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The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health

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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 May 2026 | Viewed by 38314

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cristina García-Muñoz

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud y Biomédicas, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, 41704 Seville, Spain
Interests: physical health; mental health; chronic conditions; exercise
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. María Jesús Casuso-Holgado

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Guest Editor

1. Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), 41013 Seville, Spain
2. Department of Physiotherapy, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: new technologies in rehabilitation; neurological physiotherapy; oncology physiotherapy; electrotherapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The proposed Special Issue on "The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health" addresses a critical and timely topic within the scientific community. Physical activity and exercise are well-documented to contribute significantly to overall health. Physical exercise is especially beneficial in chronic conditions. The practice of exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and their impact on the overall quality of life of subjects with different chronic disorders. However, adherence to daily exercise routines or active lifestyles is one of the great challenges for people with chronic conditions. Therefore, knowing the barriers or limiting factors when achieving adherence to exercise is essential to achieve therapeutic success. New technologies have been postulated as a new way of applying exercise, promoting adherences, as well as monitoring it. However, although there is an evident rise in the scientific literature on new technologies in physical exercise, we still have a long way to go.

This Special Issue aims to collate cutting-edge research and insights from multidisciplinary perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different types and intensities of physical activity impact both physical health. Given the rising prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical health issues globally, among other reasons, this Special Issue is highly relevant. It will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inform public health policies and individual practices, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles. Contributions will include studies on mechanisms underlying these benefits, intervention strategies, population-specific effects, and the role of environmental and social factors. By highlighting the interconnectedness of physical health through sport and exercise, this issue seeks to inspire further research and practical applications in the field.

Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Benefits of exercise and/or sports in physical health;
Multidisciplinary approaches of exercise and/or sports in chronic conditions;
Clinical guidelines and/or Delphi consensus of physical activity in chronic conditions;
Promotion of healthier and active lifestyle in chronic conditions;
Engagement or withdrawn factors of exercise routines;
Impact of team sports versus individual sports on social well-being;
Effect of different types and intensities of exercise in chronic conditions;
The role of physical activity in managing chronic symptoms (e.g., pain);
Exercise and sleep quality;
Exercise in elderly or frail population;
Gender differences in sports;
Epidemiological studies focus on sports and physical health;
New technologies approaches and exercise;
Cultural differences in exercise and physical health;
Artificial intelligence and exercise.

Dr. Cristina García-Muñoz
Dr. María Jesús Casuso-Holgado
Guest Editors

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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.

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Keywords

exercise
sport
physical health chronic conditions

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1212 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Hip Joint Functional Training on Speed, Flexibility, and Related Performance in Physical Education in College Students

by Lili Qin, Shuang Hu, Dengyun Xu, Huan Wang, Wei Xuan, Tianfeng Lu and Xingzhou Gong

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11037; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011037 - 14 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5561

Abstract

Recent studies have identified the hip joint as a central component of the human kinetic chain, playing a pivotal role in optimizing force transmission during movement. Enhancing its functional capacity represents an effective strategy for enhancing overall physical well-being and preventing injuries. This study investigates the effects of an eight-week hip joint functional training program on the health-related physical fitness, hip joint function, and factors associated with injury risk in university students from a track and field elective class. A total of 56 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 28) or a control group (n = 28). The experimental group incorporated hip joint functional training, which comprising dynamic stretching and activation exercises, into their standard physical education (PE) class activities, while the control group continued with the regular physical education curriculum. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments included hip joint range of motion (ROM), functional movement screening (FMS), a 50 m sprint, standing long jump, sit-and-reach test, and spinal health evaluations. Results indicated that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in multi-directional hip range of motion (ROM), with examples including flexion increasing by 10° and external rotation by 9°. These improvements were accompanied by significant gains in functional movement screen (FMS) scores, with significant improvements in the Hurdle Step, whose median score increased to 3.0, Active Straight Leg Raise, and Rotary Stability components (all p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the training significantly reduced spinal asymmetry (axial trunk rotation reduced from 3.86° to 3.43°) and enhanced performance in the 50 m sprint (−0.26 s) and standing long jump (+0.08 m) (all p < 0.05). These objective improvements in functional movement patterns, postural alignment, and physical performance are associated with key biomechanical factors known to influence injury risk, such as the demonstrated gains in joint mobility and movement efficiency. Therefore, incorporating hip joint functional training into college physical education programs may effectively enhance students’ fundamental movement quality, improve joint stability, and promote postural health, thereby mitigating key biomechanical risk factors. This approach offers a practical strategy for educators to improve student physical health in general PE settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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11 pages, 674 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing External Peak Physical Demands in Under-19 Years and Professional Male Football

