Biological, Physiological, and Biomechanical Determinants of Human Performance Optimization

Dear Colleagues,

Sporting performance depends on biological and physiological processes, which in turn support the body’s ability to perform biomechanical movements. However, the degree to which each of these determinants is present during sporting performance is determined by the nature of the sport being played. Moreover, whether sporting performance is achieved to the detriment of an athlete’s health or a concomitant increased risk of injury is an ongoing debate. Occupational performance in physically demanding jobs is no different. Tactical personnel (military, police, firefighters) often carry occupational loads that impact their performance and increase their injury risk. Moreover, many tactical personnel play sport or are exposed to intensive physical training when attending training academies – both of which have been shown to increase injury risk in these personnel and pose a substantial economic burden to the military and law enforcement agencies. Conversely, a lack of physical training and sporting participation can lead to increases in body fatness and reductions in skeletal muscle mass, which in turn pose a significant burden to human performance.

To this end, the purpose of this Special Issue is to publish original, high-quality research, as well as informed narrative reviews, that focus on the performance, training, and health of persons engaging in sporting and tactical occupations and to explore injury occurrences and subsequent prevention strategies that may be applied.

We look forward to receiving contributions related, but not limited, to the following topics: (i) sporting and occupational morphology, biomechanics, and physiology; (ii) the effects of sport, exercise, and physical activity on the health, quality of life and performance of sporting and tactical persons; and iii) injury risks and prevention strategies for those participating in physical, sporting, and tactical training and activities.

Dr. Filip Kukić
Dr. Jay Dawes
Dr. Robin Orr
Prof. Dr. Katie M. Heinrich
Guest Editors

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