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Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice

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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: 30 October 2025 | Viewed by 6759

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gavriil George Arsoniadis

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Guest Editor

School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17237 Athens, Greece
Interests: swimming; strength and conditioning; exercise physiology

Dr. Rodrigo Zacca

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Guest Editor

1. Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
2. Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
Interests: open water swimming; marathon swimming; swimming; exercise; health; sports training; training process; training periodization; training and detraining; exercise and sport physiology; energetics; bioenergetics; human locomotion; pulmonary function; oxygen uptake kinetics; biomarkers; thermal physiology; electrochemical biosensors; microneedle biosensors; strength and conditioning; exercise and sport biomechanics; digital technologies; wearable technologies; smart textiles; physical fitness assessment; elite athletes; training and testing; physical activity monitoring; performance analysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the most important areas within Sports Science in the last few years has been the optimization of sport performance. In addition, the type of training that athletes follow during different training periods throughout a year-round training plan, as well as the development of training with new equipment, practical methods with new training practices and the control of training by new technologies may help coaches and athletes to further optimize their performance.

This Special Issue aims to compile the latest training strategies or practices, the development of training with new equipment and technological applications in this area and to open a forum where people from academia and the sports industry can propose new training strategies for the following potential topics:

Acute and chronic effects of training on health and sports performance;
Methodological considerations in the training process for individual and team sports;
Innovative equipment for measuring and analyzing performance in individual and team sports;
Monitoring training load in athletes and para-athletes;
Assessing sleep and wellness in athletes and para-athletes.

We encourage submissions that address gender diversity and include high-performance samples/volunteers across genders, both in Summer and Winter Sports. Additionally, we seek contributions that adopt an integrated approach to providing holistic solutions to complex problems within sports training. Join us in advancing our collective understanding of sports training as we strive to optimize sports performance.

Dr. Gavriil George Arsoniadis
Dr. Rodrigo Zacca
Guest Editors

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Keywords

training methods
training and testing
performance analysis
training monitoring
individual and team sports

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidomain Connectivity as a Marker of HIIT-Induced Adaptation in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Correlational Mapping Approach

by Moses Gnanasigamani, Agnieszka Kaczmarek, Jarosław Nosal, Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz and Paweł Chmura

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7550; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137550 - 4 Jul 2025

Viewed by 226

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in elite youth soccer players using a novel multidomain correlational mapping approach. A four-week HIIT intervention was applied in a randomized controlled design, with physiological, cognitive, and neuromuscular data collected through laboratory, field-based, and biochemical tests. Metrics such as VO₂max, BDNF levels, lactate dynamics, and cognitive load were analyzed across time points and groups. HIIT elicited statistically significant improvements in aerobic capacity, buffering efficiency, and perceptual-cognitive function, with a notable emergence of cross-domain associations. Unlike the control group, HIIT participants showed strengthened correlations between metabolic, cognitive, and neuromuscular indices, such as lactate slope with exertion perception and BDNF response with cardiac recovery. Hierarchical clustering further revealed tightly integrated multidomain clusters in the HIIT group, absent in the controls, suggesting a reorganization of physiological networks. These findings support the concept that HIIT not only improves discrete capacities but fosters systemic adaptation through enhanced inter-domain coordination. These results align with emerging frameworks in network physiology and highlight the potential for using correlation structures as biomarkers of holistic training adaptation. This multidimensional perspective offers new insights into how targeted training reshapes performance-related systems and may inform individualized athletic programming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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12 pages, 1006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Stability and Practical Relevance of Velocity and Velocity-Loss Perception in Back Squat

by Emanuele Dello Stritto, Antonio Gramazio, Ruggero Romagnoli and Maria Francesca Piacentini

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7252; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137252 - 27 Jun 2025

