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Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
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Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 6481

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aleksandra Bojarczuk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation; gene variants and exercise-induced fat loss; genetics of obesity; interleukin gene variants and the risk of overweight/obesity; gene variants and lactate utilization in athletes
Dr. Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: genetics of sport in its multidimensional aspects; sport predispositions; injury susceptibility; personality traits; gene variants and their influence on obesity and injury vulnerability among athletes; genetic predispositions of athletes in connection with psychological traits—psychogenetics, microbiota, and its influence on sports training

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The fields of sports physiology, nutrition, and metabolism are advancing rapidly due to ongoing research and innovation. These developments are essential for optimizing athletic performance and improving health outcomes for diverse populations engaged in physical activity. This Special Issue highlights recent progress in these interconnected areas, focusing on physiological adaptations to training, the influence of nutrition on recovery and performance, and the metabolic mechanisms behind athletic success.

Recent studies underscore the importance of understanding physiological responses to various training stimuli and the impact of dietary choices on performance and recovery. Additionally, the interaction between metabolic processes and endurance and strength training provides valuable insights for athletes looking to enhance their capabilities. Novel methodologies, such as advanced imaging techniques and omics technologies, have opened new avenues for exploring how the body adapts to exercise and how targeted nutritional interventions can optimize these adaptations.

We welcome contributions that explore crucial topics such as exercise physiology, dietary supplementation, metabolism, and the relationship between nutrition and physical activity. Investigations into the effects of specific nutrients on muscle recovery, performance enhancement strategies, and the physiological basis of metabolic adaptations to training will be particularly appreciated.

This Special Issue seeks to compile pioneering research that enhances our understanding of how sports physiology and nutrition intersect to influence metabolic health and athletic performance. The findings will inform best practices in training protocols, nutritional strategies, and recovery practices, ultimately advancing human performance and well-being. We eagerly anticipate submissions that will highlight cutting-edge developments within this dynamic field.

Dr. Aleksandra Bojarczuk
Dr. Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sports physiology
  • nutrition
  • metabolism
  • athletic performance
  • training adaptations
  • dietary supplementation recovery
  • metabolism
  • training

