Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

The Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Basic Hitting Performance in Tennis

Year 2026, Issue: Advanced Online Publication , 27.03.2026
https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1767153
https://izlik.org/JA52EC92BA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on basic stroke performance in tennis. In the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year at Atatürk University, 20 students without prior tennis experience participated. They were divided into two equal groups: the control group, which received only traditional training, and the experimental group, which received a combination of VR and traditional training. Each group included five male and five female students, all participating in an 8-week training program. A pre-test–post-test control group experimental design was used. Data were collected through a VR application and a performance test administered before and after training. Descriptive statistics and normality tests were conducted, with paired t-tests for intra-group comparisons and ANCOVA for inter-group comparisons, using SPSS 25. Results showed significant improvements in stroke performance in both groups. However, analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in forehand stroke performance between groups. In contrast, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement in backhand performance compared to the control group. Findings suggest that both VR-based and traditional methods can effectively enhance basic stroke performance in tennis. Specifically, VR training proved particularly effective for improving backhand strokes, while no additional benefit was observed for forehand strokes compared to traditional training.

Ethical Statement

This study is an original work; I have adhered to scientific ethical principles and rules in all stages of the study, including preparation, data collection, analysis, and presentation of information; I have cited all sources for data and information not obtained within the scope of this study and included these sources in the bibliography; I have not made any changes to the data used, and I declare that I have complied with all the terms and conditions of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and adhered to ethical duties and responsibilities.

