Browsing by Author "Kucuk, Hamza"

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Impact of an 8-Week High-Intensity Bodyweight Interval Training on Body Composition and Blood Lipid Metabolism in Young Women with Overweight
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025) Yamaner, Emre; Turgut, Tuna; Aksoy, Ayse; Demirkiran, Burhan; Ucar, Mine Akkus; Basoglu, Burhan; Kucuk, Hamza
Background A physically inactive lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders, especially in women. While high-intensity training methods have been extensively studied in male populations, the physiological and metabolic effects of high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) in overweight women are understudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week HIIRT program on body composition and lipid metabolism in women.Methods A total of 30 women (mean age: 23.13 +/- 4.03 years, mean BMI: 31.21 +/- 2.92 kg/m2) participated in an 8-week HIIRT program. Body composition was measured before and after the intervention using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), while blood lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) were analyzed. Paired-sample t-tests were performed to determine the significance of the changes in body composition and lipid metabolism, using Cohen's d effect size for interpretation.Results The HIIRT program led to significant improvements in body composition, with body weight decreasing by 11.4 kg (p = 0.001, d = 0.96) and fat percentage decreasing by 3.1% (p = 0.001, d = 0.92). In addition, blood lipid profiles improved significantly, with triglycerides (-8.9 mg/dL, p = 0.001, d = 0.81, medium effect), total cholesterol (-19.7 mg/dL, p = 0,020, d = 1.98, large effect), and LDL (-8.2 mg/dL, p = 0.004, d = 1.96, large effect) decreased, while HDL increased by +10 mg/dL (p = 0.006, d >= 2.0, very large effect). These results underline the positive effects of HIIRT on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.Conclusion The results suggest that HIIRT is an effective and time-efficient training model for improving body composition and metabolic health in women. The combination of high-intensity interval training principles with resistance exercise optimizes fat oxidation, improves fat metabolism and supports cardiovascular function. Given its efficacy, HIIRT could be a valuable strategy for treating metabolic disorders and reducing the risks of physically inactive behavior. Future research should focus on long-term adaptations and individual variability in metabolic responses to optimize HIIRT programs for broader populations.
Mental and Physical Outcomes of Yoga Participation in Women with Spinal Disorders: A Qualitative Study
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025) Akyol, Gamze; Ermis, Sermin Agrali; Karakullukcu, Omur Fatih; Guler, Ozkan; Karakulak, Izzet; Arslanoglu, Cansel; Kucuk, Hamza
Yoga, a holistic practice supporting both physical and mental integrity, has gained increasing attention in recent years as a public health-promoting activity. Particularly among women with spinal disorders (e.g., hernia, lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), yoga is recognized not only for improving physical functionality but also for contributing significantly to psychosocial parameters such as stress management, self-awareness, and life satisfaction. In this context, the present study aimed to explore the mental and physical outcomes of regular yoga practice in women diagnosed with spinal disorders, using qualitative methods. This study was conducted using a phenomenological design, as the participants had experienced the situation under investigation. It included semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 adult participants diagnosed with spinal disorders and with at least 3 months of yoga experience. In line with the nature of qualitative research, the number of participants was deemed sufficient, and it was accepted that data saturation was reached through the interviews conducted with 15 participants. The findings revealed multidimensional benefits, including mental and physical relaxation, improved stress management, postural enhancement, better quality of life, and increased self-compassion. Participants also highlighted the positive influence of yoga on body-mind balance, awareness of personal limits, and a deeper understanding of their condition. These results suggest that yoga functions both as a physical intervention and a psychological support mechanism for women with spinal disorders, promoting active engagement in their treatment process and enhancing public health outcomes. In conclusion, yoga practice was found to provide significant and sustainable contributions to spinal health and overall psychosocial well-being.
Muscular Strength and Endurance Adaptations To Functional Resistance Training in Young Elite Field Hockey Players
(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Gurkan, Alper Cenk; Eraslan, Meric; Aydin, Serhat; Altug, Tolga; Turkmen, Mustafa; Soyler, Mehmet; Kucuk, Hamza
Background: Functional strength training (FST) has gained considerable attention due to its potential in enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and body composition, especially among athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 12-week FST program on performance outcomes such as muscle strength, muscular endurance, and body composition in elite male field hockey players. Methods: The study involved 28 male athletes from the T & uuml;rkiye Hockey Federation Super League, with a mean age of 27.54 +/- 1.34 years and an average athletic experience of 7.62 +/- 0.48 years. The mean height of participants was 180.28 +/- 4.54 cm, and their mean weight was 75.59 +/- 3.08 kg. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 14). Pre-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate muscle strength (Leg Extension, Leg Curl, Bench Press, Pushdown), muscular endurance (30-s Sit-up and Push-up tests), and body composition [Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Percentage (BFP)]. The experimental group participated in the FST program three times per week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their usual training regimen. Post-test evaluations were performed using the same testing protocols. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess the interaction effects of group and time (pre-test vs post-test). Partial eta squared (eta(2)) values were used to report effect sizes, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0 software. Normality was assessed through the Shapiro-Wilk test, and data distribution was further examined through skewness-kurtosis values, histograms, box plots, and Q-Q plots. Paired sample t-tests were performed for pairwise comparisons, with Cohen's d used to determine the effect sizes. The classification for effect sizes followed Hopkins' (2002) guidelines: small (>= 0.01), moderate (>= 0.06), and large (>= 0.14). Results: Significant group x time interaction effects were found for all measured variables (p < 0.05). The experimental group showed greater improvements in body composition, muscle strength, and muscular endurance compared to the control group. Specifically, the experimental group experienced a significant reduction in BMI (pre-test: 21.17 +/- 0.64 kg/m(2), post-test: 19.84 +/- 0.85 kg/m(2), p < 0.001) and BFP (pre-test: 15.36% +/- 0.62%, post-test: 12.13% +/- 0.47%, p < 0.001), while the control group showed minimal changes in these variables. Muscle strength improvements in the experimental group were significant for Leg Extension (pre-test: 83.93 +/- 4.87 kg, post-test: 66.07 +/- 4.01 kg, p = 0.003), Leg Curl (pre-test: 99.29 +/- 7.81 kg, post-test: 118.21 +/- 5.04 kg, p < 0.001), and Bench Press (pre-test: 66.43 +/- 6.91 kg, post-test: 87.14 +/- 4.69 kg, p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group did not show significant improvements in these tests. Muscular endurance was also superior in the experimental group for both the 30-s Sit-up (pre-test: 19.21 +/- 0.97, post-test: 23.36 +/- 1.28, p < 0.001) and Push-up (pre-test: 24.66 +/- 2.53, post-test: 27.04 +/- 0.81, p < 0.001) tests. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) indicated moderate to large effects for all measured variables, with d values ranging from 0.46 to 1.14 for strength and endurance improvements. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that a 12-week FST program significantly improves muscle strength, endurance, and body composition in elite male field hockey players. These results suggest that incorporating FST into athletic training regimens may optimize performance and enhance overall physical fitness in athletes.