Viewed by 267

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and stability of both Perception of Velocity (PV) and Perception of Velocity Loss (PVL) over four weeks, without any feedback regarding velocity during training sessions. Fifteen subjects performed six training sessions: four sessions familiarized the athletes with PV and PVL and the final two sessions assessed the accuracy and stability of PV and PVL, with one conducted 48 h after the familiarization and the other after 4 weeks. To assess PV and PVL, two loads (60% 1RM and 80% 1RM) and two velocity losses (20% VL and 40% VL) were employed. PV accuracy was measured by the DeltaScore, the difference between perceived velocity (Vp) and the velocity provided by the encoder (Vr): DetlaScore = Vp − Vr. PVL was measured by the Vscore, the difference between repetitions where the subject perceived the target %VL (Np) and repetitions that actually met it (Nr): Vscore = Np − Nr. The analysis performed revealed no differences in DeltaScore nor in Vscore between the two test sessions performed 4 weeks apart (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the effect of load on both DeltaScore and Vscore was significant in both sessions (p < 0.05). PVL and PV accuracy are stable throughout time. PVL may be used to prescribe and monitor velocity-based training. Conversely, when prescribing training sessions based on PV, it is essential to pair PV with a perception scale and incorporate an encoder when possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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13 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Associations Between Anthropometric Characteristics, Biomarkers, and Sports Performance in Regional Ultra-Marathon Swimmers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Iasonas Zompanakis, Konstantinos Papadimitriou and Nikolaos Koutlianos

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7210; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137210 - 26 Jun 2025

Viewed by 306

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations of anthropometric characteristics with performance and potential biomarker changes resulting from a continuous 10 h ultra-marathon swimming effort in regional-level swimmers. Methods: Nine adult male swimmers (age: 43 ± 6 years) participated in a 10 h swim in a 50 m outdoor pool, self-managing their nutrition and hydration breaks. Pre- and post-swim measurements included body weight (BW), body fat percentage (BF%), limb lengths (LL), circumferences (C), lean mass (LM), body mass index (BMI), skinfold thicknesses, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Results: A significant reduction was observed in bicep skinfold thickness (Fb) (p = 0.022), while both HR and systolic BP increased post-effort (p = 0.030 and p = 0.045, respectively). Also, most anthropometric parameters, such as BMI, LM, and some C, remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between post-swim hip circumference (Ph) and total swimming distance (r = –0.682, p = 0.043). Conclusions: While most anthropometric traits remained stable and unrelated to performance, isolated changes in specific biomarkers indicate a physiological response to prolonged exertion. Although pacing and nutritional strategies were not directly examined, observational data—such as consistent swimming rhythm, time allocation for active recovery (AR), and structured carbohydrate intake—suggest these factors may have contributed to performance maintenance and probably the lack of body composition differences after the ultra-marathon effort. These insights are interpretive and align with the existing literature, highlighting the need for future studies with targeted experimental designs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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11 pages, 2886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of Drop Jumps on Lower Limb Stiffness and Mechanical and Kinematic Parameters During High-Speed Treadmill Running

by Panagiotis Pappas, Ioannis Stavridis and Giorgos Paradisis

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010242 - 30 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1643

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the post-activation performance enhancement effects of drop jumps (DJs) on lower limb stiffness [leg stiffness (K_leg); vertical stiffness (K_vert)] and the related mechanical [maximal ground reaction force (F_max), vertical displacement of the centre of mass (Δy), and lower limb length (ΔL)] and kinematic parameters [step length (SL), step frequency (SF), flight time (FT), and contact time (CT)] during high-speed treadmill running. For this purpose, 18 male physical education students performed 10 s running bouts on a treadmill at a speed of 6.67 m·s⁻¹ in an experimental condition (EC) or in a control condition (CC). During the EC, following a 5 min treadmill running warm-up at 2.22 m·s⁻¹, the participants were tested pre and 3 min post five DJs, while during the CC, the participants did not perform DJs. The study results revealed that EC significantly increased F_max, Δy, SL, and FT, while SF decreased after performing drop jumps (mean differences: 0.026 ± 0.007 kN, p = 0.003; 0.001 ± 0.001 m, p = 0.025; 0.034 ± 0.013 m, p = 0.019; 0.05 ± 0.001 s, p = 0.005 and −0.057 ± 0.023 Hz, p = 0.026, respectively). K_leg and K_vert showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) following the preconditioning exercise. The findings suggest that a plyometric stimulus of low volume and a short recovery period prior to high-speed treadmill running may be beneficial to acutely improve running mechanical and kinematic parameters without affecting lower limb stiffness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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Review

