Browsing by Author "Günay, E"

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    The Effect of Post-activation Performance Enhancement of Coincidence Anticipation Timing in Basketball Players
    Günay, AR; Genç, S; Salman, K; Günay, E
    The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) method of coincidence anticipation timing in male basketball players. Seventeen male basketball players (mean age 20.17 years, height 1.87 m, weight 80.08 kg, training age 10.05 years) were included in the study. The study consists of two sessions. In the first session, after the participants were informed about the study and their consent was obtained, anthropometric measurements, coincidence anticipation timing (CAT) performances, and one-repetition maximum measurements were performed, respectively. Two days later, each participant performed five repetitions of back squats with 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) resistance after 20 min of general warm-up phases. Then, participants rested passively for 3 min. The CAT measurements of the participants were recorded after the rest period. Data were analyzed separately for CAT3 and CAT9 timing error scores in terms of pre-/post-PAPE. The results of the paired sample t-test showed that PAPE significantly decreased timing error scores on CAT 9 mph (p < 0.01). The same results were found for CAT 3 mph, and the Wilcoxon test result showed significantly decreased timing error scores after PAPE (p < 0.05). The findings showed that PAPE is an effective method for improving anticipation performance in sports such as basketball, where success is achieved through fast games. It can contribute positively to game-specific cognitive processes.
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    Effect of Post-Warm-Up Three Different Duration Self-Selected Active Rests on 100 Meter Swimming Performance: Preliminary Findings
    Türkmen, D; Günay, E; Güdücü, Ç; Öniz, A; Bediz, CS
    The question of when the optimal effect of warm-up is reached after the warm-up phase in swimming competitions is still not fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to see how self-selected active rest in three different duration periods affected 100-m maximum swimming performance. Eight well-trained elite swimmers (6 males and 2 females, mean age: 17.2 +/- 3, mean 616 FINA points) were included in the study. After the participants completed a standard warm-up consisting of dryland-based dynamic warm-up (10-min) and in-water warm-up protocols (1200-m / similar to 25-min) in 3 different sessions, they observed different transition phase periods (15, 30 and 45-min) with standard clothes in their maximum heart rate of 30% and self-selected movement forms (stretching, walking, etc.) completed by active rest. Subsequently, swimmers carried out the 100-m maximum time-trial swim test using their main stroke. Tympanic temperature (Ttympanic), forehead temperature ( Tforehead), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and maximal 100-m-time-trial ( TT) were recorded during all sessions. Measurements were evaluated in repeated measures ANOVA. Delta (.) calculation was used to score changes and strengthen the analysis. The 100-m time-trial demonstrated a trend of improvement in 30-min active rest (p=0.037). In addition, there was no difference between rest times in Tforehead, Ttympanic, HR, and RPE conditions (p>0.05). The 30-min active rest interval improved 100-m swimming performance by 1.6% and 0.8% compared to 15-min and 45-min active rest. The positive effect of pool warm-up can be maintained for up to 30 minutes with self-paced active rest.
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    The Effect of Acute Breath-Holding Exercise in Different Conditions on Cognitive Performance in Free Divers
    Tuna, G; Manci, E; Günay, E
    There is a growing trend towards studying human cognition in aquatic environments. At present, there exists a dearth of scholarly investigations pertaining to the immediate effects on executive functions subsequent to a solitary breath -holding training session within the cohort of professional free divers who engage in highly strenuous activities that test their physiological boundaries. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate impact of breath -holding exercises conducted in varying environments (water and land) on the executive functions of professional diving athletes. The research comprised a sample of 18 male individuals engaged in competitive free diving. The experimental design encompassed four distinct sessions: i) an initial phase dedicated to familiarising participants with the N -back test; ii) a subsequent phase involving the collection of baseline and control measurements for the N -back test; iii) a session focused on obtaining anthropometric measurements; and iv) a final session dedicated to measuring lung capacity. The cognitive assessments were conducted subsequent to the breath -holding exercise protocol, which occurred subsequent to both the land and water sessions. The results indicated a significant difference in reaction times between breath -holding exercises conducted on land and in water (p =.021). The computation of delta values was employed to ascertain alterations in cognitive test outcomes under distinct conditions (water and land) in comparison to the control condition. The findings revealed a statistically significant decline in cognitive performance in the water condition relative to the land condition (z:2.025, p= 0.043, r= -0.544). This study claims that the implementation of breath -holding exercise training in surface water conditions among divers could potentially result in adverse effects on executive functions. Moreover, it has been observed that the identical breath -holding exercises, when executed in terrestrial environments, exhibit a moderate enhancement of executive functions. The present study posits that the aforementioned findings will make a valuable contribution to the development of training methodologies for athletes and coaches involved in the discipline of freediving. Additionally, these findings are anticipated to offer valuable insights into the physiological well-being of divers.
