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Physical Activity and Optimization of Physical Function

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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 August 2026 | Viewed by 2800

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Prof. Dr. Ferenc Ihasz

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Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Science, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, Hungary
Interests: applied exercise physiology; competitive sport; talent selection; falling in the aging population
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Quantitative and qualitative knowledge related to sports and health sciences are rapidly evolving. Innovative technologies, new research methods, and interdisciplinary thinking are redefining our understanding of human performance and health. Globally, sports performance, public health, and public health strategies are closely interrelated. These elements are examined by key scientific fields, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition science, and are interpreted through the analysis of the data recorded here. These scientific collaborations enable researchers and practitioners to develop more comprehensive, personalized strategies to improve physical performance and promote overall well-being. As we face modern challenges—from optimizing athletes' training programs to reducing the burden of lifestyle-related diseases—the need for interdisciplinary collaboration is becoming increasingly apparent. The integration of cognitive behavioral strategies is a particularly important task in training and rehabilitation protocols. These methods help athletes cope with the pressure before, during, and after competitions, contributing to long-term mental health. The benefits of physical activity extend far beyond elite sports. Chronic, non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes are becoming increasingly common. Regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing these diseases, enhance mental health, and improve overall quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Ferenc Ihasz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

knowledge
innovative technologies
interdisciplinary thinking
public health strategies
scientific collaborations
personalized strategies
lifestyle-related diseases

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 885 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Desk: Effects of the BALA+ Classroom-Based Intervention on Primary School Children

by Adrián Belenguer-Troya, Sergio Montalt-García, María Mercedes Bisquert-Martínez, Cristina Menescardi and Isaac Estevan

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7237; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147237 - 20 Jul 2026

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Abstract

This study examined the effects of the BALA+ intervention, using a non-randomized, quasi-experimental controlled design with repeated measures on physical, motivational, and psychological outcomes among 100 fifth-grade students assessed at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and retention. The intervention (January–April 2023) integrated movement into the curriculum through active breaks, physically active learning, and manipulative activities, and was structure to provide daily opportunities for movement integration aligned with a 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity target; however, student’s actual activity intensity and accumulated duration were not objectively monitored. Participants aged 9–11 years were recruited from two state-subsidized schools and voluntarily participated in the study. Group assignment was established at the school level, without individual randomization. The control group followed a traditional teacher-centered methodology. Repeated-measures ANOVA analyses revealed significant improvements in the experimental group for physical fitness (η²_p = 0.046) and motor competence (η²_p = 0.081), with effects maintained at retention. Furthermore, the intervention showed a protective effect, preventing an increase in classroom boredom (η²_p = 0.058) compared to the control group. However, no significant group differences emerged for physical literacy, self-reported physical activity, enjoyment, or motivation. Overall, the findings suggest that the BALA+ program improved physical fitness and motor competence and may have contributed to preventing an increase in classroom boredom, while no significant intervention effects were observed for physical literacy, self-reported physical activity, enjoyment, or motivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Optimization of Physical Function)

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16 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aerobic Capacity, Body Composition, and Ventilatory Thresholds in Youth Endurance Athletes: Physiological Characteristics of Hungarian Junior Triathletes

by Adam Balog, László Suszter, Zoltán Alföldi, István Barthalos, Árpád Petrov and Ferenc Ihász

