9. Uluslararası Egzersiz ve Spor Psikolojisi Kongresi

Congress Theme

Neuropsychology of Sport and Performance

Success in sport and performance is not limited solely to physical capacity and technical skills; rather, it is shaped by the interaction of multidimensional mechanisms such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, attention, decision-making, and nervous system functioning. In this context, neuropsychology emerges as a fundamental discipline for understanding the brain-based processes underlying sport performance.

The 9th International Congress of Exercise and Sport Psychology, under the theme of “Neuropsychology of Sport and Performance,” aims to address the cognitive, psychological, and neurophysiological mechanisms involved in athletes’ performance processes within a scientific framework. The congress seeks to strengthen the interaction between sport psychology and neuroscience, to share current research findings, and to discuss approaches with practical implications.

Within the scope of this theme, topics such as attention and concentration processes, motor learning and control, decision-making mechanisms, mental resilience, the effects of fatigue and stress on the nervous system, brain plasticity, and the contributions of exercise to brain health will be addressed. In addition, the discussion of current research on the use of EEG, fNIRS, and other neuroimaging techniques in sport sciences is intended to enhance the scientific depth of the field.

The congress theme encompasses not only elite sport performance, but also the effects of physical activity on mental health, cognitive functioning, and quality of life. In this respect, the congress aims to provide an interdisciplinary perspective for academics, researchers, and practitioners, while fostering new opportunities for research and collaboration in the field of exercise and sport psychology.

Congress Topics

Our congress offers a broad scientific framework encompassing theoretical approaches, current research, and applied studies in the field of exercise and sport psychology. In addition to the topics listed below, all scientific studies related to the main theme of the congress are welcome. Furthermore, current and original studies that do not fall directly within the main theme but are related to sport sciences will also be considered under the heading of special topics and included within special sessions.

Main Topics

Motor Learning and Motor Control

🔹Motor learning ve skill acquisition

🔹Psychomotor development

🔹Central nervous system and movement control

🔹Motor control processes in performance setting

Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise and Sport Psychology

🔹Assessment of psychology and cognitive skills

🔹Tests of attention, concentration, and decision-making

🔹Measurement of motivation and related constructs

🔹Evaluation of imagery and mental visualization

🔹Neuropsychological measurement and assessment approaches

Sport Psychology 

🔹Personality, individual differences, and neuropsychological foundations

🔹Motivation, anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation

🔹Group dynamics and team processes

🔹Character, values, and ethics in sport

🔹Coach–athlete communication

Applied Sport Psychology

🔹Mental training and cognitive interventions

🔹Attention and decision-making under performance pressure

🔹Stress and anxiety management

🔹Goal setting and focus

🔹Athlete burnout and sport withdrawal

🔹Psychological and neurophysiological processes following injury

Exercise Psychology

🔹Exercise and brain health

🔹Physical activity, cognitive functions, and psychological well-being

🔹Exercise participation and adherence

🔹Exercise behavior and motivation

🔹Neuropsychological effects of lifelong physical activity

Special Topics (To Be Presented in a Separate Session Independent of the Main Sessions)

Training Science and Performance

🔹Training planning and periodization

🔹Performance enhancement strategies

🔹Fatigue management and recovery

🔹Athlete monitoring and load management

🔹Performance evaluation methods

Sports Nutrition

🔹Sports nutrition

🔹Performance nutrition

🔹Eating behaviors and psychological factors

🔹Hydration, recovery, and energy balance

🔹Effects of nutrition on cognitive and physical performance

Physical Activity and Health

🔹Effects of exercise on mental health

🔹Physical activity and public health

🔹Sedentary lifestyle, behavior change, and exercise

🔹Physical activity in children, adolescents, and older adults

🔹Exercise and psychology in special populations

Performance Analysis and Technology

🔹Data analysis in sport

🔹Performance measurement and monitoring technologies

🔹Biofeedback applications

🔹Digital tools and sport psychology

🔹New approaches in sport sciences through artificial intelligence