Supporting Institution

Atatürk Üniversitesi

References

  • Akça, T., & Özer, M. K. (2020). Examining the effect of virtual reality glasses on maximum repetitions in strength training using the bench press exercise. Journal of Health and Sports Sciences, 3(2), 32-38. https://izlik.org/JA82YD59WA
  • Arndt, S., Perkis, A., & Voigt-Antons, J.N. (2018). Using virtual reality and head-mounted displays to increase performance in rowing workouts. Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Multimedia Content Analysis in Sports, 45–50. https://doi.org/10.1145/3265845.3265848
  • Bedir, D., & Erhan, S. E. (2021). The effect of virtual reality technology on the imagery skills and performance of target-based sports athletes. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 2073. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02073
  • Botwina, R., & Krawczynski, M. (2003). Application of visualization in training of young football players. XI. European Congress of Sport Psychology.
  • Bulduk, S. (2003). Experimental research methods in psychology. Istanbul: Çantay Kitabevi.
  • Büyüköztürk, Ş. (2012). Multivariate statistics for social sciences: SPSS and LISREL applications (2nd ed.). Ankara: Pegem Yayıncılık.
  • Chen, K. B., Ponto, K., Tredinnick, R. D., & Radwin, R. G. (2015). Virtual exertions: Evoking the sense of exerting forces in virtual reality using gestures and muscle activity. Human factors, 57(4), 658-673. https://doi.org/10.1177/00187208145622
  • Chu, D. A. (1995). Power tennis training. Human Kinetics Champaign.
  • Colombo, V., Mondellini, M., Fumagalli, A., Aliverti, A., & Sacco, M. (2023). A virtual reality-based endurance training program for COPD patients: acceptability and user experience. Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2219699
  • Crespo, M., & Reid, M. M. (2007). Motivation in tennis. British journal of sports medicine, 41(11), 769–772. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2007.036285
  • Czub, M., & Janeta, P. (2021). Exercise in virtual reality with a muscular avatar influences performance on a weightlifting exercise. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2021-3-10
  • Çoruh, L. (2011). Evaluation of the effectiveness of virtual reality application as a learning model in art history courses (Erciyes University Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts application example). (Thesis No. 279715) [Doctoral thesis, Gazi University-Ankara]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Dolu, U., & Çamlıgüney, A. F. (2022). The effect of virtual reality on isometric muscle strength. Progress in Nutrition, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.23751/pn.v24i1.11462
  • Donath, L., Rössler, R., & Faude, O. (2016). Effects of virtual reality training (exergaming) compared to alternative exercise training and passive control on standing balance and functional mobility in healthy community-dwelling seniors: A meta-analytical review. Sports Med 46, 1293–1309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0485-1
  • Drew, S. A., Awad, M. F., Armendariz, J. A., Gabay, B., Lachica, I. J., & Hinkel-Lipsker, J. W. (2020). The trade-off of virtual reality training for dart throwing: A facilitation of perceptual-motor learning with a detriment to performance. Frontiers in sports and active living, 2, 59. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00059
  • Evans, J. O., Tsaneva-Atanasova, K., & Buckingham, G. (2023). Using immersive virtual reality to remotely examine performance differences between dominant and non-dominant hands. Virtual reality, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-023-00794-z
  • Farrow, M., Lutteroth, C., Rouse, P. C., & Bilzon, J. L. J. (2019). Virtual-reality exergaming improves performance during high-intensity interval training. European journal of sport science, 19(6), 719–727. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1542459
  • Feodoroff, B., Konstantinidis, I., & Froböse, I. (2019). Effects of Full Body Exergaming in Virtual Reality on Cardiovascular and Muscular Parameters: Cross-Sectional Experiment. JMIR serious games, 7(3), e12324. https://doi.org/10.2196/12324
  • Ferrauti, A., Maier, P., & Weber, K. (2002). Tennistraining. Meyer and Meyer Verlag.
  • Fox, J., Arena, D., & Bailenson, J. N. (2009). Virtual reality: A survival guide for the social scientist. Journal of Media Psychology, 21(3), 95-113. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1027/1864-1105.21.3.95
  • Gani, R. A., Setiawan, E., Achmad, I. Z., Aminudin, R., Purbangkara, T., & Hofmeister, M. (2023). Virtual reality-based tabata training: a professional method for changing levels physical fitness and psychological well-being on student-athletes. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 27(2), 91-101. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2023.0201
  • George, D., & Mallery, M. (2010). SPSS for Windows Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference, 17.0 update (10a ed.) Boston: Pearson
  • Gercek, N., Tatar, Y., & Uzun, S. (2021). Alternative exercise methods for children with cerebral palsy: effects of virtual vs. traditional golf training. International journal of developmental disabilities, 68(6), 933–942. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.1926853
  • Gökgöz, E. R. (2020). The effect of virtual reality rehabilitation approach applied to patients with ankylosing spondylitis on fall risk, balance, walking, and quality of life. (Thesis No. 618356) [Master's thesis, Marmara University-Istanbul]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Göksu, F. (2017). The effect of virtual reality glasses used during venous blood collection in children on perceived pain. (Thesis No. 455052) [Master's thesis, Bülent Ecevit University-Zonguldak]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Gray, R. (2017). Transfer of training from virtual to real baseball batting. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 2183. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02183
  • Guadagnoli, M. A., & Lee, T. D. (2004). Challenge point: a framework for conceptualizing the effects of various practice conditions in motor learning. Journal Of Motor Behavior, 36(2), 212-224. https://doi.org/10.3200/JMBR.36.2.212-224
  • Gullikson, T. (2003). Physical fitness tests in tennis (Trans. Yavuz Yarsuvat B.). Journal of Sports Research, 7(1), 135-156.
  • Gürbüz, E., & Taş, M. (2023). The effect of virtual reality training on mental skills in 12-13-year-old soccer players. Journal of Sports Science Research, 8(1), 43-56 https://doi.org/10.25307/jssr.1172607
  • Harrison, K., Potts, E., King, A. C., & Braun-Trocchio, R. (2021). The effectiveness of virtual reality on anxiety and performance in female soccer players. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 9(12), 167. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports9120167
  • Hays, R. T., Jacobs, J. W., Prince, C., & Salas, E. (1992). Flight simulator training effectiveness: A meta-analysis. Military psychology, 4(2), 63-74. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1207/s15327876mp0402_1
  • Htut, T. Z. C., Hiengkaew, V., Jalayondeja, C., & Vongsirinavarat, M. (2018). Effects of physical, virtual reality-based, and brain exercise on physical, cognition, and preference in older persons: a randomized controlled trial. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 15(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-018-0199-5
  • Ida, H., Fukuhara, K., & Ogata, T. (2022). Virtual reality modulates the control of upper limb motion in one-handed ball catching. Frontiers in sports and active living, 4, 926542. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.926542
  • Jerald, J. (2015). The VR book: Human-centered design for virtual reality. Morgan & Claypool.
  • Ji, F., Zhang, X., Zhao, S., & Fang, Q. (2023). Virtual reality: a promising instrument to promote sail education. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1185415. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185415
  • Jiang, J., Wu, S., & Zhang, S. (2022). Design and research of VR basketball teaching system based on embedded ıntelligent sensor. Journal of environmental and public health, 2022, 3688596. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3688596
  • Kalkan, N. (2020). Examining the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in teaching basic technical skills: The example of table tennis. (Thesis No. 622796) [Doctoral thesis, Manisa Celal Bayar University-Manisa]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Kaptan, F. (1999). Science education. Ankara: National Education Printing House.
  • Kermen, O. (1997). Tennis techniques and tactics. Istanbul: Aşama Printing House.
  • Ko, J., Jang, S. W., Lee, H. T., Yun, H. K., & Kim, Y. S. (2020). Effects of virtual reality and non-virtual reality exercises on the exercise capacity and concentration of users in a ski exergame: Comparative study. JMIR serious games, 8(4), e16693. https://doi.org/10.2196/16693
  • Kovacs, M. S. (2007). Tennis physiology: training the competitive athlete. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 37(3), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737030-00001
  • Lathan, C. E., Tracey, M. R., Sebrechts, M. M., Clawson, D. M., & Higgins, G. A. (2002). Using virtual environments as training simulators: Measuring transfer. Stanney, K. M. (Ed.), Handbook of virtual environments: Design, implementation, and applications. (1st Edition, ss. 403-414). CRC Press.
  • Lee, H. T., & Kim, Y. S. (2018). The effect of sports VR training for improving human body composition. EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing, (1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13640-018-0387-2
  • Li, D., Yi, C., & Gu, Y. (2021). Research on college physical education and sports training based on virtual reality technology. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2021, e6625529. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6625529
  • Li, J., Wang, X., Wang, L., & Kang, H. (2022). Effects of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in martial arts sports on students’ physical and mental health. International Transactions on Electrical Energy Systems, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1359243
  • Liu, C., Wang, X., Chen, R., & Zhang, J. (2022). The effects of virtual reality training on balance, gross motor function, and daily living ability in children with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR serious games, 10(4), e38972. https://doi.org/10.2196/38972
