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Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease
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Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease

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 July 2025 | Viewed by 6279

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniel Gahreman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education, Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation and Kinesiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
Interests: weight loss; metabolic syndrome; resistance training; HIIT; urinary Incontinence in sport
Dr. Kenji Doma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sport and Exercise Science, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Interests: effect of supplementation on recovery following strenuous exercises; effect of supplementation during periods of exercise-induced muscle damage; effect of supplementation on muscular strength and hypertrophy; effect of supplementation on acute performance improvement; effect of hydration status on performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue titled "Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease" is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the relationship between physical activity, exercise and chronic diseases. It recognizes physical activity and exercise as practical strategies in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Physical activity and structured exercise programs have emerged as vital tools in optimizing health and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer. This Special Issue endeavors to elucidate the intricate mechanisms through which physical activity and exercise serve as crucial tools in reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions. Additionally, it aims to explore strategies for effectively managing chronic diseases and delivering care to clinical populations.

Research indicates that regular physical activity and exercise can positively impact various physiological processes, including improving cardiovascular function, enhancing metabolic health and boosting immune function. Moreover, exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight management, all of which are critical factors in chronic disease prevention and management.

Through a collection of research articles and reviews, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic diseases. We invite submissions elucidating the underlying mechanisms, optimal exercise prescriptions and strategies for implementing physical activity interventions in diverse populations.

By bridging the gap between research and practice, this Special Issue seeks to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers and individuals aiming to optimize health outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic diseases through physical activity and exercise interventions. Ultimately, it aims to promote evidence-based strategies for incorporating physical activity and exercise into clinical practice and public health initiatives.

Dr. Daniel Gahreman
Dr. Kenji Doma
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

  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • metabolic syndrome
  • chronic disease
  • health benefits
  • hypertension
  • quality of life
  • disease management
  • diabetes
  • cardiovascular health

