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The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in muscle activation (EMG) and body weight distribution (%BW) between suspension (TRX™ push-up and TRX™ inverted row) and conventional exercises (bench press and lying barbell row) using different contraction types (isometric and isotonic) and position variations (feet on the ground [FG] and feet on suspension device [FD]). It was also used to determine the intensity of the force applied to the straps of the suspension device corresponding to one repetition maximum (1-RM). Twelve male athletes (ages-24.5±4.2 years (mean±standard deviation [SD]); Height-181.0±6.8 cm; body mass-83.08±6.81 kg) participated in this study. Two suspension devices were used, one for the FD variation and one for the FG variation pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TRI) activations were assessed during the TRX™ push-up and bench press exercises. Transversus trapezius (TRA) and biceps brachii (BB) activations were assessed during the TRX™ inverted row and lying barbell row exercises. The results showed significant differences between exercises (FG and FD variations of TRX™ push-up and bench press) in PM activities (isometric and isotonic) (p≤0.05). However, these differences were only observed during isometric TRI activation (p≤0.05). In the FG and FD variations of the TRX™ inverted row and lying barbell row exercises, there were only differences in the isometric contractions of the TRA and BB (p≤0.05). In the suspension device of push-ups and inverted row for the FD variations, 70.5% and 72.64% of 1-RM intensity were obtained, respectively. Similar responses to training intensities and muscle activations can be obtained in suspension exercises and conventional exercises. FD variations of suspension exercises can be more effective in terms of muscle activations than FG variations, and isotonic suspension exercises increase exercise intensity more than isometric suspension exercises.

The aim of the present study was to compare anthropometric characteristics, dynamic balance and physical performances of climbers at recreational and intermediate levels. Climbers were seperated in two groups according to climbing difficulty levels. A total of 24 male rock climbers; 16 at beginner level (mean ± sd; 26.2 ± 4.2 years, climbing grade; 6a/6a+ ) and 8 intermediate level (mean ± sd; 30.8 ± 4.9 years, climbing grade; 7c/7c+) participated voluntariliy in the study Measurements were taken from both groups for anthropometric (body height, weight, body fat ratio, skinfolds, humerus breadth, arm span), intermittent finger hang (IFH), bent-arm hang and hand grip strength. Static (open/closed eyes) and dynamic balance was measured with isokinetic balance test on a force platform. Differences between groups were calculated using an independent samples t-test and also Mann-Whitney U test was used for nonparametric values. As a result, advance group has significantly greater values for limits of stability, humerus breadth, ape index and IFH (p lt;0.05). No significant difference was found between groups for the other balance parameters, anthropometric characteristics and climbing performance factors. In consequence, static balance parameters of rock climbers were found to be similar to those of other elite athletes in the literature. On the other hand, dynamic balance could be considered to be a more important parameter than static balance for climbers by the nature of the sport.

Performance in tennis involves various physical, technical/tactical and psychological factors together with a combination of abilities of agility, speed and power. On the other hand today serves have been a most important factor in winning a match. This study examined the effects of 6-week specific exercises program on serve performance and anthropometric characteristics in tennis players. Twenty competitive healthy tennis players were randomly divided into control and training groups. While the training group (n=10, 22.8±1.6 years) performed combined routine tennis training and 3 sessions (each session 45-60 min) including medicine ball, resistance and balance exercises, the control group (n=10, 18±0.0 years) only performed routine tennis training on court. Serve velocity, body height and weight, body fat ratios were assessed initially and at the end of the six week exercise program. As a result, tennis specific exercise training performed together with the 6-week tennis exercises program provided further improvement in the serve velocity of tennis players than those in the control group (p lt;0.05). In conclusion, specific exercises are recommended to be performed in order to increase service speed.

The aim of the present study was to examine the time course of changes of the effects of static stretching on straddle jump, vertical jump height and flexibility after performing dynamic movements in artistic gymnasts. The study was participated by 14 female artistic gymnasts aged between 9 and 14. Vertical jump heights were measured using the New Test 2000 testing device. Flexibility measurement was performed with sit and reach flexibility test. Artistic gymnastics-specific jump movement was evaluated looking at the angle between lower extremities using the Dartfish motion analysis program. Baseline measurements taken before the standard warm-up and the measurements taken after static stretching were assessed. Four sets of gymnastics moves each lasting two minutes were performed. The tests were repeated after each set. Static stretching was found to affect vertical jump performance significantly. Significant differences were found between Jump2 and Jump1 (p=0.01), Jump2 and Jump3 (p=0.03), Jump2 and Jump4 (p=0.01), Jump2 and Jumop5 (p=0.004), and Jump2 and Jump6 (p=0.009). In flexibility-related changes, significant differences were found between Reach2 and Reach3 (p=0.03), and Reach2 and Reach6 (p=0.006). Static stretching was found to have no significant effect on the lower extremity straddle jump degree. In conclusion, although the static stretching protocol reduced vertical jump performance significantly, it did not affect the artistic gymnastics-specific jump move. The negative effects of static stretching on jump height approached the baseline value approximately 4 minutes later.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to describe factor structures of swimmers for evaluating endurance. The second aim was to determine 5000m pool velocity (5000Vp) and 5000m open water swimming velocity (5000Vow). Material and Methods: The study sample was comprised of 14 swimmers who candidate for the Turkish Open Water National Team (age: 13.78 ± 1.21 years; height: 168.06 ± 6.67 m; body mass: 59.06 ± 7.99 kg). Anaerobic threshold, critical swimming speed, and 5000m swimming tests were measured in a pool setting and 5000m open water swimming test was measured in sea conditions. Results: Results of the factor analysis; the effect of 4 cardiorespiratory endurance factor classified as velocity and heart rate (HR), HR and lactate, exercise HR and exercise lactate was explained 89.16% in relation with 5000m open water swimming performance and under the first factor had the greatest factor weight and formed 48% of the total variance. Regression coefficients for 5000Vp and 5000Vow were found R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.79 respectively (p