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 530 KiB  
Article
Correlation of the Asymmetry Index from the Single-Leg Countermovement Jump with the Asymmetry Index from Isokinetic Strength in Elite Youth Football Players
by Yiannis Michailidis, Andreas Stafylidis, Athanasios Mandroukas, Angelos E. Kyranoudis, Georgios Antoniou, Rossetos Kollias, Vasileios Kanaras, Charalampos Bamplekis, Lazaros Vardakis, Eleni Semaltianou and Thomas I. Metaxas
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2779; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052779 - 5 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1976
Abstract
Football is a sport in which athletes perform many movements using one of their legs, which is characterized as dominant. This differentiation in usage often creates asymmetries between the limbs, which has been noted to be related to the occurrence of injuries as [...] Read more.
Football is a sport in which athletes perform many movements using one of their legs, which is characterized as dominant. This differentiation in usage often creates asymmetries between the limbs, which has been noted to be related to the occurrence of injuries as well as negative effects on performance. To assess these asymmetries, vertical jump tests, as well as tests using an isokinetic dynamometer, were employed. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the asymmetries observed in the application of the single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and those observed through isokinetic strength assessment at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s in high-level youth football players. The study involved 63 elite youth football players. For statistical analysis, correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the CMJ Bilateral Asymmetry Index and the BAI Anterior Quadriceps (60°/s) (r = 0.262, p = 0.038, 95% CI [0.016, 0.479]), indicating a small-to-moderate effect size (Fisher’s z = 0.269, SE = 0.129). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was identified between the CMJ Bilateral Asymmetry Index and the BAI Posterior Hamstrings (60°/s) (r = −0.319, p = 0.011, 95% CI [−0.525, −0.077]), demonstrating a moderate inverse relationship (Fisher’s z = −0.331, SE = 0.129). The overall regression model was significant, F(6,56) = 2.42, p = 0.038, R2 = 0.206, indicating that the predictors collectively explained approximately 20.6% of the variance in the CMJ Bilateral Asymmetry Index. From the findings of this study, we conclude that the SLCMJ asymmetry index cannot replace the asymmetry index from isokinetic strength tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism)
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11 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Acute Effects of Isometric Conditioning Activity with Different Set Volumes on Countermovement Jump Performance in Highly Trained Male Volleyball Players
by Jakub Jarosz, Dawid Gawel, Izabella Socha, Paulina Ewertowska, Michal Wilk, Danny Lum and Michal Krzysztofik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052393 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 720
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different set volumes and durations of isometric conditioning activity (ICA) (a single 9 s set vs. three 9 s sets, totaling 27 s) on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in highly trained male volleyball players. [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different set volumes and durations of isometric conditioning activity (ICA) (a single 9 s set vs. three 9 s sets, totaling 27 s) on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in highly trained male volleyball players. Understanding these effects is essential for optimizing warm-up protocols, particularly before competitions or high-intensity training sessions, to maximize performance outcomes. Methods: The 14 participants completed three conditions: one set of ICA (9 s) and three sets of ICA (27 s), each involving maximal isometric contractions in the half-back squat position, as well as a control condition without ICA. Approximately 3 min pre-ICA and at 3, 6, and 9 min post-ICA, the CMJ performance was assessed. Results: The results showed a significant interaction between CMJ height (p = 0.002) and relative peak power (p = 0.004) with the three-set condition. Post hoc comparisons indicated a significant increase in CMJ height at 3 min (p = 0.018; effect size [ES]: 0.868) and 6 min (p = 0.044; ES: 0.808), and a relative peak power output at 3 min (p = 0.005; ES: 0.874) and 6 min (p = 0.034; ES: 0.745) post-ICA compared to pre-ICA. No significant interactions or main effects were found for the modified reactive strength index or CMJ contraction time. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a three-set ICA with a total duration of 27 s may acutely improve CMJ height and relative peak power output in highly trained volleyball players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism)
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20 pages, 4890 KiB  
Article
Effect of 10-Week Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance and Biomechanical Properties of the Muscles in Football Players: Randomized Controlled Trial
by Filip Matuszczyk, Robert Trybulski, Kamil Gałęziok, Gracjan Olaniszyn, Artur Terbalyan and Michal Wilk
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031451 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2435
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players. Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players. Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Both groups maintained their regular weekly training, with the experimental group performing additional plyometric sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 5 m and 30 m sprint times, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and biomechanical properties (tension, stiffness, elasticity) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in 5 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.44) and 30 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.11) sprint times and RSI (p < 0.05; ES = 0.87). No significant changes were observed in muscle tension, stiffness, or elasticity at the group level. However, correlations indicated that higher baseline elasticity in the VL was linked to greater 5 m sprint improvements, while changes in RF elasticity were negatively associated with 5 m sprint gains. These findings suggest that plyometric training effectively enhances short-distance sprint performance and reactive power in soccer players. Although group-level biomechanical properties did not change significantly, individual variability in muscle elasticity may modulate training outcomes, supporting the integration of plyometric exercises into soccer training regimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism)
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Review

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9 pages, 200 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Recommendations for Breath-Hold Divers
by Ivan Drviš, Dario Vrdoljak, Nikola Foretić and Željko Dujić
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2384; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052384 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 766
Abstract
Breath-hold diving (BHD) is defined as enduring apnea for more than 4 min. It is characterized by resistance of reactive oxygen species, reduced sensitivity to hypoxia, and low mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The energetic demands of different BHD disciplines (static, dynamic, and spearfishing) are [...] Read more.
Breath-hold diving (BHD) is defined as enduring apnea for more than 4 min. It is characterized by resistance of reactive oxygen species, reduced sensitivity to hypoxia, and low mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The energetic demands of different BHD disciplines (static, dynamic, and spearfishing) are various. Hence, the nutrition of these athletes may play an important role on their performance. The main aim of this study is to examine and propose recommendations for this specific population. Also, the aim is to divide nutrition according to main BHD disciplines (static, dynamic, and spearfishing). Mediterranean and alkaline diet could represent an appropriate BHD diet. Nutritional requirements differ between freediving (static and dynamic) and spearfishing, mainly because of the workload. Also, spearfishing includes multiple consecutive dives and hence has different recommendations. However, the proper nutrition for freedivers is based on a variety of natural foods that support acid–base balance, provide a stable source of energy, and facilitate quality recovery. By adopting healthy eating habits based on the Mediterranean and alkaline diet, along with regular hydration and adapting your diet to the specific needs of diving, divers can improve performance and ensure long-term health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism)
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