They underwent reassessment using the ALPHA test battery, evaluating cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and motor skills fitness. Data were analyzed using independent and paired samples t-tests and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and between groups. Discriminant function analysis evaluated the ALPHA test's ability to classify students based on their athletic status pre- and post-pandemic.Results Initially, athlete students exhibited significantly better BMI, 20 m shuttle run, and 4 x 10 m speed run scores compared to their non-athlete peers. After the pandemic, only the 20 m shuttle run scores remained significantly higher for athletes, with diminished distinctions in other fitness areas. The classification accuracy of the ALPHA test battery decreased from 89.7 to 75.9% post-pandemic.Conclusion The enforced sedentary lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected all students, particularly diminishing health-related fitness parameters such as body composition, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal strength, and motor skills. Students previously engaged in regular physical activity, notably school athletes, experienced significant fitness declines. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to encourage active lifestyles among youth in the post-pandemic phase, aiming to avert long-term adverse health outcomes.
Judged: Comparison Between Kickboxing Referee Performance at a Novel Serious Game for Judging Improvement and at World Championships
(MDPI, 2023) Hoelbling, Dominik; Salmhofer, Andre; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Baranyi, Rene; Pinter, Karl; Ozbay, Serhat; Grechenig, Thomas
The particular responsibility of referees in combat sports lies in their decision-making to enforce the rules of the sport, which requires considerable experience and a multitude of skills, including perception, categorization, memory processing, and information integration. As a cost-effective alternative to in-tournament training, this research aims to evaluate the novel video-based serious game called "JudgED" to train martial arts referees' decision-making processes through immediate feedback. The effectiveness of the JudgED game was assessed by (a) measuring decision accuracy and specific reaction time, (b) calculating a theoretical probability of correct scoring, and (c) comparing these results with real competition judging agreement data. A field study was conducted to analyze the performance of 16 kickboxing referees. The study involved two video-based tests in the serious game. The performance data for JudgED were obtained via a procedure that compares the players' inputs in the serious game with expert-defined decisions. The results were compared to real-competition data gathered through qualitative analysis of kickboxing fights (n = 400 fights/1200 bouts) at the WAKO World Championships 2021. The findings showed an average decision accuracy of 43.011% and an average reaction time of 1.022 s. For further comparison, binominal distribution for the probability of correct final decisions (between 15.3% and 67.2%) in JudgED and Fleiss' Kappa interrater reliability for JudgED (Ring: ? = 0.371; Tatami: ? = 0.398; p < 0.001) and tournament decisions (by bout: ? = 0.114; by fight ? = 0.063; by outcome ? = 0.166; p < 0.001) were calculated. The results suggest that more training is required to improve referee decision accuracy, and JudgED bears the potential to work as a suitable supporting system.
Low-to Correlations Between Repeated Sprint Ability and Aerobic Capacity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2023) Ulupinar, Sueleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Hazir, Tahir
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide meta-analytic estimates of the relationships between repeated sprint ability (RSA) outputs (total sprint time [TST] and fatigue scores) and aerobic capacity indicators (V?O-2max, the covered distance in the endurance shuttle run test [SRTdistance], and the velocity at the anaerobic lactate threshold [ALT(velocity)]). To identify potential studies for inclusion, a search strategy was implemented on MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Web of Science. The correlation coefficients between RSA outputs and aerobic capacity indicators were extracted from the individual studies to reveal a pooled correlation. After the identification of studies providing inclusion criteria, 45 studies consisting of 1,488 accumulated participants were included. Meta-analysis showed the positive moderate relationships between TST and V?O-2max (pooled r = 0.444, p < 0.001), TST and SRTdistance (pooled r = 0.465, p < 0.001), TST and ALT(velocity) (pooled r = 0.527, p < 0.001), RSA fatigue score and V?O-2max (pooled r = 0.449, p < 0.001), and RSA fatigue score and ALT(velocity) (pooled r = 0.460, p < 0.001), which showed a low positive relationship between RSA fatigue score and SRTdistance (pooled r = 0.305, p = 0.029). This study showed pooled correlations between RSA outputs and practical aerobic capacity indicators. However, contrary to popular belief that there were stronger relationships, these relationships were low to moderate.
