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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 November 2026 | Viewed by 6245

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Dr. Moon-Hyon Hwang

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Guest Editor

Division of Health & Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Interests: exercise science; exercise physiology; exercise performance; sports science; physical fitness strength; conditioning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jupil Ko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Division of Health & Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Interests: athletic training; biomechanics; lower extremity musculoskeletal injury preventioan & rehabilitation; functional performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Regular exercise and physical conditioning are effective behavioral strategies to prevent musculoskeletal degeneration and chronic diseases and promote individuals’ overall health. Public health institutes in almost every country around the world have established and provided its own physical activity guidelines for disease prevention and health promotion, but the guidelines are somewhat generic. In this Special Issue, we aim to explore safe and effective exercise interventions to improve the function of human systems, including the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, to ameliorate-related diseases, and to rehabilitate functional impairments. Experimental studies, reviews and meta-analyses that examine the effectiveness of various exercise interventions in the prevention and management of disease, rehabilitation and improvement of human function; research studies on the development of strategies to promote physical activity using mobile platforms and virtual reality technology; and innovative measurement technologies and biomarker exploration studies related to sports medicine and rehabilitation are welcome in this Special Issue. When preparing to submit a structured review, please follow the PRISMA guidelines.

Dr. Moon-Hyon Hwang
Dr. Jupil Ko
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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 medicine
physical activity
health
rehabilitation
conditioning
cardiovascular disease
injury
cancer

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Related Special Issue

Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects in Applied Sciences (16 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Square Step Exercise on Muscle Function and Cognitive Function in Pre-Frail Older Women

by Won-Shuai Wang, Seung-Taek Lim and Ji-Hoon Cho

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6670; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136670 - 3 Jul 2026

Viewed by 103

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an 8-week Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) program on lower-extremity muscle function and cognitive function in pre-frail older women. Sixty pre-frail older women aged 65 years and older were assigned to either an exercise group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The SSE program was performed twice weekly for 60 min over 8 weeks. Functional mobility was assessed using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), lower-extremity muscle strength using the 30 s Chair Stand Test, and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Measurements were obtained at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Significant group × time interactions were observed for TUG (p < 0.001), lower-extremity muscle strength (p < 0.05), and MMSE (p < 0.001). The exercise group showed significant improvements in TUG, BBS, muscle strength, and MMSE values, whereas the control group showed no significant changes except for a slight change in TUG. TUG was significantly correlated with balance, muscle strength, and cognitive function. These findings suggest that an 8-week SSE program may improve selected physical function measures and global cognitive status, as assessed by the MMSE, in pre-frail older women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 250 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Forest-Based Exercise Program on Physical Function According to Sleep Quality in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Pilot Study

by Min-Hee Kim, Seung-Taek Lim and Ji-Hoon Cho

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5855; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125855 - 10 Jun 2026

Viewed by 181

Abstract

This study investigated whether baseline sleep quality influences the effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise program on sleep quality and physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-five older adults were classified according to baseline sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index into a Good Sleep (GS, n = 8) group and a Poor Sleep (PS, n = 17) group. The exercise program was performed three times per week for 12 weeks, with each 60 min session consisting of warm-up, multicomponent exercise, and cool-down. Outcome measures included sleep quality (PSQI), physical performance assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery, and health-related fitness tests. A significant group × time interaction was observed for PSQI total score (p = 0.035). The PS group showed a significant reduction in PSQI score (−1.71 points, p < 0.01), indicating improved sleep quality, with favorable changes in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. However, the PS group demonstrated significant improvements in gait speed, grip strength, and 2 min walking performance. A significant group × time interaction was observed for the 30 s chair stand test (p = 0.011), with the GS group showing greater improvements in lower-extremity muscular endurance. Baseline sleep quality was associated with the pattern of adaptation to multicomponent exercise. Older adults with poor sleep quality experienced meaningful improvements in sleep, whereas those with good sleep quality showed greater gains in muscular endurance. These findings support the inclusion of sleep assessment when designing individualized exercise interventions for older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