by Jaime Rebollo Mejía, Juan Ángel Piñero Madrona, Enrique Alonso-Pérez-Chao, Manuel Barba-Ruíz, Diego Muriarte Solana and Adrián Martín-Castellanos

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7135; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137135 - 25 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2422

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the external peak physical demands (PDs) of under-19-year-old (U19) and professional male football players according to playing position. Positional data derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking during 15 matches in the 2023/24 season for both groups were analyzed. The following variables were measured: total distance, high-intensity running distance, sprint distance, acceleration count, and high-intensity actions. A linear mixed-effects model was employed, with category and playing position included as fixed effects to compare these metrics at the player level. The results revealed only a few significant differences in physical demands between the U19 and professional players. Notably, central defenders and central midfielders exhibited lower performance in HSR distance compared to other positions, with the professional players registering higher values than their U19 counterparts. However, no significant differences were observed for total and relative sprint distances, the number of accelerations, high intensity and relative sprint running efforts. These findings highlight the overall similarity in physical demands between U19 players and professional players, suggesting that elite youth athletes may be adequately prepared to meet the physical challenges of professional competition, with the exception of HSR distance. These conclusions have practical implications for coaches and performance staff, supporting the development of position-specific training programs, optimizing workload management through GPS monitoring, improving microcycle planning, and enhancing injury prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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11 pages, 518 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Karate and Yoga on Children’s Physical Fitness: A 10-Week Intervention Study

by Tomasz Rutkowski and Agnieszka Chwałczyńska

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010435 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4446

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a 10-week intervention incorporating karate and yoga on the physical fitness of children aged 10–13. Conducted on a sample of 67 boys, the participants were divided into three groups: karate, yoga, and a control group. Each group underwent physical assessments before and after the intervention, focusing on various fitness components measured by the International Physical Fitness Test (MTSF). The intervention sessions were held twice a week and included warm-up exercises, karate or yoga elements, and cool-down. The results demonstrated significant improvements (p > 0.05) in most physical fitness parameters among the karate and yoga groups in trials: run 50 m, jump, run, endurance, hanging, run, agility, sit-ups, and forward bend. However, there was no significant improvement in hand strength, indicating that the intervention might not have adequately targeted this aspect of fitness. The overall MTSF values changed as follows. For the karate group, the results improved significantly, with the mean increasing by 6.95 ± 0.71. In the yoga group, the results also improved significantly, with the mean increasing by 8.74, while the standard deviation changed by −0.19. In contrast, the control group, which did not participate in additional activities, showed a decline in performance in some areas, notably hand strength and jumping ability. Total MTSF value decreased by −1.05, and the standard deviation changed by 0.71. The findings suggest that both karate and yoga can effectively enhance children’s physical fitness, bringing their performance closer to age-adjusted norms. The study highlights the value of structured physical activity programs in promoting the physical development of children. Although no significant differences were observed between the karate and yoga groups, both interventions contributed similarly to overall fitness improvements. Future research should explore additional factors, such as diet and other physical activities, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the intervention’s effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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12 pages, 645 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of a 12-Week Workplace Physical Activity Program on the Quality of Life of Sedentary Workers: A Pilot Study

by Fernanda Viomar Rocha, Rui Matos, Diogo Monteiro, Miguel Jacinto, Raúl Antunes, Nuno Amaro, Tiago Santos and Filipe Rodrigues

