The aim of this study was to compare the musculature activity and kinematics of knee and hip joints during front and back squat with maximal loading. Two-dimensional kinematical data were collected and electromyographic activities of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus and erector spinae were measured while participants (n = 12, 21.2 ± 1.9 years old) were completing front and back squat exercises with maximum loading. Paired sample t-test was used for comparisons between two techniques. Results showed that the electromyographic activity of vastus medialis was found to be greater in the front squat compared to the back squat during the ascending phase (P < 0.05, d = 0.62; 95% CI, -15.0/-4.17) and the whole manoeuvre (P < 0.05, d = 0.41; 95% CI, -12.8/-0.43), while semitendinosus (P < 0.05, d = -0.79; 95% CI, 0.62/20.59) electromyographic activity was greater in the back squat during the ascending phase. Compared to the front squat version, back squat exhibited significantly greater trunk lean, with no differences occurring in the knee joint kinematics throughout the movement. Results may suggest that the front squat may be preferred to the back squat for knee extensor development and for preventing possible lumbar injuries during maximum loading.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible kinematic and muscular activity changes with maximal loading during squat maneuver. Fourteen healthy male individuals, who were experienced at performing squats, participated in this study. Each subject performed squats with 80%, 90%, and 100% of the previously established 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Electromyographic (EMG) activities were measured for the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae by using an 8-channel dual-mode portable EMG and physiological signal data acquisition system (Myomonitor IV, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA, USA). Kinematical data were analyzed by using saSuite 2D kinematical analysis program. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.05). Overall muscle activities increased with increasing loads, but significant increases were seen only for vastus medialis and gluteus maximus during 90% and 100% of 1RM compared to 80% while there was no significant difference between 90% and 100% for any muscle. The movement pattern in the hip joint changed with an increase in forward lean during maximal loading. Results may suggest that maximal loading during squat may not be necessary for focusing on knee extensor improvement and may increase the lumbar injury risk.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the prevalence, motivation for use, information and purchase sources of supplements among male competitive team sports athletes and recreational gym users in North Cyprus. Study Design: The sample size was calculated based on the total population size according to the reports obtained from the gyms and the records of the related federations (soccer, basketball, volleyball) of TRNC. For a confidence level of 95 % and a confidence interval of 2.5 %; the required sample size was calculated as 804. The study covered more participants to ensure the statistical power to remain over 80 %. Calculations were performed with G*Power (for Mac Version 3.1.9.3). Place and Duration of Study: 8 gyms located in 6 different districts in Northern Cyprus between june2020 and July 2020. Methodology: A structured questionnaire measuring prevalence and patterns of supplements was administered to 902 participants (329 gym attendants, 562 team sports athletes, 18-40 years old, men). Statistical differences between sex, age group and sports participation were done by using a Chi-square analysis. Differences were considered significant at a p-value <0.05. Results: Overall, 54% of all subjects reported use of dietary supplements, showing a significantly higher percentage among gym attendants (62%) compared to team sport athletes (50%). The most popular dietary supplement among all subjects was protein (46.9%), followed by amino acids (22.6%), multivitamins (20.7%) and creatine (18.8%). Overall, the most important reasons for using supplements were increasing strength (52%), increasing energy (37.6%), insufficient nutrition (32.4%) and increase durability (32.4%). Trainers were the most common source of information for both groups and overall (33.5%), followed by gym friends for the gym attendants and pharmacies for the team sport athletes (30.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence was higher among the gym attendants compared to competitive athletes. This finding is in conflict with the related literature. It might be explained by the low level of competition and athletic performance in North Cyprus. The most popular source of information was trainers in our study and these findings were in compliance with the related literature.

Introduction: Gender inequality in sports manifests in various forms, including differences in treatment, expectations, and exposure to inappropriate behaviors. Female athletes often face subtle and overt forms of discrimination, particularly in relation to coach behavior and sexual harassment. Understanding how female athletes perceive and react to such behaviors is crucial for developing effective strategies to foster safer and more equitable sports environments. This study aims to examine the multidimensional nature of gender inequality in sports by exploring female athletes' perceptions of coach behavior, their reactions to sexual harassment, their ambivalent sexist tendencies, and their attitudes toward sexual harassment. Methods: This research utilized a quantitative survey design. Data were collected through the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Reactions to Sexual Harassment in Sports Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the Attitudes Toward Sexual Harassment Scale. The Coach Behavior List was also administered to assess athletes' perceptions of coach conduct. Participants included female athletes from various sports disciplines. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences across age groups and sports disciplines. Results: The findings indicated no statistically significant differences in the total and subscale scores of the Coach Behavior List and the Reactions to Sexual Harassment in Sports Scale across different age groups. However, significant differences emerged across sports disciplines. Handball players reported lower scores on the sexual behaviors and non-instructional threatening behaviors subscales, suggesting reduced exposure to these forms of coach misconduct. Additionally, football and basketball players demonstrated stronger emotional reactions to sexual harassment compared to handball players. These patterns indicate variability in gender dynamics and exposure to harassment across different sports. Discussion and conclusion: The results highlight how gender inequality in sports is shaped not only by individual factors but also by the cultural and structural norms of specific disciplines. The lower levels of reported misconduct among handball players may reflect differing power dynamics or gender norms within that sport. Conversely, the stronger emotional reactions observed among football and basketball players suggest heightened sensitivity or exposure to harassment. These findings emphasize the need for multilayered interventions aimed at raising awareness, empowering female athletes, and addressing sexual harassment through prevention and education initiatives. Creating safer and more inclusive environments in sports requires both institutional reforms and cultural change.