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Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition
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Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition

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 October 2025 | Viewed by 5955

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniel López-Plaza Palomo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
Interests: Physical fitness; training interventions; sports performance; biological maturity; swimming; kayaking; exercise physiology and training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pedro Manonelles

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
Interests: sports medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate intersection of sports medicine and healthcare, shedding light on the latest advancements, insights, and applications in this evolving field. It will encompass a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, exercise prescription for various health conditions, doping prevention, injury prevention and rehabilitation, nutrition’s role in healthcare, the mental health benefits of physical activity, and the utilization of technology in monitoring and improving health through sports. We invite contributions from researchers, clinicians, and experts in sports medicine, exercise physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, public health, and related disciplines.

The primary goal of this Special Issue is to foster a deeper understanding of how sports medicine interventions can contribute to healthcare outcomes. It seeks to bridge the gap between athletic performance optimization and the promotion of holistic health, providing evidence-based insights to guide clinical practice and public health strategies.

This Special Issue targets a diverse readership, including sports medicine practitioners, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and fitness enthusiasts, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The research presented in this Special Issue has the potential to reshape healthcare paradigms, inspiring novel interventions that leverage sports medicine principles to prevent and manage health conditions. It also paves the way for innovative strategies in public health initiatives that promote active lifestyles for improved well-being.

Dr. Daniel López-Plaza Palomo
Dr. Pedro Manonelles
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

  • health
  • injury rehabilitation
  • exercise prescription
  • doping prevention
  • injury prevention
  • healthcare

