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Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health
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Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2025 | Viewed by 3103

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cássia Da Luz Goulart

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, Brazil
2. Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
Interests: rehabilitation; exercise training; exercise physiology; training adaptations; cardiovascular response; muscle physiology; metabolic pathways; endurance training; strength training; aerobic capacity; anaerobic threshold; muscle hypertrophy; neuromuscular adaptation; energy expenditure; lactate threshold; exercise metabolism; oxygen uptake; skeletal muscle function; fatigue mechanisms; sports performance; training intensity; CPET
Dr. Fernando Almeida-Val

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
2. Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
Interests: epidemiology of functional alterations caused by tropical and infectious diseases (TIDs); the functionality and physical capacity of individuals affected by TIDs; the biopsychosocial model in functional outcomes in TIDs; the impact of the interaction between TIDs and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the response to exercise and physical exercise; rehabilitation and exercise physiology in individuals affected by TIDs and disabilities in the population
Dr. Guilherme Peixoto Tinoco Areas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physiological Science Department, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus 69067-005, Brazil
Interests: technique of hemodynamic and isolated heart evaluation; evaluation of microvascular endothelial behavior of humans and animals in different vascular beds; experience in cardiovascular behavior in exercises of different modalities in young and elderly people; experience in cardiac autonomic behavior; techniques of heart rate variability and blood pressure in several cardiorespiratory diseases; (heart failure of different origins, chagas disease in acute and chronic forms, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); analysis of oxygen consumption of the central nervous system and muscle tissue during exercise; brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation; physical capacity and functional capacity by cardiopulmonary testing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The physiology of exercise and training is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that delves into the intricate biological processes underpinning physical activity and its impact on human health and performance. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and expert reviews that explore the multifaceted interactions between exercise, the cardiovascular system, muscle physiology, metabolic pathways, and overall sports performance. Understanding the cardiovascular response to exercise is crucial for optimizing both athletic performance and rehabilitation strategies, ensuring efficient oxygen delivery and circulation under varying intensities of physical activity. In the context of public health, exercise is a key intervention in preventing and managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. It also contributes to mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress while improving cognitive function and mood.

Muscle physiology, a cornerstone of this field, provides insights into muscle adaptation, strength, and endurance, which are essential for designing effective training programs. The study of metabolic pathways, including aerobic and anaerobic energy production, sheds light on how the body meets the energetic demands of different types of exercise. Oxygen uptake and its measurement through cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are vital for assessing cardiovascular fitness and tailoring training regimens. Public health strategies that encourage physical activity include the development of community-based exercise programs, the creation of accessible and safe environments for physical activity (such as parks and recreational facilities), and public policies that promote active transportation, like walking and cycling. Education and awareness campaigns are also critical in motivating individuals to adopt and maintain active lifestyles.

In summary, the physiology of exercise and training is deeply interconnected with public health, serving as a powerful tool for disease prevention, health promotion, and the enhancement of overall well-being. The integration of exercise into public health initiatives is essential for addressing the global burden of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and fostering a healthier, more resilient population.

Dr. Cássia Da Luz Goulart
Dr. Fernando Almeida-Val
Dr. Guilherme Peixoto Tinoco Areas
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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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

  • public health
  • community-based exercise programs
  • rehabilitation
  • exercise training
  • exercise physiology
  • training adaptations
  • cardiovascular response
  • muscle physiology
  • metabolic pathways
  • endurance training
  • aerobic capacity
  • CPET