11 pages, 237 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Levels of University Students Based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire

by Piotr Leśniak, Sara Chrzanowska, Małgorzata Stanios, Tymon Krzyżanowski, Jaśmina Nowak, Ireneusz Cichy and Marek Popowczak

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5472; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115472 - 1 Jun 2026

Viewed by 507

Abstract

This study assessed physical activity (PA) levels and energy expenditure among students across various medical disciplines at Wroclaw Medical University. Data were collected in late 2024 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long-form. Statistical analysis, including Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to reveal significant differences based on gender, age, and field of study. While female students generally achieved higher metabolic equivalent (MET) MET-min/week values at home and in transport, male students demonstrated significantly higher scores in total physical activity, total vigorous physical activity, and vigorous activity in free time. Gender based analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences. Significant variations across study programs were observed only in occupational PA, same as in age-related analysis. The findings highlight sedentary risks within specific student subgroups, which may contribute to professional burnout and diminished effectiveness as future health promoters. Consequently, the study suggests that medical institutions should incorporate lifestyle medicine and health promotion strategies into their curricula to foster the long-term well-being of future healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

15 pages, 1843 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vibration-Based Recovery Interventions Improve Perceived Fatigue, Blood Lactate Clearance, and Isokinetic Muscle Function Following Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Amateur Swimmers

by Young Sam Kim, Jae-Jun Kwak, Hee-Geun Park, Wang-Lok Lee and Kwang-Jin Lee

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4245; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094245 - 27 Apr 2026

Viewed by 559

Abstract

High-intensity or repetitive exercise induces metabolic stress and neuromuscular fatigue in skeletal muscle. Using a within-subjects repeated-measures crossover design, eight male amateur swimmers completed five experimental sessions at one-week intervals. Following an isokinetic fatigue protocol, five recovery interventions were applied in a randomized order: control (NT), foam roller (FR), vibration foam roller (VFR), and whole-body vibration at 12 Hz (WBV-12) and 20 Hz (WBV-20). The isokinetic fatigue protocol produced a significant reduction in bilateral extensor peak torque (229.2 ± 37.8%BW to 189.8 ± 27.5%BW; t(7) = 4.19, p = 0.004, d = 1.48), confirming successful fatigue induction. Outcome measures included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, blood lactate concentration, and knee extensor/flexor peak torque (%BW) assessed at three time points. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (intervention × time) revealed significant main effects of recovery methods at the post-recovery time point for VAS scores (F(4,28) = 5.98, p = 0.001, η²g = 0.248), blood lactate (F(4,28) = 5.12, p = 0.003, η²g = 0.226), and isokinetic peak torque (F(4,28) = 10.75, p < 0.001, η²g = 0.226). Post hoc Bonferroni analysis indicated that VFR and WBV-20 produced significantly higher lactate recovery rates than NT. Active recovery interventions produced lower perceived fatigue scores and greater lactate reductions than passive rest; however, individual Bonferroni pairwise comparisons for VAS and blood lactate did not reach adjusted significance, and these findings should be considered preliminary. WBV-20 demonstrated statistically confirmed superiority in isokinetic muscle function recovery (Bonferroni p < 0.05 vs. NT, FR, and VFR), suggesting its potential as an effective post-exercise recovery strategy for neuromuscular restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2060 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Absolute and Individualized Physical Activity Intensity Thresholds Using Non-Dominant Wrist-Worn Accelerometry in Military Office Workers

by Maaike Polspoel, Tara Reilly, Damien Van Tiggelen and Patrick Calders

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083931 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 733

