Background and Study Aim. Taekwondo (TKD) is a combat sport emphasizing on kicking techniques and dynamic footwork. Specialized balance ability is crucial for Taekwondo practitioners. Nowadays balance could be improved with specific strength training such as blood flow restriction and plyometric training. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) and pliometric training methods on the development of dynamic balance at the martial art of Taekwondo. Material and Methods. Totally 31 TKD athletes between 15-19 ages participated voluntarily and were divided into three groups as blood flow restriction (n=11), plyometric training (n=10) and control groups (n=10). In addition to normal taekwondo training, 8 week training programs were applied to the pliometric and blood flow restriction groups, and no training program was applied to the control group. At the beginning and after the trainings, dynamic balance ability measured with Prokin Tecnobody equipment for 30 seconds slalom test. Results. The difference between pre-test and post-test values of BFR group’s dynamic balance (antero-posterior sway) was found to be statistically different (p<.05) while according to the pliometric training results, there was no statistically significant difference (p>.05). Also, there was not any difference in terms of gender (p>.05). Conclusions. Strength development is neccessary for dynamic balance improvement in athletes. Since taekwondo athletes use strength and balance ability for rapid kicking and change direction, these motor abilities are important for success. Based on the findings of this study; it is recommended that BFR method may be useful and so it can be included in training programs.

Body awareness has been proposed as a major target of mindfulness interventions, though little is known of its association with achievement goals among track and field athletes. We in aimed to determine how body awareness and these achievement goals related among track and field athletes participating in the European Champion Clubs Cup in Mersin. We studied 70 volunteer athletes (38 female and 32 male). Among these 41 were runners, 17 were throwers and 12 were jumpers. Participants completed a Body Awareness Questionnaire and an Achievement Goals Questionnaire for Sport (AGQ-S) prior to competing. There were statistically significant positive correlations between Body Awareness and both Mastery Avoidance and Performance Avoidance (r=.350**, r=.350**, p<0.005). This significant correlation may be explained by an increased appreciation for body limitations through body awareness, that, in turn, positively relates to mastery and performance avoidance.

Background and Objectives: The primary purpose of the article was to examine the relationship between dark and light personality traits in university students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 518 students (208 female, 310 male) with an average age of 20.89 (±2.25). The Short Dark Triad and the Light Triad Scales were used. Harman’s single-factor analysis minimized measurement error, and various statistical methods assessed the effect of gender and age on personality traits. Results: Results indicated a positive correlation among dark personality traits, while light personality traits exhibited more complex relationships. Gender and age were found to significantly influence certain personality traits. Conclusions: This study contributes to the sports literature by exploring the role of demographic variables in personality formation.

This study aims to compare different dynamic balance ability between soccer players and sedentary. Sixteen soccer players and 18 sedentary participated in the study. Soccer players group participated soccer trainings consisting of different coordinative exercises for 3 years; the sedentary group attended a normal school program. Soccer players’ mean height was 157.81±6.63 cm, mean weight was 44.06±6.81 kg and sedentary mean height was 154.91±7.45 cm, mean weight was 43.46±7.03 kg. Informed consent form signed by the entire participant, their parents and the trainer prior to the study as required by the Helsinki declaration. Dynamic balance ability with Prokin, Y balance and Flamingo balance tests were used. Factorial ANOVA and independent samples t test was used for analyzing the results. For dynamic balance ability; bipedal perimeter length (p=0.019), area gap percentage (p=0.019) and medium speed (p=0.032); right foot perimeter length (p=0.03) and medium speed (p=0.03) values; and for Y balance; right anterior (p=0.001), left anterior (p=0.001), right posteriolateral (p=0.001), left posteriolateral (p=0.008) measurements and also for flamingo balance test both on right-left foot and eyes open-closed results (p≤0.001) are significantly different in favor of soccer players. There were no significant difference for dynamic balance bipedal-right-left forward backward axis and medium lateral axis, right foot area gap percentage, left foot perimeter length, area gap percentage and medium speed and for y balance; right-left foot posteriomedial measurements. The dynamic balance ability of soccer players was clearly different than that of sedentary. According to these results it can be concluded that the effect of extensive soccer skill practice on overall balance control.