Journal of Exercise Science & Physical Activity Reviews

Investigation of the Effects of Music-Accompanied Fitness Classes on Students' Performance and Motivation: An 8-Week Study

Hakan Yapıcı — 2025-12-29

This study aimed to examine the effects of fitness classes accompanied by music on the performance and motivation of students in the Faculty of Sports Sciences. Music is known to influence emotional and physical responses during exercise, and this study investigated its impact within university-level sports education. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with repeated measures was used. The sample consisted of 180 students (male = 112, female = 68) at Kirikkale University. Of these, 90 students participated in fitness classes accompanied by music, while 90 students in the control group attended fitness classes without music. Data were collected using the Scale of Music’s Effect in Sports Applications (SUMEÖ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and differences between groups were analyzed using the independent samples t-test and ANOVA. The findings revealed that students participating in music-accompanied fitness classes had significantly higher psychological resilience, physical strength and performance, and motivation scores compared to the control group during the fitness classes (p < 0.001). Effect size analyses showed variability across outcomes, with effects ranging from small to large during the intervention and tending to be low at the end of the intervention. The results indicate that music-accompanied fitness classes are effective in enhancing students’ motivation and performance. Incorporating music strategically into exercise programs can improve both physical and psychological engagement, and its use is recommended in sports and fitness training settings.

Effects of Play Attention Neurofeedback Training on Cognitive Functions and Lifting Performance in Young Elite Weightlifters

Sibel Onurlubas — 2025-12-29

This study examined the effects of Play Attention–based neurofeedback training (NFT) on attention-related cognitive functions and total lifting performance in young elite weightlifters. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design, ten athletes aged 13–14 years were assigned to an experimental group (n=5) or a control group (n=5). The experimental group completed a 20-session NFT program over three months in addition to routine weightlifting training, while the control group continued regular training only. Cognitive performance was assessed through task-based metrics provided by the Play Attention system, targeting sustained attention, visual tracking, task completion, memory, and discrimination. Athletic performance was evaluated using total lifting performance (kg), calculated as the combined sum of snatch and clean & jerk lifts. Statistical analyses included paired samples t-tests, independent samples t-tests with Welch correction, effect size calculations (Cohen’s d), and normality testing. Results revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significant pre–post improvements in total lifting performance (p < 0.01), accompanied by very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 2.0), whereas the control group showed smaller gains. Mean total lifting performance increased by approximately 35% in the experimental group, exceeding the control group’s improvements by 16–20%. Cognitive outcomes showed consistent improvements across all assessed domains, while body weight changes remained minimal and comparable between groups, indicating that performance gains were largely independent of physiological growth. These findings suggest that Play Attention–based NFT may serve as an effective supplementary training modality for enhancing attentional control and technical performance in young elite weightlifters. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm these results.

Staying Active in the Digital Age: The Relationship Between Digital Leisure Time Preferences and Motivation to Participate in Physical Activity Among Sports Science Students

Rasit Karaca — 2025-12-29

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the digital leisure time orientations of students at the Faculty of Sports Sciences and their motivation to participate in physical activity. In this study, a correlational survey model was used as a quantitative research method to explain the problem situation, and the sample was determined using simple random sampling. The data collection tools used were the “Physical Activity Participation Motivation Scale” and the “Digital Leisure Time Orientation Scale.” The obtained data were analyzed using the Jamovi statistical program; during the analysis process, the assumptions of normality and homogeneity were tested. When the data showed a normal distribution, parametric tests such as the t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were used; when the assumption of normal distribution was not met, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. The findings revealed that some trends related to digital leisure time use (particularly psychological reasons and app usage) differed by gender, but overall trends were similar. Furthermore, no significant difference was found based on monthly income level. However, a moderate, positive, and significant relationship was found between students' digital leisure time orientations and their motivation to participate in physical activity. In conclusion, although partial differences were observed based on the gender variable, it was determined that students' general tendencies were similar and that there was a significant relationship between their digital leisure time orientations and their motivation to participate in physical activity.