  • Michalski, S. C., Szpak, A., Saredakis, D., Ross, T. J., Billinghurst, M., & Loetscher, T. (2019). Getting your game on: Using virtual reality to improve real table tennis skills. PloS one, 14(9), e0222351. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222351
  • Mok, T. N., Chen, J., Pan, J., Ming, W. K., He, Q., Sin, T. H., Deng, J., Li, J., & Zha, Z. (2021). Use of a virtual reality simulator for tendon repair training: Randomized controlled trial. JMIR serious games, 9(3), e27544. https://doi.org/10.2196/27544
  • Mologne, M. S., Hu, J., Carrillo, E., Gomez, D., Yamamoto, T., Lu, S., Browne, J. D., & Dolezal, B. A. (2022). The efficacy of an ımmersive virtual reality exergame ıncorporating an adaptive cable resistance system on fitness and cardiometabolic measures: A 12-week randomized controlled trial. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(1), 210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010210
  • Moran, C. A., Corso, S. D., Bombig, M. T., Serra, A. J., Pereira, S. A., & Peccin, M. S. (2019). Heart rate agreement between the 20-meter shuttle run test and virtual system in healthy children: a cross-sectional study. BMC pediatrics, 19(1), 491. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1861-4
  • Nambi, G., Abdelbasset, W. K., Alsubaie, S. F., Saleh, A. K., Verma, A., Abdelaziz, M. A., & Alkathiry, A. A. (2021). Short-term psychological and hormonal effects of virtual reality training on chronic low back pain in soccer players. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 30(6), 884–893. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0075
  • Noury, P. L., Buszard, T., Reis, M., & Farrow, D. (2021). Examining the representativeness of a virtual reality environment for simulation of tennis performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(4), 412-420. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1823618
  • Novak, D., Sinković, F., Bilić, Z., & Barbaros, P. (2023). The effects of a short virtual reality training program on dynamic balance in tennis players. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(4), 168. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040168
  • Park, S. J., & Lee, J. W. (2023). Effects of virtual reality pilates training on duration of posture maintenance and flow in young, healthy individuals: Randomized crossover trial. JMIR serious games, 11, e49080. https://doi.org/10.2196/49080
  • Park, J., & Yim, J. (2016). A new approach to improve cognition, muscle strength, and postural balance in community-dwelling elderly with a 3-D virtual reality kayak program. The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 238(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.238.1
  • Peng, X., Menhas, R., Dai, J., & Younas, M. (2022). The COVID-19 Pandemic and overall wellbeing: Mediating Role of virtual reality fitness for physical-psychological health and physical activity. Psychology research and behavior management, 15, 1741–1756. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S369020
  • Petri, K., Emmermacher, P., Danneberg, Masik, S., Eckardt, F., Weichelt, S., Bandow, N., & Witte, K. (2019). Training using virtual reality improves response behavior in karate kumite. Sports Eng 22, 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-019-0299-0
  • Polikanova, I., Yakushina, A., Leonov, S., Kruchinina, A., Chertopolokhov, V., & Liutsko, L. (2022). What Differences Exist in Professional Ice Hockey Performance Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technology between Professional Hockey Players and Freestyle Wrestlers? (A Pilot Study). Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 10(8), 116. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080116
  • Rabbi, F., Park, T., Fang, B., Zhang, M., & Lee, Y. (2018). When virtual reality meets internet of things in the gym: Enabling immersive interactive machine exercises. Proceedings of the ACM on interactive, mobile, wearable and ubiquitous technologies, 2(2), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1145/3214281
  • Rajaratnam, B., Fang, H. W., Jun, V.G., Chai, S. H., & Shan, D. L. (2010). A pilot study of the efficacy of ınteractive virtual reality sports on balance performance among older women. Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 8(2), 21-26.
  • Reneker, J. C., Pannell, W. C., Babl, R. M., Zhang, Y., Lirette, S. T., Adah, F., & Reneker, M. R. (2020). Virtual immersive sensorimotor training (VIST) in collegiate soccer athletes: A quasi-experimental study. Heliyon, 6(7), e04527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04527
  • Rose, F. D., Attree, E. A., Brooks, B. M., Parslow, D. M., & Penn, P. R. (2000). Training in virtual environments: transfer to real world tasks and equivalence to real task training. Ergonomics, 43(4), 494-511. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1080/001401300184378
  • Sadeghi, H., Jehu, D. A., Daneshjoo, A., Shakoor, E., Razeghi, M., Amani, A., Hâkim, M. N., & Yusof, A. (2021). Effects of 8 weeks of balance training, virtual reality training, and combined exercise on lower limb muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility among older men: a randomized controlled trial. Sports Health, 13(6), 606-612. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738120986803
  • Sağdıç, Z. A. (2019). Comparison of the effectiveness of discrete trial teaching and virtual reality headset teaching in teaching students with autism spectrum disorder to recognize facial expressions. (Thesis No. 569966) [Master's thesis, Biruni University-Istanbul]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Sato, K., Kuroki, K., Saiki, S., & Nagatomi, R. (2015). Improving walking, muscle strength, and balance in the elderly with an exergame using Kinect: a randomized controlled trial. Games for health journal, 4(3), 161-167. https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2014.0057
  • Scalona, E., Taborri, J., Hayes, D. R., Del Prete, Z., Rossi, S., & Palermo, E. (2019). Is the neuromuscular organization of throwing unchanged in virtual reality? Implications for upper limb rehabilitation. Electronics, 8(12), 1495. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics8121495
  • Seymour, N. E., Gallagher, A. G., Roman, S. A., O’brien, M. K., Bansal, V. K., Andersen, D. K., & Satava, R. M. (2002). Virtual reality training improves operating room performance: results of a randomized, double-blinded study. Annals of surgery, 236(4), 458-464. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-200210000-00008
  • Sousa, C. V., Lee, K., Alon, D., Sternad, D., & Lu, A. S. (2023). A Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of active video games on postural balance. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 104(4), 631–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2023.01.002
  • Stansfield, S., Shawver, D., Sobel, A., Prasad, M., & Tapia, L. (2000). Design and implementation of a virtual reality system and its application to training medical first responders. Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments, 9(6), 524-556. https://doi.org/10.1162/105474600300040376
  • Taşkın, C. (2020). Investigation of the effects of tennis education activities on teacher candidates in virtual reality environment. Trakya University Journal of Social Sciences, 22(2), 977-988. https://izlik.org/JA82CK72TK
  • Temizkan, E., & Ekici, G. (2018). The effect of game-based education with virtual reality at home on balance in geriatrics: A short-term follow-up preliminary study. Journal of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation, 6(3), 171-178. https://doi.org/10.30720/ered.396603
  • Theofilou, G., Ladakis, I., Mavroidi, C., Kilintzis, V., Mirachtsis, T., Chouvarda, I., & Kouidi, E. (2022). The effects of a visual stimuli training program on reaction time, cognitive function, and fitness in young soccer players. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 22(17), 6680. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22176680
  • Todorov, E., Shadmehr, R., & Bizzi, E. (1997). Augmented feedback presented in a virtual environment accelerates learning of a difficult motor task. Journal Of Motor Behavior, 29(2), 147-158. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1080/00222899709600829
  • Tomaç, H. (2017). Investigation of the effects of virtual reality training on postural stability, body composition, body image, depression, and quality of life in obese children. (Thesis No. 645655) [Master's thesis, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Ulas, K., & Semin, I. (2021). The biological and motivational effects of aerobic exercise with virtual reality. Research quarterly for exercise and sport, 92(3), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2020.1729329
  • Wang, Y., Chen, Q., Liu, L., He, Q., Cheung, J. C., Wong, D. W., Liu, Y., & Lam, W. K. (2023). Training effects of set- and repetition-interval rest time on recumbent-boxing exercise: Could virtual reality improve further?. iScience, 26(8), 107399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107399
  • Weber, K. (1982). Tenis-Fitness. BLV Verlagsgesellschaft.
  • Wei, W., Qin, Z., Yan, B., & Wang, Q. (2022). Application effect of motion capture technology in basketball resistance training and shooting hit rate in ımmersive virtual reality environment. Computational intelligence and neuroscience, 2022, 4584980. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4584980
  • Vojciechowski, A. S., Natal, J. Z., Gomes, A. R. S., Rodrigues, E. V., Villegas, I. L. P., & Korelo, R. I. G. (2017). Effects of exergame training on the health promotion of young adults. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 30, 59- 67. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.030.001.AO06
  • Yenilmez, Ö. (2021). The effect of virtual reality training on balance, upper extremity functions, and activities of daily living in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. (Thesis No. 675830) [Doctoral thesis, Pamukkale University-Denizli]. Higher Education Council National Thesis Center.
  • Yıldırım, Y., & Sunay, H. (2009). Reasons for starting tennis and expectations of athletes playing performance tennis in Turkey. SPORMETRE Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, 7(3) 103-109. https://doi.org/10.1501/Sporm_0000000158
There are 81 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Physical Training and Sports, Motor Control, Sports Science and Exercise (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Hüsniye Çelik 0000-0001-8022-4466