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3466 KB  
Article
Direction-Dependent Limb Asymmetries in Female Lateral Jumps: A Ground Reaction Force and Knee Torque Study
by Michalina Błażkiewicz, Aleksandra Malec, Marta Trawczyńska, Michał Skalik and Jacek Wąsik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9150; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169150 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Background: Movement symmetry in the lower limbs is critical for biomechanical efficiency, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Lateral (sideways) jumping challenges force production and control in the frontal plane and provide a unique assessment of neuromuscular coordination that may not be detected through [...] Read more.
Background: Movement symmetry in the lower limbs is critical for biomechanical efficiency, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Lateral (sideways) jumping challenges force production and control in the frontal plane and provide a unique assessment of neuromuscular coordination that may not be detected through sagittal-plane tasks such as running or vertical jumping. This study aimed to evaluate limb asymmetries in isometric knee muscle torque and ground reaction forces (GRFs) during lateral jumps in healthy young women, using the Symmetry Index (SI) to quantify differences between limbs. Methods: Twenty right-limb dominant females (mean age: 20.65 ± 4.51 years) participated in the study. Isometric torque of the knee flexors and extensors was measured using a dynamometric testing station. Lateral jumps were performed onto dual force platforms, with GRF components (vertical (PD), anterior–posterior (AP), mediolateral (ML)) recorded separately for rightward and leftward jumps. SI was calculated for all parameters to determine side-to-side asymmetries, and paired Student’s t-tests were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Right-limb dominance was evident in both knee flexor and extensor torque. Significant asymmetries were observed across all GRF components, varying with jump direction. The trailing limb in each jump direction typically generated greater propulsion forces. In lateral jumps, the trailing limb is generally the leg positioned opposite to the direction of travel, playing a primary role in generating propulsion and absorbing forces during take-off. SI values revealed both inter-individual variability and consistent direction-dependent asymmetry patterns. Conclusions: The or-posterior and vertical components, with greater loading on the dominant leg. Muscle torque measurements also revealed imbalances, with flexors showing more symmetry than extensors. These findings underline the importance of assessing load symmetry to prevent injury and guide rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition)
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16 pages, 2885 KB  
Article
Differences in Accelerations and Decelerations Across Intensities in Professional Soccer Players by Playing Position and Match-Training Day
by Alejandro Moreno-Azze, Pablo Roldán, Francisco Pradas de la Fuente, David Falcón-Miguel and Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 8936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15168936 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Accelerations and decelerations are critical components of soccer performance, reflecting mechanical load and injury risk, with understanding positional and temporal variations essential for optimizing training prescription. This study analyzed acceleration and deceleration demands in professional soccer players across playing positions and training microcycle [...] Read more.
Accelerations and decelerations are critical components of soccer performance, reflecting mechanical load and injury risk, with understanding positional and temporal variations essential for optimizing training prescription. This study analyzed acceleration and deceleration demands in professional soccer players across playing positions and training microcycle phases. Twenty-five professional soccer players (26.6 ± 4.50 years) from a Spanish Second Division team were monitored using 18 Hz GPS STATSports (Newry, UK) devices during 16 training sessions and 4 official matches over four weeks. Accelerations and decelerations were categorized into six intensity zones (Z1–Z6, 0.5–1 to 5–10 m/s2), with players grouped by position: central defenders (CD), full-backs (FB), central midfielders (CM), attacking midfielders (AM) and forwards (FW). Match day (MD) significantly affected all variables (F > 4.75; p < 0.001, ωp2 = 0.13–0.42), with accelerations showing higher values at MD-2 for Z1, MD for Z2, MD-4 and MD for Z3–Z4, consistently reaching lowest values at MD-1. Decelerations peaked at MD across Z2–Z6, with MD-1 showing minimal preparation values. Positionally, FB exceeded other positions in low-intensity accelerations and decelerations (Z1–Z2), while CM dominated high-intensity decelerations (Z4–Z6). Total accelerations differed significantly by position (FB: 579 ± 163 vs. AM: 494 ± 184 events, p < 0.05). Training acceleration loads adequately replicate match demands, but deceleration preparation remains insufficient, representing a potential injury risk. Position-specific protocols should emphasize deceleration conditioning, particularly for CM and FB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition)
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17 pages, 1101 KB  
Article
Association Between Pain Distribution and Limitations in Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe on the Influence of Biopsychosocial Variables and Lifestyle
by Diana Salas-Gómez, Ángel Denche-Zamorano, Cristina Mendoza-Holgado and Sabina Barrios-Fernandez
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8026; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148026 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Pain is a common condition among older adults and a key factor influencing daily functioning. This cross-sectional study examined how pain presence and distribution (no pain, localized pain [LP], and widespread pain [WP]) are related to limitations in Basic and Instrumental Activities of [...] Read more.
Pain is a common condition among older adults and a key factor influencing daily functioning. This cross-sectional study examined how pain presence and distribution (no pain, localized pain [LP], and widespread pain [WP]) are related to limitations in Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADLs and IADLs). Data were drawn from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Wave 9, including 68,839 participants aged 50 or older. A clear gradient of functional limitation was observed: Individuals with WP reported the highest number of limitations, followed by those with LP, while those with no pain showed minimal impairment. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, cognitive status, physical health, and psychosocial factors, with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for WP of 1.77 for BADLs and 1.22 for IADLs (p < 0.001). Notably, depression, perceived loneliness, long-term illness, physical inactivity, and mobility limitations were especially relevant among participants with WP. The findings suggest the clinical value of assessing and implementing interventions not only in the presence but also in the extent of pain to better identify individuals at greater risk of losing independence in daily life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition)
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28 pages, 820 KB  
Systematic Review
The Effects of Nutritional Education and School-Based Exercise Intervention Programs on Preschool and Primary School Children’s Cardiometabolic Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Markel Rico-González, Daniel González-Devesa, Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona and Adrián Moreno-Villanueva
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8564; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158564 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Childhood obesity increases chronic disease risk, but no comprehensive synthesis has evaluated the impact of school-based combined nutrition education and physical activity interventions on cardiometabolic biomarkers in children aged 3 to 12 years. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines [...] Read more.
Childhood obesity increases chronic disease risk, but no comprehensive synthesis has evaluated the impact of school-based combined nutrition education and physical activity interventions on cardiometabolic biomarkers in children aged 3 to 12 years. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251085194). Five databases were systematically searched through June 2025. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 18,231 children were included and assessed using the PEDro scale. Ten trials demonstrated significant improvements in at least one cardiometabolic biomarker. Blood pressure (8 studies) outcomes showed systolic reductions of 1.41–6.0 mmHg in six studies. Glucose metabolism (5 studies) improved in two studies with reductions of 0.20–0.22 mmol/L. Lipid profiles (7 studies) improved in three studies, including total cholesterol (−0.32 mmol/L). Insulin levels (5 studies) decreased significantly in two investigations. Anthropometric improvements included BMI and body fat. Physical activity increased by >45 min/week and dietary habits improved significantly. Programs with daily implementation (90-min sessions 4x/week), longer duration (≥12 months), family involvement (parent education), and curriculum integration (classroom lessons) showed superior effectiveness. Interventions targeting children with overweight/obesity demonstrated higher changes compared to the general population. However, methodological limitations included a lack of assessor blinding, absence of subject/therapist blinding, and inadequate retention rates. School-based interventions combining nutrition and physical activity can produce significant improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers, supporting comprehensive, sustained multicomponent programs for early chronic disease prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition)
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21 pages, 1889 KB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Training Interventions on Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescent Handball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Guillermo Barahona-Fuentes, Claudio Hinojosa-Torres, Sebastián Espoz-Lazo, Juan Pablo Zavala-Crichton, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda and Fernando Alacid
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6208; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116208 - 31 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
Introduction: The developmental stage of handball training is critical for the enhancement of physical fitness. However, there is considerable methodological variability in the interventions implemented to improve performance in children and adolescents. Objective: This paper examines the characteristics and effectiveness of physical training [...] Read more.
Introduction: The developmental stage of handball training is critical for the enhancement of physical fitness. However, there is considerable methodological variability in the interventions implemented to improve performance in children and adolescents. Objective: This paper examines the characteristics and effectiveness of physical training interventions on fitness components in youth handball players through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The review identifies and classifies the types of strategies and training modalities used, while the meta-analysis quantifies their effects on physical performance. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE, identifying 61 studies. Of these, fifty-three were included in the systematic review and eight met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The analysis focused on interventions targeting 787 participants aged 8 to 18 years (15.4 mean) and addressing various components of physical fitness. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significant and positive effects of the interventions on physical performance. Plyometric training was associated with improvements in peak power (SMD = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.91), sprint performance (SMD = −1.27; 95% CI: −1.93 to −0.62), and jump ability (SMD = 3.69; 95% CI: 3.21 to 4.17). Resistance band training also showed a positive impact on jump height (SMD = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.86) and agility (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.65). Heterogeneity ranged from low to moderate across outcomes. Conclusion: Plyometric and resistance band training interventions are effective strategies to enhance physical fitness in young handball players. These findings provide a scientific basis for designing evidence-based training programs aimed at comprehensive physical development during formative athletic stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine and Health Care: Second Edition)
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