Browsing by Author "Ceylan, Levent"

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Isokinetic Knee Strength as a Predictor of Performance in Elite Ski Mountaineering Sprint Athletes
(MDPI, 2025) Kural, Burak; Caglar, Esin Cagla; Akkus Ucar, Mine; Ozer, Ugur; Yenturk, Burcu; Cayir, Huseyin; Ceylan, Levent
Background and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee strength and competition performance in elite male ski mountaineering sprint athletes and to identify strength parameters that predict performance and contribute to injury prevention. Materials and Methods: Thirteen male athletes participating in the Ski Mountaineering Turkey Cup final stage were included. Isokinetic knee flexion (FLX) and extension (EXT) strength of dominant (DM) and non-dominant (NDM) legs were measured at angular velocities of 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s using the DIERS-Myolin Isometric Muscle Strength Analysis System. Competition performance was evaluated using the ISMF scoring system. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses after normality, linearity, and homoscedasticity checks. Results: Strong positive correlations were found between hamstring strength at high angular velocities (180 degrees/s) and performance (DM FLX: r = 0.809; NDM FLX: r = 0.880). Extension strength showed moderate correlations at low velocities (60 degrees/s) (DM EXT: r = 0.677; NDM EXT: r = 0.699). Regression analysis revealed that DM FLX at 180 degrees/s and DM EXT at 60 degrees/s explained 49% of performance variance (Adj. R2 = 0.498). For NDM legs, only 180 degrees/s FLX was a significant predictor (beta = 1.468). Conclusions: High-velocity hamstring strength plays a critical role in ski mountaineering sprint performance, particularly during sudden directional changes and dynamic balance. Quadriceps strength at low velocities contributes to prolonged climbing phases. Moreover, identifying and addressing bilateral strength asymmetries may support injury prevention strategies in elite ski mountaineering athletes. These findings provide scientific support for designing training programs targeting explosive hamstring strength, bilateral symmetry, and injury risk reduction, essential for optimizing performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics sprint discipline.
Muay Thai Exercises Improve Quality of Life, Love of Life and Self-Control
(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Sahin, Oktay; Yilmaz, Coskun; Sezer, Sureyya Yonca; Sahin, Fatma Nese; Ceylan, Levent; Celikel, Baha Engin; Kirikoglu, Nagihan
Background The existing research on Muay Thai sports has focused predominantly on the physiological effects of training, with limited attention devoted to the study of quality of life, love of life and self-control. The present study examined the effects of Muay Thai exercises on quality of life, love of life and self-control scores in healthy male subjects. Methods The present study comprised 50 healthy sedentary male subjects. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one group engaged in Muay Thai training (MTT), while the other group served as a control group (CON). The sample sizes for the MTT and CON groups were both 25. The MTT group participated in basic Muay Thai training, while the CON group continued their normal life regime. The SF-12 quality of life scale, love of life scale and multidimensional self-control scale were administered before and after the six-week training period. Results The study concluded that the six-week Muay Thai training program had a significant effect on quality of life levels, with 13.23% (p = 0.003) and 21.93% (p < 0.001) of participants demonstrating improvements in physical and mental scores, respectively. In terms of self-control levels, the program was found to have a significant effect on initiation and inhibition scores, with increases of 23.78% (p = 0.001) and 24.69% (p < 0.001), respectively. It was concluded that had a significant effect on the sub-dimensions of the Love of Life scale with increases of Positive Attitude Toward Life (PAWL) 18.63% (p < 0.001), Happy Results of the Love of Life (HRLL) 20.11% (p < 0.001) and Meaningfulness of Life (ML) 15.62% (p < 0.001), respectively. However, no significant differences were detected in any of the scales within the control group. Conclusion Muay Thai exercises had a positive effect on quality of life, love of life and self-control levels in healthy male subjects. By providing valuable insights into how Muay Thai exercise affects quality of life, love of life, and self-control, this research can guide future intervention and program design in the context of sport psychology.