Erdoğan Tozoğlu 0000-0001-7547-249X

Fatih Ağduman 0000-0002-5744-7191

Submission Date August 16, 2025
Acceptance Date February 2, 2026
Early Pub Date March 27, 2026
Publication Date March 27, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1767153
IZ https://izlik.org/JA52EC92BA
Published in Issue Year 2026 Issue: Advanced Online Publication

Cite

APA Çelik, H., Tozoğlu, E., & Ağduman, F. (2026). The Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Basic Hitting Performance in Tennis. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1767153

Aim & Scope

Aim

Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences (PJSS) is an open-access, interdisciplinary journal that presents the latest research in the field of sport sciences, operating as the official research journal of Pamukkale University Faculty of Sport Sciences.
PJSS aims to support scientific research and increase knowledge in a wide range of sport sciences subfields such as leisure & sport management, physical activity, health & exercise, social & behavioral sciences, sports performance and teacher education & sport pedagogy. Our aim is to explore different aspects of sport, make significant contributions in these areas and provide valuable resources to our academic community.

Scope

The scope of our journal expands under the following main topics:

Leisure & Sport Management:
- Innovative leisure studies in social, psychological, cultural, political, environmental and health dimensions at individual, group, community, and societal levels.
- Studies that highlight theory, methodology, methods and advance the understanding of leisure receive.
- Studies examining related concepts such as parks and urban spaces, recreation and events, environmental participation, and well-being.
- Studies of organizational theories, behaviors, and strategies in relation to the management, governance, and consumption of sport.
- Studies on sport organization, marketing, and sport policies related to the management, governance, and consumption of sport.
- Studies on sports organization and marketing, consumer behavior, sponsorship, advertising, and licensing.
- Innovative work in areas such as sports tourism, facility, and event management.

Physical Activity, Health & Exercise:
- Investigations examining the effects of physical activity and healthy living habits on general health.
- Investigations examining the effects of exercise on chronic diseases.
- Investigations examining the use of technology in exercise programs for health
- Investigations examining the effects of physical activity on quality of life and health in elderly individuals
- Investigations on injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies for athletes
- Investigations examining the effects of nutrition programs on health, and exercise performance
- Investigations examining the effects of exercise on metabolism.
- Investigations examining the effects of physical activities in different environments (altitude, temperature, etc.)
- Investigations examining how genetic factors influence individuals' exercise responses and how the use of genetic information can be integrated into exercise programs
- Investigations examining the developmental effects of physical activity in children
- Investigations examining the effects of physical activity and exercise programs in people with disabilities


Social & Behavioral Sciences:
- Investigations into sports psychology, athlete behavior, and mental aspects of sports performance.
- Inquiries into the societal impact of sports, encompassing positive and negative influences.
- Studies addressing the sociology of sports, including cultural, gender, and racial dynamics.
- Exploration of sports ethics, sportsmanship, and moral dilemmas in sports.