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    The Effect of Fluid Restriction and Intake Conditions on the Shooting Performance of Competitive Adolescent Handball Players
    Uylas, E; Manci, E; Rodriguez-Sanchez, N; Bediz, CS; Günay, E
    (1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of fluid restriction and intake (water vs. sports drink) on shooting accuracy and speed in adolescent handball players, a population with high sensitivity to hydration levels yet understudied in this context. (2) Methods: A total of 47 adolescent competitive handball players (15.04 +/- 1.5 years) were included in this study, and the participants were divided into low, average, and high performance according to their shooting performance in the familiarization session. All participants were exposed to fluid restriction and intake conditions during handball training on different days. Before and after the training sessions, changes in shooting accuracy and speed were evaluated. (3) Results: The training protocol resulted in body mass loss in the Average Performer group (p = 0.001). Compared to fluid restriction, fluid intake (water intake and sports drink intake) post-training had a positive main effect on shooting accuracy, F(2, 88) = 34.32, p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.44, and shooting speed, F(1, 61) = 4.05, p = 0.35, eta(2)(p) = 0.84. (4) Conclusions: Hydration level plays an important role in shooting accuracy and speed performance in adolescent handball players. Therefore, fluid intake integrated into training or match sessions may contribute to the maintenance and improvement of shooting performance.
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    The relationship between esports game genres and cognitive performance: A comparison between first-person shooter vs. multiplayer online battle arena games in younger adults
    Manci, E; Güdücü, C; Günay, E; Güvendi, G; Campbell, M; Bediz, CS
    The relationship between esports and cognitive performance has recently gained interest in scientific research. Specifically, the cognitive characteristics of popular gaming genres such as Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games (MOBA) and First -Person Shooter (FPS) are needed to be explained. This present study aimed to compare cognitive abilities and reveal the differences between players who regularly play MOBA and FPS games. The participants were divided according to the game genres into MOBA players (n = 17; game experience = 9.17 +/- 2.21 years) and FPS players (n = 22; game experience = 10.90 +/- 3.62 years). Four cognitive tests (i.e., Change Detection, Mackworth Clock, Timewall, and Flanker Test) were administered to the participants via a computerized test battery. The data of the different groups were statistically compared. In the Mackworth Clock Test, FPS players had a higher percentage of correct answers than MOBA players (p =.02). The number of correct answers and reaction times obtained from the Flanker test by FPS players were higher compared to MOBA players (p =.02 and p =.01, respectively). This study revealed that the sustained attention, reaction time, and inhibition skills of FPS players are better than MOBA players. These findings may help to shed light on some of the cognitive abilities that might be more relevant to the FPS genres.
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    Integrating Kata Training into School Education: Effects on Sustained Attention and Cognitive Performance in 8-9-Year-Old Children
    Gökdere, F; Uylas, E; Çatikkas, F; Günay, E; Ceylan, HI; Özgören, M
    (1) Background: The ability to sustain attention in primary school children aged 8-9 years plays a critical role in maintaining focus for extended periods, enabling them to comprehend and integrate large amounts of information. Enhancing sustained attention during this formative stage significantly improves a child's capacity to acquire and consolidate new skills and knowledge, laying a strong foundation for academic and cognitive development. (2) Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of an 8-week kata training program on attention and its components in 8-9-year-old school-age children, a critical developmental period for attention. (3) Methods: After excluding the participants who gave a low number of correct answers in the pre-test or created a ceiling effect, 43 participants, aged 9.12 +/- 0.40 years, were included in this study. This study, conducted during the academic term, included three measurement phases and a familiarization session. Attention parameters were evaluated using the Bourdon-Vos Test, and participants were categorized into Low Performers (LP) and High Performers (HP) based on pre-test scores. The intervention group (INT) underwent kata training thrice weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group (CON) followed their regular activities. Post-training, attention parameters were reassessed using the Bourdon-Vos Test. (4) Results: In the post-intervention analysis, significant improvements in the number of correct responses were observed in both the LP (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.333) and HP (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.644) groups within the INT group. In the CON group, significant improvement was observed only in the HP group (p = 0.031, Cohen's d = -0.948). Regarding attention processing speed, significant pre-post improvements were found exclusively in the INT group (p < 0.001). Block-wise analysis revealed significant differences only in Block 1 of the CON group (p = 0.011, Cohen's d = -0.522). However, in the INT group, significant improvements were observed in both Block 1 (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.200) and Block 2 (p = 0.004, Cohen's d = -0.678). (5) Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the effectiveness of an 8-week kata training program in enhancing sustained attention and cognitive processing speed among 8-9-year-old children, particularly in low-performing groups. This suggests that integrating structured kata-based motor and cognitive activities into school curricula can serve as a promising strategy for addressing attention deficits and promoting cognitive development during this critical developmental period. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of kata training on attention and related cognitive functions, such as working memory and executive control. Investigating neurophysiological mechanisms through neuroimaging and including diverse age groups with larger samples could further validate these findings.