Abstract

Accurate classification of physical activity (PA) intensity is essential for exercise prescription, rehabilitation monitoring, and evaluation of guideline adherence. However, widely used wrist-worn accelerometer cut-points may substantially misclassify physiological intensity. This study evaluated absolute accelerometer thresholds during a maximal 2400 m run in military office workers and examined whether individualized cut-points improve agreement with physiological intensity. Seventy-four military office workers completed the test while wearing a wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X Link and a chest-worn Zephyr BioHarness. Participants achieved near-maximal physiological effort, with peak heart rate averaging 187 ± 11 bpm (95 ± 4.2% age-predicted HRmax). Despite this high intensity, absolute wrist-worn cut-points classified only 34.5% of participants as performing vigorous activity for most of the test. Individualized cut-points, derived from each participant’s individual reference intensity, calculated as the three highest consecutive one-minute epochs during the 2400 m test, substantially improved agreement between accelerometer-derived classifications and physiological intensity. Agreement with %HRmax increased from fair (κ = 0.31), using absolute thresholds, to good (κ = 0.74), using individualized thresholds, and intraclass correlation increased from 0.52 to 0.81. These findings demonstrate that absolute cut-points markedly underestimate high-intensity activity, potentially leading to inaccurate exercise load monitoring and misinterpretation of training intensity. Individualized calibration during a standardized maximal running test provides a feasible strategy to improve the validity of intensity assessment using wearables. Although the study population consisted of military office workers, the approach may be applicable to other active populations. However, further validation in independent samples is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 1369 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Inflammatory Response to Exhaustive Exercise in Trained and Untrained Individuals: Potential Biomarkers of Training Adaptation

by Paulina Małkowska, Patrycja Tomasiak, Marta Tkacz, Katarzyna Zgutka, Anna Lubkowska, Rafał Buryta, Łukasz Rosiński, Agnieszka Maciejewska-Skrendo, Patrizia Proia, Maciej Tarnowski and Marek Sawczuk

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062643 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 638

Abstract

Background: Acute exercise induces measurable inflammatory and hematological responses, which may differ according to training status. Methods: Trained soccer players and sedentary controls completed a progressive exercise test until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected at six time points (up to 48 h post-exercise). Gene expression was assessed using real-time PCR, protein concentration via ELISA, and leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts through routine hematology. Analyses included between-group comparisons, within-group time effects, and gene–protein correlations. Results: Sedentary individuals showed delayed increases in TNF-α mRNA (p < 0.05), whereas athletes maintained stable levels. Athletes exhibited consistently higher TNFR-1 expression (p < 0.05), while TNFR-2 showed no differences between groups. IL-4 expression was higher in athletes 30 min (p = 0.038) and 24 h after test (p = 0.002), whereas IL-4 protein decreased in sedentary subjects after 6 h (p = 0.009) and 24 h (p = 0.019). IL-4Rα was transiently elevated post-exercise in sedentary individuals and briefly suppressed in athletes (p = 0.041). Hematological responses showed stronger leukocytosis and neutrophilia in sedentary individuals. Conclusions: The temporal inflammatory patterns differed substantially between groups, indicating more efficient resolution dynamics in trained individuals. These findings highlight practical value for monitoring adaptation and recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1121 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between ‘Weekend Warrior’ and Other Leisure-Time Physical Activity Patterns and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2023)

by Yun Sung Kim, Seo Yeong An, Justin Y. Jeon and Dong Hoon Lee

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13172; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413172 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 780

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health concern with a global prevalence of approximately 32%. This study examined the association between the “weekend warrior”, other leisure-time physical activity patterns, and NAFLD in Korean adults. We included 44,264 individuals from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2023). Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), a self-reported instrument, and physical activity patterns were classified as inactive, weekend warrior (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] performed in 1–2 days), and regularly active. NAFLD was identified using the Hepatic Steatosis Index with a cutoff of >36. Weighted logistic regression was used to examine the association between physical activity patterns and NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was 24%. After adjustment for sociodemographic and metabolic factors, both the weekend warrior (odds ratio [OR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.99) and regularly active (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77–0.89) groups had significantly lower odds of NAFLD compared to the inactive group. When stratified by total MVPA level, both the weekend warrior and regularly active patterns with >300 min/week of MVPA showed even lower odds of NAFLD, compared to those with 150–300 min/week of MVPA. Both regularly active and weekend warrior patterns were associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD, suggesting that the weekend warrior pattern may represent a feasible behavioral pattern associated with lower NAFLD prevalence for individuals with time constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1744 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Fruit Juice on Exercise Capacity and Vessels Dilatation in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study

by Olivier Rouyer, Anne-Laure Charles, Cyril Auger, Samy Talha, Emmanuel Andres, Anne Charloux, Valerie Schini-Kerth and Bernard Geny