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 379 KiB  
Article
Sedentary Behavior Is Related to Clinical Profile, Disability and Quality of Life in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients at Hospitalization and Follow-Up
by Alejandro Heredia-Ciuró, Ana Belén Gámiz-Molina, Julia Raya-Benítez, Geraldine Valenza-Peña, María Granados-Santiago, Laura López-López and Marie Carmen Valenza
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3074; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063074 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes symptoms that disturb the clinical profile, functionality and quality of life of infected patients. Many CAP patients are hospitalized as a result of these conditions. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for symptoms and functional decline in hospitalized [...] Read more.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes symptoms that disturb the clinical profile, functionality and quality of life of infected patients. Many CAP patients are hospitalized as a result of these conditions. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for symptoms and functional decline in hospitalized patients; for this reason, it could be a key factor before a CAP infection. This study aimed to describe the symptoms, functionality and quality of life of CAP patients during and after hospitalization by comparing their sedentary behavior. A prospective observational study of CAP hospitalized patients was carried out. Participants were divided into two groups according to the daily sedentary time before hospitalization (420 minutes > sedentary). Dyspnea, fatigue, functionality and quality of life were collected upon admission, discharge, and 3 months after hospitalization. Ninety CAP patients were included in this study. At hospital admission, the sedentary patients presented lower functionality and quality of life (p = 0.002). At discharge, there were significant differences in quality of life in favor of the active group (p < 0.05). In addition, sedentary patients showed higher dyspnea (p = 0.04) and poorer functionality and quality of life (p < 0.001) 3 months after discharge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)
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16 pages, 1353 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Physical Activity on Dementia Progression Using Clustering and the MRI-Based Kullback–Leibler Divergence
by Agnieszka Wosiak, Małgorzata Krzywicka and Katarzyna Żykwińska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020652 - 11 Jan 2025
Viewed by 662
Abstract
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by the progressive impairment of cognitive functions, posing a significant global health threat. Physical exercise is widely recognized for its preventive role, providing benefits for both the body composition and brain health. This study [...] Read more.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by the progressive impairment of cognitive functions, posing a significant global health threat. Physical exercise is widely recognized for its preventive role, providing benefits for both the body composition and brain health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical exercise, the body composition, and the progression of dementia. The analysis used clinical and neuroradiology data from 42 patients enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Our study mainly focused on crucial parameters such as the body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and MRI biomarkers, including the hippocampal volume and white matter integrity. We grouped the participants according to the similarities of their body compositions through clustering techniques. Then, atrophy-related changes in the brain structures were computed using the Kullback–Leibler divergence. Our findings suggest that a higher BMI and greater muscle mass may slow down brain atrophy, suggesting a protective effect on the brain. Based on these results, preserving muscle mass and metabolic health through resistance and aerobic exercise appears crucial in reducing the risk of dementia. Body composition interventions may slow neurodegenerative changes and promote brain health. This is an essential piece of information about prevention strategies, especially for individuals at risk of dementia who may benefit from following structured physical activity strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)
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12 pages, 803 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Upper Extremity Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
by Marianna Kelaiditi, Alexandra Lepoura, Anna Christakou, Nikolaos Chrysagis and Vasiliki Sakellari
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020552 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1016
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of lifelong physical disability, affecting approximately 17 million individuals worldwide. Upper extremity dysfunction, alongside spasticity and coordination challenges, significantly impacts independence in daily activities. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has been proposed as a therapeutic modality to improve [...] Read more.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of lifelong physical disability, affecting approximately 17 million individuals worldwide. Upper extremity dysfunction, alongside spasticity and coordination challenges, significantly impacts independence in daily activities. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has been proposed as a therapeutic modality to improve functionality in neurological populations, though its effects on upper extremity function in children with CP remain relatively unclear. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Upper Extremity Vibration Therapy using a Whole-Body Vibration Platform (UEVT-WBV) combined with conventional physiotherapy, in enhancing upper extremity function and reducing spasticity in children with CP. Ten children aged 4.5–18 years with upper extremity dysfunction due to CP were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving UEVT-WBV alongside conventional physiotherapy or a control group receiving only conventional physiotherapy. Both interventions were implemented over eight weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (spasticity), ABILHAND (manual ability), and a quality-of-life questionnaire. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in spasticity and improvements in upper extremity function over time, as measured by MAS and ABILHAND, respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups, indicating comparable outcomes between UEVT-WBV and conventional physiotherapy alone. While hemiplegic participants achieved greater functional gains than those with quadriplegia regardless of intervention, quality-of-life improvements were minor and limited to emotional well-being and pain reduction in the intervention group. This pilot study highlights the feasibility of UEVT-WBV as an adjunct therapy in pediatric CP rehabilitation, providing foundational data for future studies. Further studies are needed to isolate the effects of UEVT-WBV and to identify its potential in targeted subpopulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)
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14 pages, 678 KiB  
Article
The Use of a Virtual Reality Training System on Gross Motor Function and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Multiple Single-Subject Experimental Report
by Antigoni Kolezoi, Alexandra Lepoura, Anna Christakou, Nikolaos Chrysagis, Panagiota Lalou and Vasiliki Sakellari
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010443 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1037
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromotor disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture, leading to difficulties in motor coordination, balance, and strength. Virtual reality (VR) games offer an interactive method to engage children in a non-real environment, potentially improving balance and motor function. [...] Read more.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromotor disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture, leading to difficulties in motor coordination, balance, and strength. Virtual reality (VR) games offer an interactive method to engage children in a non-real environment, potentially improving balance and motor function. This study aimed to explore the impact of a VR-based balance system on gross motor function and balance in children with CP. Four participants (two boys and two girls, mean age 9.75 ± 3.41) were assessed at three time points: pre-treatment, six weeks post-initial assessment, and two weeks after intervention. Using tools like the Gross Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFMS), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), the study found significant improvements in gross motor skills, balance, and motor performance with the use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board within conventional physiotherapy. Further research is recommended to refine intervention parameters, incorporate additional outcome measures, and assess broader applicability, including for children with conditions like ADHD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)
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16 pages, 339 KiB  
Article
The Role of Disease Severity, Affected Joints, and Physical Activity Levels on Functional Impairment in Osteoarthritis after the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Rodrigo Gallardo-Rodríguez, Felipe Poblete-Valderrama, Viviana Rodas-Kürten and João Paulo Vilas-Boas
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209205 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common among Chilean adults over 60, impacting their functionality. This study aimed to determine how health factors such as disease severity, type of OA, medication use, and physical activity levels relate to functionality in individuals with OA. [...] Read more.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common among Chilean adults over 60, impacting their functionality. This study aimed to determine how health factors such as disease severity, type of OA, medication use, and physical activity levels relate to functionality in individuals with OA. The sample size included 67 women and 13 men aged 38 to 92 (66.6 ± 11.2) with diagnosed knee or hip OA. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to estimate physical activity, the Lequesne Index for functional impairment, and the VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for pain. Data were collected from December 2022 to March 2023. We performed bivariate analyses, which indicated that greater OA severity and bilateral OA are associated with increased functional impairment and pain. Medication use was correlated with higher pain levels, and physical activity was correlated with functionality; there was no correlation with age. Here, 65.4% of the variance in functionality problems was explained by OA severity, bilateral involvement, and pain level, highlighting their impact on functionality. Functionality problems were higher in individuals who suffered higher levels of severity when they performed lower levels of physical activity. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity to improve the quality of life for individuals with OA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)

Other

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17 pages, 531 KiB  
Systematic Review
Is Physical Exercise Beneficial for People with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome? Findings from a Systematic Review
by Carlos Ayán-Pérez, Rocío Carballo-Afonso, Rodrigo Bueno-Russo and Daniel González-Devesa
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031455 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 840
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to identify and critically evaluate the best available evidence on the impact of physical exercise on patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Methods: Studies were searched in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SportDiscus) [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of the study was to identify and critically evaluate the best available evidence on the impact of physical exercise on patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Methods: Studies were searched in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SportDiscus) from their inception up to September 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the 10-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Results: A total of four randomized controlled trials and one comparative study were analyzed. The training programs evaluated varied in duration, ranging from 12 to 28 weeks. Exercise was found to have a positive intra-group impact on fatigue, quality of life, and functional capacity. However, exercise does not demonstrate superior effects compared to standard treatment for improving quality of life and disease impact. Conclusions: It is essential to increase the number of studies involving individuals with primary Sjögren’s syndrome across various exercise conditions to more comprehensively evaluate the potential benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise and Chronic Disease)
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