This study investigates the sustainability consciousness and environmental behaviors of sports science students, focusing on demographic differences. A total of 440 voluntary students (213 females and 227 males) from the Faculty of Sports Sciences participated, selected through simple random sampling. Data collection tools included a researcher-designed personal information form, the Sustainable Consciousness Scale, and the Environmental Behavior Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22, employing descriptive statistics to summarize the data. Normality tests were conducted to determine the suitability of parametric analyses, followed by t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were also utilized. The findings revealed no significant differences in sustainability consciousness and environmental behaviors based on variables such as active sports participation or sports duration. However, significant differences were identified based on gender, age, and academic achievement. Additionally, a strong positive relationship was observed between sustainability consciousness and environmental behaviors. The findings underscore the need for personalized educational strategies that consider demographic differences in fostering pro-environmental behaviors. These insights have practical implications for the development of targeted curricula and policies aimed at enhancing sustainability consciousness in higher education, particularly within sports sciences. Tailored interventions for different demographic groups could improve the effectiveness of sustainability education and encourage greater environmental responsibility among future sports professionals.

Background and Objectives: This study analyzes the effects of proprioceptive training on the physical fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation’s Third League, aged 20.46 ± 1.60 years (average), participated voluntarily. Body composition was assessed with the Inbody270 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, while agility and maximal VO₂ cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat. Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with paired sample t-tests for comparisons, Cohen’s d test for effect size, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA for interaction effects (group × time). Eta squared (η²) values were reported for effect size. A 95% confidence level and p = 0.05 were used. Results: Proprioceptive training significantly improved body fat percentage (p < 0.05; η² = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling (p < 0.05; η² = 0.302), alternating foot juggling (p < 0.05; η² = 0.271), right foot juggling (p < 0.05; η² = 0.250), and shooting performance (p < 0.05; η² = 0.513). Conclusions: A 12-week proprioceptive training program, when incorporated into soccer practice, significantly enhances soccer-specific technical skills and reduces body fat percentage.

The current study aims to examine the association between high school students’ social–emotional learning (SEL) skills and their use of social media, as well as to explore potential variations based on certain variables. The research utilized relational and comparative survey methodologies, with 325 high school students participating. Data were gathered through the administration of the “Social Emotional Learning Scale” and the “Social Media Use Scale.” Analytical techniques such as t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to analyze the collected data. The results indicate a slight, adverse connection between the social–emotional learning abilities of students and their utilization of social networking sites. Furthermore, the research revealed that the average ratings for both social–emotional learning abilities and social media usage were moderate. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in social–emotional learning skills and social media use based on gender or grade level.

In Turkey, Science and Arts Centers (BİLSEM) were opened and put into practice in 1995 in order to support gifted and talented students who are different from their peers in academic, social, and artistic fields in addition to their formal education. However, as in every educational institution, many problems have emerged in BİLSEMs, which teachers and students try to overcome. In this research, we aim to address the problems that teachers and students in BİLSEMs face or experience. To this end, the study employed a systematic compilation method, a qualitative research method, and theses, articles, papers, and books that were published between 1995 and 2022 and could be accessed were included in the study. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the research data were compiled by entering the keywords “BİLSEM”, “Gifted”, and “Talented” in the databases and analyzed with content analysis. As a result of the reviews, 46 articles, 15 theses, 1 paper, and 1 book focusing on teacher and student problems were included in the study. In light of the results obtained in the study, it was concluded that the problems experienced by teachers include shortages in materials, physical conditions and infrastructure, insufficient professional development opportunities, the programs not being functional and adequate, and student absenteeism and that the problems experienced by students include the intensity of the program and participating in too many activities, insufficient infrastructure and a lack of materials, being excluded from their circle of friends, and high expectations.

This study examines the effects of two plyometric training interventions over an eight-week preparatory period on straight punch impact force, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength in national-level boxers. Twenty male professional boxers participated voluntarily, with an average age of 22.64 ± 3.12 years and an average training experience of 5.11 ± 0.88 years. Their mean body weight and height were 70.20 ± 10.13 kg and 184.28 ± 5.38 cm, respectively. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1, the Plyometric Stair Jump group, consisted of ten male boxers, while Group 2, the Plyometric Reaction Box Jump group, also included ten male boxers. To assess maximum punching velocity (PVmax), an accelerometer was embedded within the boxing glove, capturing data during three maximal-speed jabs with each arm to evaluate both rear-arm (RA) and lead-arm (LA) punches. Upper-body strength was assessed using a one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (BP) test, while maximum velocity at various percentages of 1RM was recorded via a linear encoder. Significant correlations were observed between the right arm punch velocity maximum (RA PVmax) and the bench press velocity at all submaximal intensities in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between left arm punch velocity maximum (LA PVmax) and bench press velocity at any intensity within the Plyometric Reaction Jump (PRJ) group. Conversely, in the Plyometric Stair Jump (PSJ) group, a velocity at 80% of 1RM was the sole significant predictor of RA PVmax at submaximal bench press intensities. Adjusting for the strength-to-weight ratio significantly influenced the predictive values in intergroup comparisons (p < 0.005). These findings suggest that high-load bench press exercises (e.g., at 80% 1RM) may serve as reliable predictors of performance in specific boxing movements. However, since no significant relationship was observed with LA PVmax in this study, further research is warranted to identify exercises and intensities that may explain left arm punch velocity.

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 Türkiye 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 (η²) 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 × 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/m², post-test: 19.84 ± 0.85 kg/m², 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.