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11553; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111553 - 29 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1343

Abstract

This study examined the acute effects of polyphenol (PP)-rich fruit juice supplementation on the exercise capacity of healthy humans. Thirty-five healthy, sedentary volunteers participated in this randomized, controlled, crossover study. They performed a 6 min walk test two hours after consuming 200 mL of a PP-rich fruit juice (fruit juice) or a PP-poor control juice (apple), separated by a one-week washout. In addition to monitoring the heart rate during exercise, we determined the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), an indicator of vascular dilatation that contributes to exercise capacity. The distance walked during the 6 min test tended to be greater after the consumption of the PP-rich juice, compared to the PP-poor juice (588 ± 15 vs. 561 ± 14 m, respectively). The increase in heart rate was similar in both situations. The RHI increases were similar after both juices’ intake at 1 h, but after 2 h, the RHI increase was significant only after the PP-rich juice intake (from 6.78 ± 0.46 to 8.47 ± 0.47, p < 0.001). In conclusion, acute consumption of PP-rich juice increases vessel dilatation and tends to improve exercise capacity. These data support further studies to determine whether greater consumption of PP-rich fruit juices could improve exercise capacity in healthy subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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19 pages, 360 KB

Open AccessReview

Promoting Physical Activity Among Young People with Epilepsy: Are We Making the Most of Behavioural Science? A Scoping Review

by Louisa Ward and Benjamin Gardner

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6539; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136539 - 1 Jul 2026

Viewed by 226

Abstract

Physical activity can help people manage their epilepsy, yet young people with epilepsy are less active than their peers. Behaviour change interventions are needed. Behavioural science offers a range of theories, concepts and tools that increase the likelihood that such interventions will be effective. This scoping review assessed the extent to which physical activity behaviour change interventions for young people with epilepsy have been designed and evaluated using behavioural science tools. Systematic electronic database searches (last updated 3 December 2025) identified seven publications, reporting six distinct intervention trials. Intervention reports were coded to identify how behaviour change science had been drawn on. Interventions were also coded for evidence of effectiveness. None were identified as showing convergent evidence of effectiveness. For three interventions, there was limited evidence of effectiveness based on within-group increases in physical activity or quality of life, and for three, there was no evidence of effectiveness for physical activity or quality of life. Interventions using goal-setting, guidance on performance or information on health consequences were more commonly found in interventions showing some evidence of effectiveness than those showing no such evidence. Limited evidence was found of explicit behavioural science use in published reports of physical activity promotion interventions for young people with epilepsy. We recommend ways in which intervention developers can draw more on behavioural science theory, evidence and tools when developing, evaluating and reporting interventions, and therefore increase realisation of the benefits of physical activity interventions for this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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Other

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21 pages, 2170 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Association Between the TUG Test and Different Stages of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

by Jiahao Pan and George A. Kelley

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5395; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115395 - 28 May 2026

Viewed by 324

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cross-sectional studies were identified by searching five electronic databases and cross-referencing. Effect sizes were pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) instrument. Twenty-eight studies representing 1340 MCI, 1752 AD, and 37,561 healthy controls (HC) were included. Significantly greater completion time, in seconds, was observed for the MCI versus HC groups (

\bar{X},

0.87, 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.37, p = 0.001; Q = 85.5, p < 0.001; I² = 77.8%, 95% CI, 41.9 to 88.4%; 95% PI, −0.84 to 2.59) and AD versus HC groups when one major outlier was deleted from the model (

\bar{X},

3.82, 95% CI, 2.57 to 5.07, p < 0.001; Q = 187.5, p < 0.001; I² = 89.3%, 95% CI, 74.5 to 94.2.4%; 95% PI, −1.29 to 8.93). Based on GRADE, the overall certainty of evidence was considered very low. The current findings suggest very low-certainty evidence that the TUG test may be associated with MCI and AD when compared to HC. Additional, well-designed studies are needed before any level of conclusiveness can be established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health: Latest Advances and Prospects: 2nd Edition)

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