Teacher Education & Sport Pedagogy:
- Studies addressing teaching, teacher education, and curriculum in physical education and health
- Investigations of educational policies and practices in school physical education
- Inquiries into the coaching pedagogy
- Exploration of interdisciplinary connections in physical education

Sports Performance:
- Investigations examining the various methods used to assess athlete performance
- Investigations examining both acute and chronic-term effects of training
- Investigations on the physiological adaptation of athletes to training
- Investigations examining how technology can optimize athlete performance
- Investigations examining the testing and development of athletes' physical performance
- Investigations examining the analysis of sport performance data
- Investigations examining the biomechanical aspects of sport movements
- Investigations on talent selection in sports


Our journal accepts original research, reviews and application-oriented studies within these areas. We aim to support studies in these different sub-disciplines in the sports sciences area and encourage knowledge sharing.

Manuscript Preparation

All manuscripts must be submitted online at https://dergipark.org.tr/en/journal/1109/submission/step/manuscript/new following the instructions below. Manuscripts submitted via e-mail will not be considered for publication.

General Structure
All articles should be submitted in Microsoft Word format (doc or docx). The automatic line numbering and page numbering functions to number the lines and pages should be used in the main text.

Four separate documents under the following titles must be uploaded for all manuscripts:
1. Title page (Click for Template)
2. Main Text (Click for Template)
3. Copyright Agreement Form (Click for the form)
4. Authorship Form (Click for the form)

Article Types
Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences publishes research articles, reviews, case studies and editorials. The articles submitted to the journal should contain new data on theoretical research, experimental research or practical applications in the field of sport sciences. It is important to note that the submitted articles should not have been published elsewhere.

Review
Review articles survey recent developments in a topical area of sport sciences. The Editor or Associate Editors usually invite review articles. However, self-invited manuscripts would be considered only if the authors have a proven track record of productivity in the relevant field being reviewed. Systematic review and meta-analysis should follow the EQUATOR Reporting Guidelines (https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/prisma/). The main text should start with Abstract, Introduction and end with Conclusion and References sections. Authors may choose to use any subheading in between those sections.

Case Report
A Case Report is a detailed and in-depth examination (including all types of interventions) of a specific topic, usually involving an athlete, and the results obtained. This comprehensive review should reveal new or rare cases within the selected subject. The detailed analysis should include the history of the subject, the symptoms, the diagnostic methods used, the subtleties of the interventions applied and the final results observed. Case report studies should be oriented towards understanding unique scenarios, promoting continuous learning and increasing the overall knowledge of the relevant field. Case report studies should include an Abstract, Keywords, an Introduction, a Case Description, Discussion, and Conclusion sections.

Research Article

Abstract
The abstract should be limited to 250 words, followed by 3 - 6 keywords that are not included in the title. The abstract should include sentences (without titles) related to the aim of the study, methods, results, and conclusions. Also, non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should be avoided. However, If they are necessary, define them in the first instance they are used in the abstract.
Keywords: keyword, keyword, keyword

Introduction
This section should orient the reader to the article's content and provide an understanding of the importance of the research. This section should clearly state the study's purpose, importance and scope. In addition, it should introduce the basic concepts related to the topic. Furthermore, the main questions or hypotheses of the research should be stated and explain to the reader what problems it aims to solve.


Methods

Participants
In this section, research participants should be identified. Demographic information (age, gender, education level, etc.) of the participants should be provided in this section. In addition, information on adherence to ethical rules and ethics committee approval for research involving humans or animals should be included in this section.
Note: In this section, the institution where the ethics committee approval was obtained should be written as XXX University (Year and number). The institution where the ethics committee approval was obtained should be clearly written on the title page.

Procedures
The design used in the research, e.g. cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental, etc. and sampling method should be included in this section. In addition, methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or laboratory experiments should be described in this section. Moreover, while describing these methods, the tools and materials used in the research should also be mentioned in this section.

Data Analysis
In the section, the statistical methods used in the research, the software used, content analysis, etc. should be explained in detail.

Results
All details such as tables, figures, etc. showing the research results should be included in this section. The number of each table, figure, etc. should be expressed primarily in the text. The main findings that are the focus of the research should be explained in detail in this section. In particular, findings that are noteworthy and/or unexpected in the research should be emphasized.

Discussion
In this section, findings should be associated with the literature and important findings should be emphasized. Explanation of contradictory or inconsistent findings, if any. Comparisons between different groups or relationships between variables should be discussed with the support of the literature. Limitations of the study, if any, should be given at the end of this section.

Conclusions
This section should summarize the main findings of the research. Also in this section, the main points of the data obtained should be emphasized and these findings should be related to their general context. In addition, recommendations for future research should be made in this section.

Practical Implications
This section should highlight the implications of the research for daily practice. It should also discuss the potential implications of the findings for practice. This section should explain how the concrete results of the research can be used, providing recommendations for professionals in the sectors.


1. Title Page

Please indicate this file's name as: "Title Page". The title page should contain the following information:

Manuscript Title: Should be clear, descriptive, and not too long.