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14 pages, 595 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modern Handball: A Dynamic System, Orderly Chaotic

by Sebastián Espoz-Lazo and Claudio Hinojosa-Torres

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073541 - 24 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1333

Abstract

(1) Background: Handball is conceptualized as a complex dynamic system characterized by emergent behaviors, non-linearity, attractors, and self-organization, influenced by players’ interactions, environmental conditions, and tactical elements. This perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptive strategies, and modern teaching methods like Non-linear Pedagogy for improving technical-tactical behaviors, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to deepen its understanding. Thus, this narrative review aims to explore how modern theories and approaches can be integrated to provide a deeper understanding of handball’s complexity from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective. (2) Methods: A narrative review approach was employed to integrate key concepts such as chaos theory, self-organization, and non-linear pedagogy as they apply to the game’s technical-tactical dynamics. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review to identify how emergent perceptual and social interactions influence collective performance. (3) Results: Findings indicate that team performance is not solely dependent on individual skills but on their capacity for synchronization, adaptation, and self-organization in response to competitive demands. Communication and internal cohesion emerged as critical factors for adjustment and autonomous decision-making, framed within Luhmann’s social systems theory. (4) Conclusions: The conclusions suggest that training methodologies should incorporate non-linear approaches that promote self-organization, adaptability, and player autonomy. This multidisciplinary perspective offers a deeper understanding of handball and highlights its applicability to other team sports, maximizing performance through an integrative analysis of social, philosophical, and communicative components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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Other

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12 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Monitoring of Training Load and Body Composition in Elite Male Kayakers

by José Augusto Rodrigues dos Santos, Giorjines Boppre and Rodrigo Zacca

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11826; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411826 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1097

Abstract

Background: Elite kayaking demands peak conditioning, and tracking these athletes reveals the science behind world-class performance. Physiological demands and body composition changes in elite male kayakers were tracked during the preparatory and transition periods of a kayaking competitive season. Methods: Laboratory (body composition assessment and a 4 min all-out test in a kayak ergometer) on-field tests (4 × 1500 m incremental intermittent protocol with 30 s rest intervals in a kayaking/rowing track) were applied on separate days to follow eight elite male kayakers (23.1 ± 5.6 y; 80 ± 8.8 kg; 177.0 ± 6.8 cm) at the beginning of the kayaking season (preparatory period, M1; first week of October), 22 weeks later, at the beginning of the transition period (M2; last week of February), and 5 weeks later, at the end of the transition period, i.e., beginning of the competitive period of the season (M3; first week of April). M3 corresponded to the participation in international competitions. Results: Distance at peak oxygen uptake (

\dot{V} O_{2 peak}

) on the kayak ergometer improved by 36.7 m from M1 to M3, the pace at V4 (aerobic capacity) was reduced (improved) by 25.2 s·km⁻¹ from M1 to M2, and 25.6 s·km⁻¹ by M3. Body weight decreased by 2.3 kg from M1 to M2, and fat mass percentage and kilograms decreased by 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively. Fat-free mass increased by 1.9% and 3.1%, respectively. Skinfold measurements showed a decrease in subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal, and geminal skinfold. Aerobic power (

\dot{V}

O_2peak) in absolute values (in L·min⁻¹) improved by 0.7 L·min⁻¹ from M1 to M2, and by 1.1 L·min⁻¹ by M3, and from M2 to M3 was ~0.5 L·min⁻¹. Aerobic power in relative values improved by 15.0 from M1 to M2, and by 6.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ from M2 to M3. Conclusions: Elite male kayakers improved their physiological performance and body composition during the preparatory and transition phases of the competitive season. Notable gains in performance were mainly due to enhanced aerobic power, and positive body composition changes. These findings provide insights for optimizing training strategies and boosting competitive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Training Process in Sports: Bridging Science and Practice)

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