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9835; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219835 - 28 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 15443

Abstract

Office workers frequently display behavioral patterns marked by extended periods of sedentary and seated work. In this context, the implementation of a workplace exercise program has been shown to be effective in mitigating health-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week workplace exercise program on the quality of life of employees whose primary occupational duties involve prolonged sitting. The final sample comprised 19 participants (6 females and 13 males), aged between 21 and 48 years (M = 32.26; SD = 9.03). Among these participants, 78.9% reported engaging in a hybrid work arrangement, 15.8% followed an on-site work regimen, and 5.3% worked remotely. Furthermore, 84.2% of participants reported sitting for 6 to 8 h per day, while 15.8% reported sitting for between 9 and 12 h daily. The quality of life of participants was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. A paired samples t-test was employed to examine differences between dependent variables. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in general health (p < 0.01), vitality (p < 0.01), social functioning (p < 0.05), and the mental health summary measure (p < 0.04). Promoting physical activity through workplace exercise programs offers substantial benefits for workers’ health and quality of life, contributing to the prevention of occupational diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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16 pages, 659 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Physiotherapy with Blood Flow Restriction in Patients with Knee Pathologies: A Systematic Review

by Joel del Cristo López-Santana, Raquel Medina-Ramírez, María Sandra Marrero-Morales, Daniel David Álamo-Arce and Marlene García-Quintana

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11739; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111739 - 4 Nov 2025

Viewed by 2020

Abstract

Background: Blood flow restriction is proposed as an effective treatment method due to strength gain, muscle mass and pain reduction. This review aimed to evaluate and determine the effects of blood flow restriction training versus conventional training to optimize the functional recovery process in patients with knee pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. Methods: This is a systematic review study. A literature search of studies published from 2015 to 2025 in English and Spanish was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Science Direct databases according to the Priority Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In order to determine the methodological quality and scientific evidence of the studies, the Critical Review Form and Oxford scales were applied. Results: Nine articles with a total sample of 540 subjects were selected. The methodological quality scores ranged from 7 to 12 points, and the studies had a level of evidence of 1b with a grade of recommendation of A. Conclusions: Blood flow restriction training may be an effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy treatment. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or non-profit sectors. Registration: This review was registered on the OSF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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26 pages, 5512 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Exercise on Aerobic Capacity and Quality of Life in People with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Yin Liang, Hao Su, Ze Xu, Xiaojie Liu, Yuanyuan Lv, Lin Feng and Laikang Yu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105393 - 12 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7313

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity and quality of life (QOL) in heart failure (HF) patients and to identify the optimal exercise prescription for improving aerobic capacity and QOL. A comprehensive search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus covering data published up to 9 October 2024. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework was used to define the inclusion. (a) Population: patients with HF; (b) Intervention: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with subjects randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group; (c) Comparison: studies that measured peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), or the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) at baseline and compared results post-intervention; (d) Outcome: the primary outcomes were aerobic capacity and QOL. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence interval were used to pool data. A total of 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity (WMD, 2.85, p < 0.00001) and QOL (SMD, −0.79, p < 0.00001) in HF patients. Subgroup analyses indicated that combined exercise, session duration ≥ 60 min, ≥3 sessions per week, ≥180 min per week, and supervised exercise showed more significant improvements in aerobic capacity and QOL. Additionally, exercise had greater benefits in middle-aged patients. To improve aerobic capacity and QOL, the optimal exercise prescription for HF patients involves engaging in supervised combined exercise at least three times per week, with each session lasting at least 60 min, to achieve a total weekly duration of 180 min. These recommendations are particularly relevant for middle-aged patients, who may experience greater benefits from exercise interventions. The protocol has been registered on PROSPERO with the registration number CRD420250632915. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Exercise on Physical Health)

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