Running Head: Limited to 50 characters in length, including spaces.

Authors’ Full Name(s) and Surname(s): Do not list academic degrees.

ORCID ID for all Author (s) (http://orcid.org/)

Authors’ Affiliations and e-mail (s): Author’s affiliation should be included: Department, University, City, Country respectively.


Contact details for the corresponding author: The name, institution, mail address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the corresponding author.

Section name to evaluate the study: Choose one of the sections below:
• Leisure & Sport Management
• Physical Activity, Health & Exercise
• Social & Behavioral Sciences
• Sports Performance
• Teacher Education & Sport Pedagogy

Acknowledgements: Information concerning financial support, technical assistance, and intellectual contributions not associated with authorship should be provided.

Conflict of interest declaration: Information concerning conflict of interest should be provided if necessary.


2. Main Text
Please indicate this file's name as: "Blind Main Text" and don't mention any information regarding the author(s)' personal information. Main Text should include the manuscript title in capital letters. The main text must contain the following sections with titles ; Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Practical Implications, and References.

The abstract should be limited to 250 words, followed by 3 - 6 keywords not used in the title. The abstract should include sentences (without titles) related to the aim of the study, methods, results, and conclusions. Also, from non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should be avoided. However, if necessary, they should be defined in the first mentioned place in the abstract.

All references must be written according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) citation format (known as APA 7). For further information, please visit the website https://apastyle.apa.org/

Sample In-Text Referencing

    Reference can be made to sources in text (Arslan & Bulgu, 2010). If multiple sources are given, this should be done in alphabetical order. If the names are the same, years should be considered. For a work with three or more authors, include the name of only the first author plus “et al.” in every citation, including the first citation (Yıldız et al., 2015). Direct quotations in the text “must be written in quotation marks” (Avşar et. al., 2019, p. 400), or Hürmeriç Altunsöz & Yapar (2019) emphasize that direct quotations in the text “must be written in quotation marks” (p. 30).                 
    Direct quotations (and statements of the participants in qualitative studies) longer than forty (40) words must be indented. Direct quotations (and statements of the participants in
    qualitative studies) longer than forty (40) words must be indented. Direct quotations (and statements of the participants in qualitative studies) longer than forty (40) words must
    be indented. 

Sample Bibliography
Reference to a journal article
Arslan, Y., & Bulgu, N. (2010). Socialization via play. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 1 (1), 8–22. https://doi.org/pjss
Yıldız, A., Koçak, S., Altunsöz, I. H., & Devrilmez, E. (2015). Spectators’ Participation Decisions in the Basketball Matches. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 6(1), 1–11.  https://doi.org/pjss.
Reference to a book
Arslan, Y., & Semiz, K. (Eds.). (2020). Beden Eğitimi ve Sporda Öğretim Teknolojileri. Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık. https://doi.org/10.14527/9786050370010
Reference to a book chapter
Avşar, Z., Hünük, D. & Demirhan, G. (2019). Physical Education Teacher Education in Turkey. In MacPhail, A., Tannehill, D. ve Avsar , Z. (Eds.), European Physical Education Teacher Education Practices (pp. 397-413). Meyer     & Meyer Sports
Hürmeriç Altunsöz, I., & Yapar, A. (2019). Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Öğretimi Teknolojileri: Donanım. In Y. Arslan & K. Semiz (Eds.), Beden Eğitimi ve Sporda Öğretim Teknolojileri (pp. 27-34). Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık.     https://doi.org/10.14527/9786050370010
Reference to a website entry
Yıldız, A. (n.d.). General Information. Retrieved February 3, 2021, from https://www.pau.edu.tr/sbf/en/sayfa/general-information-12


3. Copyright Agreement and Authorship Forms

All the copyright of submitted articles must be transferred to PJSS during the article submission process. Therefore, Copyright Agreement Form signed by all authors must be submitted with the article. For Copyright Agreement Form, please click hereFor Authorship Form, please click here.

About Journal
The Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences (PJSS) is the official research journal of the Pamukkale University Faculty of Sport Sciences. The PJSS aims to publish articles of international high standards. The PJSS is published three times a year (April, August and December). Manuscripts submitted to the journal for evaluation should be written in English. PJSS publishes research articles and reviews contributing to the knowledge about sport sciences areas.

Publication Ethics and Policy
PJSS editorial, reviewer, authorship and publication processes are organized according to the recommendations of the International Council of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). In addition, the journal complies with the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scientific Publishing (doaj.org/bestpractice).

Research Ethics

Manuscripts submitted to the PJSS must be original, unpublished, and not under evaluation by another journal simultaneously. Authors who wish to withdraw their manuscript for any reason should contact the editor promptly.

Human Research Ethics
Authors conducting research involving human participants must adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (2013). Ethical approval must be obtained from an institutional review board (the project code and approval date must be stated in the manuscript’s Method section), and informed consent must be collected from participants. For vulnerable populations, such as children or individuals with mental illness, consent must also be obtained from legal guardians.

Animal Research Ethics
Research articles and case studies involving animal subjects must adhere to the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights. Ethical approval from a research ethics committee is required, and the project code and approval date must be stated in the manuscript’s Method section. Animal studies must ensure the welfare of animals by minimizing pain and adhering to the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs).
The journal reserves the right to request supporting documents and will reject submissions that do not comply with these standards.