Mouthguard Use, Hygiene, and Maintenance Practices Among Combat and Team Sports Athletes: A Comparative Study
(Public Library Science, 2025) Eminoglu, Didem Ozkal; Kasali, Kamber; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Seran, Buket; Kiyici, Fatih
This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of combat and team sports athletes towards the use, storage, and hygiene conditions of mouthguards, with the goal of understanding disparities in usage and maintenance practices and their implications for oral health. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 394 athletes (316 combat athletes and 78 team athletes). Participants completed a 28-question survey assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance. The survey included questions on demographic data, mouthguard usage habits, cleaning methods, and storage practices. Combat sports athletes exhibited significantly higher rates of mouthguard use (100%) compared to team sports athletes (29.5%) (chi square [chi(2)] = 258.971, p<0.001). Significant differences were also found in cleaning (chi(2) = 252.195, p<0.001) and storage practices (chi(2) = 14.195, p = 0.002), with combat athletes demonstrating better adherence to recommended guidelines. Common complaints about mouthguards included difficulties with speaking (chi(2) = 7.792, p = 0.005) and breathing (chi(2) = 11.431, p = 0.001), with combat athletes reporting fewer issues. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on mouthguard use among team sports athletes. Dentists and coaches play a crucial role in promoting proper mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance to prevent sports-related dental injuries. Emphasis should be placed on the benefits of custom-made mouthguards for improved comfort and protection.
Performance Differences Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ince, Izzet
Ulupinar, S, ozbay, S, Gencoglu, C, and Ince, I. Performance differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3270-3279, 2021-This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize evidence on performance differences between Greco-Roman (GR) and freestyle (Fr) wrestlers. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (91 individual data and a total of 752 wrestlers). The analysis of handgrip strength comprised 9 outcomes from 5 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of isometric (back or leg) strength comprised 15 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of muscle power comprised 15 outcomes from 5 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of strength endurance comprised 4 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of anaerobic capacity and power comprised 6 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of speed comprised 19 outcomes from 7 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of flexibility comprised 20 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring Fr wrestlers. This study indicated that GR wrestlers had greater isometric strength, muscle power, and speed performance, but Fr wrestlers had greater flexibility. Given the significant effect sizes favoring GR wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve physical strength-power performance. However, considering the significant effect size favoring Fr wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve flexibility because Fr wrestling techniques require a larger range of motion during both attack and defense.
Pre-Competitive Anxiety in Combat Sports: A Narrative Review on Gender Influences, Hormonal Aspects, Rapid Weight Loss and Regulation Strategies
(Stowarzyszenie Idokan Polska-Idokan Poland Assoc, 2025) Duartei, Jonatas Deivyson Reis da Silva; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ulupinar, Suleyman; Ozbay, Serhat; Bedir, Deniz; Ouergui, Ibrahim; Rydzik, Lukasz
Introduction. In recent decades, combat sports have gained significant popularity, due to their ability to promote health and self-defense, alongside their competitive aspects. In competitions, pre-combat anxiety can significantly impact athletes' performance. Objective. The purpose of this narrative review is to critically examine the main factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety and its physiological implications, as well as to propose coping strategies to mitigate its effects. Method. This review was conducted through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, ultimately including 13 studies. Results. Studies indicate that anxiety is influenced by factors such as the presence of the spectators, the significance of the event, gender (females feel more anxiety than males), uncertainty regarding the opponent, and rapid weight loss. Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between increased pre-competition cortisol levels and anxiety, indicating a psychological impact on hormonal secretion. Psychological interventions such as mental relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation and mindfulness) and psychological training (e.g., mentalization) have been suggested to decrease pre-competitive anxiety and its associated symptoms. Conclusion. Therefore, sports professionals should prescribe appropriate training strategies to implement these practices with athletes. However, pre-competition anxiety does not always have a negative effect, as adequate levels can benefit performance.
Ramadan's Hidden Challenge: Sleep Deprivation Outweighs Hunger in Athletes (Nov, 10.1007/S41105-025-00618-4, 2025)
(Springer Japan Kk, 2026) Ulupinar, Suleyman; Tortu, Erkan; Bedir, Deniz; Kiyici, Fatih; Turan, Murat; Gencoglu, Cebrail; Ozbay, Serhat