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094449 - 1 May 2026

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Abstract

Limited data are available regarding the physiological profile of youth triathletes. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological and body composition profile of Hungarian youth triathletes and to examine the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance indicators. Forty-one youth triathletes (20 females and 21 males; age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years), members of the Hungarian national development squad, participated in the study. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were assessed using standardized procedures and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aerobic performance was evaluated using a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill with breath-by-breath gas analysis. Male athletes demonstrated higher body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass compared with females (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed high aerobic capacity, with mean VO₂max values of 73.2 ± 5.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in males and 63.1 ± 5.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in females. The second ventilatory threshold occurred at approximately 82–86% of VO₂max. Strong positive correlations were observed between anthropometric parameters and absolute oxygen uptake (mL·min⁻¹), particularly for fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body surface area (r = 0.83–0.95). However, these relationships are influenced by body size and were weaker or inverse when relative oxygen uptake (mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) was considered. Regression analyses further indicated that body composition variables, especially fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, were positively associated with aerobic performance, while body fat percentage was not a significant predictor when body size and sex were controlled. These findings are based on cross-sectional associations and should be interpreted as descriptive reference data for this population rather than predictive criteria. The results contribute to the characterization of physiological and anthropometric profiles in youth triathletes and may support future research and athlete monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Optimization of Physical Function)

15 pages, 1196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Performance Trends and Benchmark Progression in Elite Men’s Swimming Across Five Olympic Cycles (2008–2028)

by Iván Petrov, Csaba Melczer, Árpád Petrov, István Barthalos, Zoltán Alföldi and Pongrác Ács

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052341 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 861

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Olympic swimming performance has improved. However, less attention has been given to the evolution of Olympic Qualification Time (OQT) standards. This retrospective observational study analyzed event-specific qualification standards for all male pool swimming events. Data were extracted from publicly available documents and competition reports. Descriptive statistics, percentage change calculations, Pearson correlation analysis, and paired-sample t-tests between Olympic cycles from 2008 to 2028 were performed. For 2028, the OQTs were defined as the 14th fastest entry time from the 2024 Olympic Games. Across all events, the mean cumulative reduction in OQTs between Beijing 2008 and Los Angeles 2028 was 2.86 ± 0.54%, corresponding to an average proportional decrease of 0.6% per Olympic cycle, with trend analysis confirming statistical significance (p < 0.001). Event-level analysis revealed the greatest tightening in the 100 m breaststroke (−3.74%) and 100 m butterfly (−3.25%). When grouped by distance, sprint events (50–100 m) showed the strongest overall tightening (−3.57%), followed by middle-distance (200–400 m, −2.08%) and long-distance (800–1500 m, −2.45%). When grouped by stroke, butterfly (−3.28%) and freestyle (−3.20%) showed the largest decrease, whereas individual medley (−2.29%) demonstrated the smallest decrease. A strong positive correlation was observed between OQT tightening and Olympic performance improvement across events (r = 0.74). These findings indicate that OQTs have become demanding and broadly aligned with elite performance progression, providing applied benchmarks for coaches and performance staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Optimization of Physical Function)

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Review

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19 pages, 402 KB

Open AccessReview

Upper Airway Dysfunction as a Modifiable Determinant of Physical Function in Aquatic Athletes: Irritant Rhinitis and Decongestant Overuse

by Réka Fritz, Gusztáv Róbert Stubnya and Péter Fritz

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3821; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083821 - 14 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Upper airway function has received limited attention as a potentially relevant component of respiratory physiology in aquatic athletes. Repeated exposure to chlorinated indoor environments, combined with high ventilatory demand during training, may contribute to the development of chronic irritant rhinitis characterized by nasal obstruction and mucosal hyperreactivity. Although often perceived as a minor inconvenience, increased nasal resistance may influence breathing comfort, perceived exertion, and recovery stability in swimmers and other aquatic athletes. In addition to environmental exposure, the widespread use of topical nasal decongestants may result in rebound congestion and rhinitis medicamentosa, thereby contributing to a self-reinforcing cycle of airway dysfunction. Performance-related pressure and uncertainty related to anti-doping regulations may further shape medication behavior within athletic environments. This narrative review integrates environmental exposure mechanisms, mucosal pathophysiology, and behavioral medication patterns to provide a unified conceptual framework for understanding upper airway dysfunction in aquatic athletes. Particular emphasis is placed on nasal airflow stability as a potentially relevant factor in breathing comfort, sleep quality, and training consistency. Given that the available evidence is predominantly mechanistic and observational, the proposed relationships should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and translational rather than as evidence of direct causal effects on athletic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Optimization of Physical Function)

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