Duties and Responsibilities of the Editorial Board

• PJSS Editorial Board strives to increase the quality of the publications constantly.
• PJSS Editorial Board is responsible for the establishment and implementation of regulations such as publication, blind review evaluation process and ethical principles.
• PJSS Editorial Board prepares the "Author's Guidelines" that the authors can use in the article submission process and the "Reviewer’s Guidelines" that the reviewers can use during the evaluation process, and updates these guides when necessary.


Ethical Duties and Responsibilities of Editors:
• PJSS Editor-in-Chief and Section Editors are responsible for all ethical components created by the “Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)”.
• PJSS Editors evaluate important components such as the originality of the manuscript, its contribution to the literature, the validity and reliability of the data collection tools, the comprehensibility and fluency of the writing language in the decision-making process for each manuscript submitted, in line with the purpose and scope of the journal.
• PJSS Editors evaluate a manuscript submitted to the journal in terms of its compliance with the publication policy of the journal and have the right to reject it if the editors do not find it appropriate.
• PJSS Editors take a manuscript submitted to the journal in the pre-evaluation stage in terms of the journal's publication policy unless it has a fundamental scientific error.
• PJSS Editors ensure that each article is evaluated within the specified time within the principle of impartiality by applying the policies regarding the double-blind review and evaluation process adopted by the journal and keeping the identity information of the reviewers confidential.
• PJSS Editors are responsible for taking the necessary steps to prevent possible conflicts of interest and evaluate the existing statements that cause a conflict of interest regarding the publication. In the event of a conflict of interest, Editors have the authority to request the original documents such as the Ethics Committee Permission, the Interviewer Voluntary Consent Forms from the author.
• PJSS Editors act in accordance with the journal's policies and procedures in case of a complaint regarding a submitted article that violates ethical principles. The Editors provide the authors with the opportunity to respond to the complaint and implement the necessary sanctions if deemed necessary.


Ethical Duties and Responsibilities of Authors:
PJSS observes the highest standards in research ethics and adopts the principles of international research ethics defined below. The authors are responsible for the compliance of the manuscripts with the ethical rules.
• The principles of integrity, quality and transparency should be ensured in the design of the research, the review of the design and the execution of the research.
• The researchers and the participants should be fully informed about the purpose of the research, its methods and the possible uses anticipated, necessities and, if any, risks of participation to the research.
• Confidentiality of information provided by research participants and respondents should be ensured. Research should be designed in a way that preserves the autonomy and dignity of the participants.
• The author(s) should provide assurance that the manuscript is original, has not been published elsewhere and is not currently being evaluated for publication elsewhere. Copyright laws and treaties in practice must be considered. The materials depend on copyright (e.g. tables, figures or large quotations) should be used with the necessary permission and acknowledgment note.
• The submitted manuscript should have a direct contribution of all authors. In this respect, the "author" has a duty to make a significant contribution to the conceptualization and design of the research, to obtain, analyze or interpret the data, to write the article or to review content critically. All individuals designated as authors must meet all listed criteria, and each individual meeting the above criteria should be cited as authors. The name order of the authors should be a common decision. All authors must confirm the author order by signing the Copyright Agreement Form.
• All individuals who do not meet the sufficient criteria for authorship listed above but contribute to the study should be listed in the "Acknowledgements” section.
• All authors must disclose financial relationships, conflicts of interest and competition of interest that have the potential to affect the results of the research and/or scientific evaluation. If an author detects a significant error or inaccuracy in his or her published article, author bears the responsibility to immediately contact and cooperate with the Editor to correct these inaccuracies.
• Changing the order of authors, removing authors, adding authors to a manuscript submitted for publication should not be suggested to the Editorial Board.
• During the evaluation process, author(s) should submit the expected information to the Editors urgently in case of information or raw data is requested about their manuscripts.
• Research participants should take part in the research voluntarily and should not be under any coercion. Informed consent form should be obtained from the study participants. The legal guardian's consent must be obtained for children and those under guardianship or those with a confirmed mental illness. If the study will be carried out in any institution or organization, approval must be obtained from the authority of this institution or organization. In studies conducted with human subjects, it should be stated that "informed consent" was obtained from the participants and the ethics committee approval was obtained from the institution where the study was conducted in the "method" section.
• In the studies previously presented in a symposium, workshop or congress, the name, place and date of the organization should be specified on the "Title page".
• The final version is re-sent to the corresponding author for the final check before publication in order to prevent any errors that may occur during typesetting. After the final approval of the corresponding author, the article is published as “online first publication”.

Ethical Duties and Responsibilities of Reviewers:
• In PJSS, evaluation is applied according to the double-blind system, and the evaluation period assigned to the referees for submitted articles is 30 days. Reviewers are expected to complete their evaluations within this period and to fill in the evaluation form on the DergiPark system and submit it to the Editor. For each article, 2 reviewers are assigned to evaluate. In case of a difference of opinion in the 2 reviewers’ evaluations, the relevant section editor can engage the third reviewer if necessary, and as a result of these evaluations, the section editor and the editor make the decision about the manuscript.
In this process, our Reviewers are expected to consider the following:

• In cases where the reviewers do not feel confident on the subject of the article, they think they cannot evaluate it on time, or they notice a conflict of interest, they should inform the editor to not to be included in the review process.
• Reviewers are required to complete their evaluations within the time given to them. If the reviewers cannot complete the evaluation within the specified time, they can contact the editor/section editor and request additional time. Otherwise, the editor will be able to change the reviewer, provided that the reviewer is informed.
• Reviewers are expected to take into consideration the journal writing rules as a guide while making their evaluations.
• It must be ensured that personal information and contact information are not included in the reviewer evaluation reports upload to the DergiPark system.
• It is not ethical for reviewers to ask authors to cite their publication(s). We kindly request our reviewers to be sensitive about this issue.
• Reviewers should see the participants’ voluntary consent forms and the consent of the participants. If there is a deficiency in this subject in the study, it must be stated in the reviewer report.
• Reviewers are expected to provide opinions on all parts of the article, including summary, introduction, method, findings and discussion after sharing their general opinions about the manuscript.
• Reviewers are expected to give constructive suggestions to the authors and to make scientific suggestions to improve their manuscripts. In this regard, ambiguous and subjective suggestions are to be avoided.
• Reviewers who decide to reject the manuscript they evaluate are expected to be sure that the reasons and suggestions they convey to the author using a constructive and professional language are concrete.


