KOSALB International Journal of Human Movements Science

The Impact of Sodium Citrate, Phosphates, and Carnitine on Sports Performance: A Systematic Review

2025-06-21T02:45:21+03:00

Study aim(s): The study aims to clarify the impact of sodium citrate, phosphates, and carnitine on sports performance through a systematic review of the literature. These supplements have not been extensively defined or tested in previous experimental studies. Therefore, this review seeks to provide clearer insights into their optimal dosage and timing of use, as existing research primarily focuses on dosage and usage protocols in experimental settings.

Methods: This study follows a systematic review model based on PRISMA standards. It aims to draw new conclusions regarding the Effects of Sodium Citrate, Phosphates, and Carnitine on Sports Performance and their potential impact on athletes’ health. The literature search was limited to studies published within the last five years.

Results: The findings indicate that sodium citrate may enhance athletic performance and support skill preservation, although it can cause temporary gastrointestinal discomfort. Phosphate supplementation shows potential benefits for endurance under hypoxic conditions but demonstrates inconsistent effects in trained athletes. Carnitine appears to be most effective for high-intensity performance, with both acute and chronic supplementation contributing to improved power output and overall health benefits.

Conclusions: While supplementation with sodium citrate, phosphate, and carnitine shows potential ergogenic benefits, their effectiveness depends on proper dosage and timing. Sodium citrate (0.5 g/kg BM) may enhance anaerobic performance but requires careful timing (200–240 min pre-exercise) to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. The impact of sodium phosphate on aerobic performance varies among individuals, with responders particularly benefiting from supplementation, especially under hypoxic conditions. Carnitine supplementation appears most effective for high-intensity activities when taken chronically (2–2.72 g/day for 9–24 weeks) or acutely (3–4 g, 60–90 min pre-exercise).

The Asymmetry Level of Hamstrings Strength in Female U16 Basketball Players

2025-06-21T02:45:03+03:00

Study aim(s): This study aims to assess hamstring strength asymmetry in female basketball players under 16 years old using both bilateral and unilateral Nordic Hamstring Test. The goal is to identify right-left leg strength differences that may influence injury risk and performance, yet often go undetected in regular training.

Methods: The observational study, with a cross-sectional design includes 10 female basketball players under the age of 16 who train regularly with the "United Basketball" U16 team, under the framework of the Kosovo Basketball Federation (KBF). Hamstring strength asymmetry was assessed using the bilateral and unilateral Nordic Hamstring Tests using, with data collected via the My Jump 3 application. The measured parameters included torque (Nm), percentage of maximum torque (% of max τ), breakpoint angle (⁰), and asymmetry level (%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The statistical methods applied the Shapiro-Wilk test, descriptive statistics, percentiles, Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and a standard formula for calculating asymmetry level.

Results: A significant negative correlation was found between body weight ─ attributable to muscle mass ─ and asymmetry (r = 0.681, p = 0.030). BMI showed a similar non-significant trend (r = 0.614, p = 0.059). In contrast, height and lever length exhibited weak correlations with asymmetry. Torque was higher in the right leg (455.24 Nm) compared to the left leg (370.85 Nm). The measured asymmetry was 5.09%, indicating a slight dominance of the right leg.

Conclusion: In U16 female basketball players, a 5% asymmetry between the left (370 Nm, 102.3°) and right leg (455 Nm, 103.5°) in torque and breakpoint values suggests an acceptable level of functional variation. This asymmetry is likely influenced by muscle mass, which contributes to strength balance and neuromuscular control. These findings highlight the importance of targeted unilateral hamstring training to reduce injury risk in dynamic, sport-specific movements.

Analysis of Indicators of Loneliness and Their Relationship with Physical Activity Levels in Kosovo

2025-06-21T02:45:37+03:00

Study aim(s): This study aims to examine the prevalence of loneliness among adults in Kosovo, with a focus attention to gender, place of residence, marital status, and lifestyle habits. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the relationship between physical activity levels and experiences of loneliness.

Methods: A total of 128 participants completed a demographic questionnaire, along with two standardized instruments: the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data were collected virtually following ethical approval, and participation was entirely voluntary.

Results: This study found no statistically significant differences in overall levels of loneliness based on gender, place of residence, or lifestyle. However, responses to specific questions indicated that women exhibited higher levels of sensitivity. Notably, individuals in relationships reported higher levels of loneliness than those who were married or single. Regarding physical activity, men were generally more active than women, and rural residents engaged in more strenuous forms of exercise. A particularly important finding was that walking for more than 10 minutes per day had a positive and statistically meaningful impact on reducing feelings of loneliness.

Conclusion: The findings support the importance of promoting physical activity and suggest that incorporating at least a daily walk may serve as an effective strategy for preventing and managing loneliness.

Financial Resources and Challenges in Pilates Studio Management: A Qualitative Study

2025-06-21T02:45:56+03:00

Study aim(s): This study aims to explore the financial resources and challenges faced by Pilates studio businesses, which have gained popularity due to the growing interest in body-mind focused exercise and healthy living. The research seeks to provide insights and strategic recommendations to enhance the financial sustainability of boutique fitness enterprises.

Methods: Based on the type of data, a qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 Pilates studio owners from various districts in Istanbul. Thematic content analysis was used to identify core financial themes and operational concerns from the participants’ narratives.

Results: The analysis revealed several significant financial challenges, including high rental and location costs, expensive equipment procurement and maintenance, rising instructor salaries, and complex legal and tax obligations. Participants also identified issues such as economic instability, seasonal fluctuations in customer numbers, and the negative financial impact of pandemic-related closures. Key success factors highlighted were customer retention, a strong brand identity, and long-term marketing strategies.

Conclusions: The study offers practical implications for studio managers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers by addressing the financial challenges specific to Pilates studios. Contributing to the sports management literature, it highlights the need for adaptive strategies to support the long-term viability of small-scale fitness businesses.

Sustainability Practices in Sports Facilities and Managers' Perceptions

2025-06-21T02:46:18+03:00

Study Aim(s): This paper investigates key sustainability strategies, management perspectives, enabling conditions, and obstacles related to the implementation of sustainability practices in sports facilities.

Methods: The study employed a qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews with administrators of 15 sports facilities in Istanbul, each varying in size and usage. Focusing on sustainability practices, the interviews explored administrators’ understanding of sustainability, priority implementation areas, and motivations behind adopting such measures.

Results: Results indicate that managers define sustainability in a relatively narrow sense, focusing primarily on energy efficiency, water usage, waste management, and the preservation of green spaces. Facility managers are actively pursuing initiatives such as energy-efficient systems, water recycling, waste reduction programs, and the use of environmentally friendly products. Sports venues in Istanbul are promoting sustainability through planning, resource allocation, and educational efforts. However, gaming activities and infrastructure remain key challenges. Policymakers should consider providing targeted financial support such as grants or subsidies in order to improve infrastructure and further sustainability efforts.

Conclusion: To strengthen sustainability practices in sports facilities, it is recommended that policymakers develop targeted financial support programs such as grants or subsidies, especially for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, mandatory sustainability training modules should be implemented for facility managers, and regular public awareness campaigns should be institutionalized. Encouraging cooperation and benchmarking among facilities through national sustainability standards can promote the dissemination of best practices and enhance overall performance.