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    Brain hemodynamic changes during sprint interval cycling exercise and recovery periods
    Manci, E; Günay, E; Güdücü, C; Özgören, M; Bediz, CS
    Objectives. - The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of the most investigated brain regions on exercise due to its relationship with maintaining exercise. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of a high-intensity exercise on cerebral hemodynamic parameters in the PFC and how physical load reflects on PFC. Methods. - Twelve male (mean +/- SD: age = 20 +/- 1.56 years) performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT; 30-s all-out) for three repetitions as a Sprint Interval Training (SIT) exercise model via a cycling ergometer with 4 min of active recovery (50 W, 50 rpm) between the repetitions. A functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) device was used to record hemodynamic changes of the prefrontal cortex throughout the entire protocol. Results. - The oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and total-hemoglobin (total-Hb) levels in the PFC were increased significantly (P < 0.001), while the power outputs were decreased in repetitive WAnT's (P < 0.05). The oxy-Hb values were higher than the pre-exercise values even in the recovery periods between WAnT's (P < 0.001). Conclusions. - In conclusion, repeated load with the active recovery periods might be an optimal approach for increasing the PFC oxygenation to its peak values. These results suggest that a repeated Wingate test could be used as a test to improve the metabolic condition of the athlete's brain. (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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    The Effect of the Playing Positions in Basketball on Measures of Cognitive Performance
    Manci, E; Günay, E; Güdücü, C; Herold, F; Bediz, CS
    PurposeTo compete at a high-performance level, an athlete needs not only extraordinary physical capabilities but also extraordinary cognitive capabilities. However, position-specific differences concerning cognitive performance capabilities in team sport athletes (e.g., basketball) have, so far, not been extensively studied. Thus, this study investigated possible position-specific differences in specific cognitive performance capabilities in a cohort of trained basketball athletes playing guard, forward, or center positions for more than 10 years.Methods27 male basketball players and 20 sedentary controls were included in this study. We used three cognitive tests (i.e., Change Detection Test, Timewall Test, and Mackworth Clock Test) to investigate possible cognitive performance differences concerning position-specific capabilities. Thereto, indices of cognitive performance were compared between the athletes of the different playing positions and sedentary controls.ResultsIn the Change Detection Test, the number of correct answers from guards was significantly higher than the one of the forwards, centers, and sedentary controls (p < .001). During the Timewall Test, centers' timing scores were significantly higher than the one of the guards, forwards, and sedentary controls (p < .001). Concerning the Mackworth Clock Test, no significant differences between the playing positions were observed, although all basketball players outperformed sedentary controls.ConclusionIn summary, the results of this cross-sectional study provide evidence (i) that trained basketball players are equipped with superior cognitive capabilities as compared to sedentary controls, and (ii) that in trained basketball players position-related differences in specific cognitive capabilities occur. In regard to the latter, our findings suggest that guards are equipped with superior visuospatial attention and short-term memory capabilities whereas centers showed superior visuospatial perception and timing abilities. Whether such differences are caused by long-term position-specific training, are a result of a selection process, or a result of both factors needs to be investigated in future longitudinal studies.
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    Determining Cognitive Performance in Athletes: A Systematic Review Focused on Methodology of Applying Cognitive Tests
    Manci, E; Herold, F; Özdalyan, F; Benli, MD; Bozkurt, Ç; Gençtürk, U; Gebel, A; Güdücü, Ç; Günay, E; Bediz, CS; Pontifex, MB; Muller, NG
    Although in recent years, there have been many studies to determine the cognitive performance of athletes, there are significant differences in the methodological approaches of these studies. Therefore, this methodology-focused systematic review aims to analyze the application methods of cognitive test studies with athletes and to provide standard recommendations for further studies. For this purpose, three electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched using predetermined keywords. As a result of the screening, 25 studies were included in the review. The result of this systematic review focused on the methodology of applying cognitive tests and observed considerable heterogeneity in methodological procedures applied in studies investigating the cognitive performance of athletes. The findings of this review highlight the need for the development of standardized procedures for the assessment of cognitive performance in future research while offering practical recommendations for researchers and coaches working in this area.
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    The influence of acute sprint exercise on cognition, gaming performance, and cortical hemodynamics in esports players and age-matched controls
    Manci, E; Gençtürk, U; Günay, E; Güdücü, C; Herold, F; Bediz, CS
    The relationship between esports and cognitive performance has recently gained increasing interest in the scientific community. However, our knowledge of the effects of acute sprint exercise (SE) on game performance and cognitive performance of esports players (as compared to age-matched controls) is scant. To address this gap, this study using a between-subjects design with pretest-posttest comparisons recruited amateur esports players aged between 18 and 35 years, and healthy age-matched controls who did not play esports games. The participants performed the Go/No-go test, Tracking Test, and the First Person Shooter (FPS) game Valorant immediately before and 5 and 30 min after SE. In addition to the behavioral performance, changes in the cortical hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were recorded before and after the acute physical exercise while playing Valorant using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results show that amateur esports players have superior performance in both game performance (p < .001) and specific measures of cognitive performance (i.e., Tracking Test, p < .05), regardless of the sessions. After the acute physical exercise, the gaming performance in both groups improved, and amateur esports players showed a higher accuracy in the Go/No-go task 30 min after SE. Regarding PFC cortical hemodynamics, no significant difference was noticed in the oxygenation values of both groups between pre and post tests, and between-group differences (p > .05). In conclusion, our study provides evidence that (i) amateur esports players have superior cognitive performance in specific domains and (ii) an acute bout of physical exercise can increase the gaming performance of both amateur esports players and healthy age-matched controls.