Copyright Agreement and Authorship
All the copyright of submitted articles must be transferred to PJSS during the article submission process. Therefore, Copyright Agreement Form signed by all authors must be submitted with the article. For Copyright Agreement Form, please click here. For Authorship Form, please click here.


Corrections and Retractions Policy
The PJSS is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the academic record. Comprehensive measures are implemented to address errors, inaccuracies, and ethical concerns systematically and transparently, in alignment with international ethical standards, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Corrections Policy
Corrections are issued to address minor errors that do not affect the validity or reliability of the research findings.
• A correction notice will be issued promptly and will be clearly labeled as either an “Erratum” (journal-introduced error) or a “Corrigendum” (author-introduced error).
• The correction notice will be linked to the original article and include a detailed explanation of the changes made.
• The original article will remain accessible to ensure transparency.

Retractions Policy
Retractions are implemented in cases of significant errors or ethical misconduct, such as data fabrication, plagiarism, or duplicate publication.
• A retraction notice will clearly state the reasons for the retraction and will be linked to the original article.
• The retraction notice will be reflected in relevant indexes to maintain the integrity of the academic record.
• The original article will remain accessible but will be marked as retracted.

Ethical Oversight
In cases of ethical misconduct or disputes, the journal will follow COPE guidelines, including relevant flowcharts.
• If necessary, institutions or relevant authorities will be contacted for further investigation.
• Collaborative investigations with other editors or ombudspersons may be conducted to ensure fairness.


Plagiarism Detection
The PJSS editor team will certainly not tolerate any form of plagiarism. Therefore, all manuscripts submitted to PJSS are screened for plagiarism by using intihal.net©. The similarity percentage for the complete manuscript must be less than 20%.

Open Access Policy
PJSS provides open access to its content, based on the principle that offering the public free access to research studies helps towards a better global exchange of knowledge. Each article accepted for publication will be published under a Creative Commons license and will be hosted online perpetuity.

There are no submission fees, publication fees or page charges for this journal.

President, on behalf of Pamukkale University Faculty of Sport Sciences

Physical Training and Sports, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy, Physical Activity and Health, Exercise and Sports Psychology

Editor-in-Chief

Sports Science and Exercise, Sports Training

Section Editor: Leisure & Sport Management

Sports and Recreation

Section Editor: Physical Activity, Health & Exercise

Physical Activity and Health

Section Editor: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Educational Psychology, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy, Exercise and Sports Psychology

Section Editor: Sports Performance

Sports Training, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Health, Physical Fitness

Section Editor: Teacher Education & Sport Pedagogy

Hacettepe University, Faculty of Sport Sciences


Education, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy

Production Editor

Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy

Language Editor

Educational Psychology, Sports Activity Management, Sport and Leisure Management

Layout Editor

Sports Training

Secretary

Instructional Technologies, Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy

Proofreader

Measurement Theories and Applications in Education and Psychology, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy

International Advisory Board

Sports Training, Exercise Physiology
Development of Physical Education and Education Programs, History of Sports
Curriculum Development in Education, Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators, Development of Physical Education and Education Programs, Qualitative Methods in Sociology, Sports Science and Exercise
Sports Science and Exercise, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Health, Physical Fitness
Sociology of Sports, Sports Activity Management, Sports and Recreation
Physical Training and Sports, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Health
Physical Training and Sports, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy, Physical Activity and Health, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sports Science and Exercise, Sports Training, Physical Activity and Health
Sociology of Sports
Physical Activity and Health, Sports and Recreation, Sport and Leisure Management
Sports Science and Exercise
Biomechanic, Biomechanics in Sports Science
Sports Science and Exercise (Other)
Biomechanics in Sports Science
Sports Training, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Health
Sports Activity Management
Sociology of Sports
Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Sports Science and Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Sports and Recreation, Sport and Leisure Management
Exercise and Sports Psychology
Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Development of Physical Education and Education Programs, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Sports Training, Exercise Physiology, Kinantropometri
Physical Training and Sports, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Sport and Exercise Psychology, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Development of Physical Education and Education Programs, Sports Science and Exercise, Physical Training and Sports, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Sports and Recreation, Marketing, Sport and Leisure Management
Sports Science and Exercise
Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy, Motor Control, Movement Education in Sports Science, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sports Science and Exercise
Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sports Science and Exercise, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychology, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychology, Exercise and Sports Psychology
Sports Science and Exercise, Sports Training, Physical Training and Sports, Exercise Physiology, Physical Fitness, Kinantropometri
Sports Activity Management
Sports Activity Management, Sport and Leisure Management
Physical Training and Sports
Physical Training and Sports
Education for Autistic Children, Mental Disability Education, Memory and Attention, Physical Training, Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled, Physical Activity and Health, Physical Fitness
Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy, Motor Control, Movement Education in Sports Science
Development of Physical Education and Education Programs, Physical Training and Sports, Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy
Sports Training