The impact of free time management and leisure satisfaction on quality of life is distinct, however, the role of satisfaction in enhancing quality of life through free time management remains uncertain. Hence, the objective of this research is to explore how leisure satisfaction acts as a mediator between free time management and the levels of quality of life among university students. Additionally, this study aims to analyse these concepts in relation to gender, age and the number of days of activity participation. Within this particular framework, a total of 213 university students willingly participated in the survey, which included the administration of the “Free Time Management Scale,” “Leisure Satisfaction Scale,” and “Quality of Life Scale.” The analyses employed the Independent T-Test, Pearson Correlation, and Linear Regression methods. The mediating effect was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling. The study found significant relationships between gender, free time management, and life quality. There was a significant relationship between free time management, leisure satisfaction, and quality of life (p < 0.05). Leisure satisfaction partially mediated the quality of life-free time management relationship. As age and physical activity grow, males have a higher standard of living, and time allocation and quality of life improve. Furthermore, it was found that students who effectively managed their time experienced an enhanced quality of life, as evidenced by their increased satisfaction with leisure activities. Notably, the level of satisfaction with well-managed time was identified as a crucial factor in this association.

Article: To what extent do somatotype structures affect athletic performance in professional athletes? - The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2024 July;64(7):650-60 - Minerva Medica - Journals

The aim of the study is to examine relationships between shoulder extension-flexion and internal-external rotation strength of professional male handball players with throwing velocity, and the hip extension-flexion strength with horizontal and vertical reactive strength index. Fifteen professional male handball players participating in 1^st League matches took part in the study. The results showed that isometric shoulder flexion and extension strength significantly predicted stable throwing velocity (r²=between 0.27–0.73) and dynamic throwing velocity (r²=between 0.30–0.62). In addition, isometric internal and external rotation strength significantly predicted stable throwing velocity (r²=between 0.32–0.54) and dynamic throwing velocity (r²=between 0.31–0.44). Moreover, isometric hip extension and flexion strength significantly predicted vertical reactive strength index (r²=between 0.31–0.45) and horizontal reactive strength index (r²=between 0.26–0.42). In conclusion, it was observed that shoulder strength has an enhancing effect on handball players' throwing velocity, while hip strength is a determining factor for the reactive strength index. In this context, it is assumed that shoulder weakness during throwing will affect the accuracy and velocity of throwing by disrupting the angular momentum, while weakness in the hip during the jump phase of the throwing motion will negatively affect the explosive power by limiting stabilization during landing. Received: 27 March 2024 Accepted: 05 June 2024 Article published online: 31 July 2024 © 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

This study aims to assess the reliability of hop tests among healthy university athletes and to identify leg asymmetries through these assessments. A cohort of 212 university athletes, active in sports, participated in the study. Hop tests, comprising four distinct procedures, were administered to evaluate lower extremity strength. The hop tests demonstrated high reliability, with reliability coefficients ranging from 0.704 to 0.990. Examination of asymmetry indices revealed mean values of 101.07%, indicative of symmetrical limb function among participants. Gender-based differences were notable in hop test results, particularly in the crossover hop test, which showed significant asymmetry (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upper extremity proprioception on free throw accuracy, speed and reaction speed in handball players. Fifteen professional male handball players were selected through random sampling. Proprioception was assessed with a goniometer, reaction speed with a light trainer system, and free throw speed with a sport radar. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the effect levels between variables. Our study determined that free throw speed, free throw accuracy, and reaction speed performances improved as proprioceptive sensory acuity increased during shoulder flexion (R ²=between 0.280 and 0.659; p<0.05) and extension (R ²=between 0.270 and 0.590; p<0.05), shoulder external rotation (R ²=between 0.461 and 0.873; p<0.01), elbow flexion (R ²=between 0.477 and 0.840; p<0.01) and extension (R ²=between 0.275 and 0.574; p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that shoulder internal rotation proprioceptive sensory acuity had a positive effect on free throw accuracy and reaction speed performances (R ²=between 0.338 and 0.415; p<0.05) except for free throw speed (p>0.05). We conclude that higher proprioceptive acuity enhances motor control of joints, contributing to enhanced athletic performance. Considering the decisive role of technical skills in score production, it is predicted that improving proprioceptive sense may improve the score performance of athletes by improving technical skills. Received: 20 January 2025 Accepted after revision: 17 April 2025 Article published online: 20 May 2025 © 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany