Within the scope of the special call titled "Sports Research" opened within the scope of TÜBİTAK-1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program (ARDEB), the project presented by Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine Radiology Department received support from TÜBİTAK.

Prepared under the direction of Atatürk University Project Development and Coordination Office, and presented to TÜBİTAK under the coordinatorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat-an academic member of Faculty of Medicine-, the project titled "Evaluation of the Effect of Exercise Methods on Cerebral Arterial Elasticity with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and the Effect of Cerebral Cortical Pathway with Magnetic Resonance Tractography and Determination of Exercise Compliance with Automatic Analysis Program" was given support within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1001 Sports Research projects.

Changes in Brain Structure as the result of Exercise Methods and Duration will be examined

Providing information about his project with a total budget of 620 thousand TL, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat said that they will make an important contribution to the follow-up of athlete exercise with the project. He also stated that the follow-up of the exercise activities of the athletes and the structural changes in the brain caused by the exercise activities are the subjects that have been studied for years. “Exercise activities can cause many structural changes in our brain and body. Many imaging methods and examination methods have been used in the process to detect these changes, and their use continues to be investigated. In recent years, important data and parameters have started to be obtained with the near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) method, especially in detecting the compatibility of the vascular network of the brain. In addition, the structural changes in the neural network of the motor function that provides the control and balance of our movements can be detected by magnetic resonance tractography imaging examination. Therefore, our project will examine the changes in brain structure caused by exercise methods and duration, and the link between these changes. It will also be a pioneering study in this regard.” he added.

Polat wished the project would be beneficial to the science world, through which they hope to contribute to the athlete's health and training process, thanking those for their precious support, including Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı in the lead, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Fatih Albayrak, KARGETAM Coordinator Prof. Dr. Zekai Halıcı, Head of Radiology Department Prof. Dr. Fatih Alper, their research team and the valuable faculty members of the Radiology Department.

Rector Çomaklı: “All our efforts are to pioneer science and technology”

Rector Çomaklı congratulated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat for his project supported by TÜBİTAK 1001 Sports Research projects, emphasizing that this support is the fruit of Atatürk University's knowledge and experience, as well as of the importance it attaches to research and development.

He noted that all his efforts are to pioneer science and technology. “We must continue to work tirelessly to transform our ability to produce scientific knowledge into economic and social benefits. These and similar successes will be a source of motivation for our academicians in their studies in the field of science and technology, and will give them strength, momentum and energy.” he added.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 11.04.2022