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1534 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Status of Post-COVID-19 Patients
by Miriã C. Oliveira, Larissa R. Alves, Juliana M. P. Soares, Shayra K. A. Souza, Bruna M. R. Silva, Adriano L. Fonseca, Carlos H. M. Silva, Claudia S. Oliveira, Rodolfo P. Vieira, Deise A. A. P. Oliveira, Iransé Oliveira-Silva, Rodrigo F. Oliveira, Luciana M. M. Sampaio, Vinicius Maldaner, Dante B. Santos, Renata K. Palma, Sergio R. Nacif, Giuseppe Insalaco and Luís V. F. Oliveira
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030338 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system, although its manifestations are multisystemic. We are increasingly recognizing complications that present after the acute phase, which are associated with impaired functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective was to assess the functional [...] Read more.
Background: COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system, although its manifestations are multisystemic. We are increasingly recognizing complications that present after the acute phase, which are associated with impaired functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective was to assess the functional status and HRQoL of patients with post-COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving individuals affected by COVID-19 who had persistent symptoms for one month after the acute phase of the disease. Functional status was measured with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale, and the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). HRQoL was confirmed with the Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). Results: We included 123 patients; 73 (59.35%) were male, with a mean age of 49.17 ± 13.48 years and a body mass index of 31.02 ± 6.56 stratified into three groups: the not-recovered group (NRG = 23), the ward-recovered group (WHG = 60), and the intensive-care-unit group (ICUG = 40). The main symptoms were muscle weakness (74.17%) and dyspnea (68.33%). The predicted distances for the 6MWT were missed by 12.83% by the GNR group, 20.21% by the GNR group, and 28.82% by the UGCI group. The MRC dyspnea scale had a mean value of less than 3, and the FSS scale had a mean value of over 4, indicating considerable fatigue. In the PCFS scale, a significant difference was observed (p < 0.0005), while in the SF-36, all HRQoL domains were compromised. Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 patients involved in this study showed a significant decline in functional status and an impairment of HRQoL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health)
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13 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Submaximal and Maximal Effort Capacities in Patients Post-COVID-19 and Individuals with Chronic Restrictive Lung Diseases
by Karissa Yasmim Araújo Rosa, Felipe Xavier de Melo, Fernanda Lara Fernandes Bonner Araújo Riscado, Rodrigo F. Oliveira, Deise A. A. P. Oliveira, Iransé Oliveira-Silva, Luís V. F. Oliveira and Dante Brasil Santos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020261 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 535
Abstract
Whether impairments in submaximal and maximal effort capacities in individuals following acute COVID-19 infection resemble those found in patients with chronic pulmonary disease remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the submaximal and maximal effort capacities of patients after COVID-19 infection and those with [...] Read more.
Whether impairments in submaximal and maximal effort capacities in individuals following acute COVID-19 infection resemble those found in patients with chronic pulmonary disease remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the submaximal and maximal effort capacities of patients after COVID-19 infection and those with alterations in lung mechanics similar to those observed in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This retrospective cross-sectional observational study paired a group of post-COVID-19 individuals with another group of patients with chronic respiratory disease, using spirometric patterns similar to those observed post-COVID-19. Data from Spirometry, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) variables were compared, and correlations between spirometric variables and 6-WT/CPET were examined. The final sample comprised 20 patients, including 10 post-COVID-19 patients with a restrictive lung disease (RLD) pattern identified using spirometry and 10 patients with RLD. Both groups presented similar patterns of the analyzed variables, with significant correlations observed between forced vital capacity (FVC) the distance and speed achieved during the 6-MWT, and a negative correlation between FVC and V’ E max. The degree of restriction in the overall sample influenced the covered distance and speed during the 6-MWT as well as the maximum minute ventilation during maximal effort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health)
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7 pages, 664 KiB  
Article
Effects of an Easily Implemented Physical Exercise Program on the Ventricular Ejection Fraction of Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy
by Tiago Rafael Moreira, Nuno Pimenta, Alexandra Teixeira, Bruno Nobre Pinheiro, Rui Canário-Lemos, Rafael Peixoto, Nuno Domingos Garrido and José Vilaça-Alves
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010094 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women, with an incidence of 85–94 per 100,000 people annually in Europe. Despite the increasing incidence of BC, advancements in early detection and novel therapeutic approaches have improved survival rates. However, adjuvant treatments are [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women, with an incidence of 85–94 per 100,000 people annually in Europe. Despite the increasing incidence of BC, advancements in early detection and novel therapeutic approaches have improved survival rates. However, adjuvant treatments are associated with side effects, including a reduction in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which can result in severe cardiac damage and progress to heart failure. Methods: Thirty-eight women undergoing BC treatment were included in the study. Eighteen women (47.2 ± 5.4 years old) participated in a supervised physical exercise (PE) program for 60 min/day, twice weekly, at moderate to high intensity (5 min joint mobilization, 20 min predominantly aerobic training, 30 min of strength training, and 5 min cooldown). The remaining 20 women (51.5 ± 9.5 years) were advised to remain active during treatments, but without specific supervision. In the PE group, a slight reduction in the LVEF was observed after chemotherapy (63.73 ± 3.34% vs. 61.00 ± 6.54%, p = 0.131). In contrast, the control group showed a statistically significant reduction in the LVEF (64.93 ± 4.00% vs. 60.57 ± 4.86%, p = 0.008). Although the results suggest a potential protective effect of regular physical exercise during BC treatment, the study was inconclusive regarding its role in preventing cardiac dysfunction. Further research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health)
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14 pages, 3352 KiB  
Article
The Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) Is Reliable and Valid for Assessing Motivational Regulations and Self-Determination in Exercise Among Adults Aged 50 Years or Older: A Methodological Study
by Jacyara de Oliveira Vanini, Manuela Karloh, Ricardo Coelho Bosco, Michelle Gonçalves de Souza, Marlus Karsten and Darlan Laurício Matte
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010082 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 803
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the reliability, construct, and discriminant validity of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in Brazilian adults aged 50 years or older. The study assessed motivation for exercise, peripheral [...] Read more.
The study aimed to investigate the reliability, construct, and discriminant validity of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in Brazilian adults aged 50 years or older. The study assessed motivation for exercise, peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, cardiovascular fitness, and frailty phenotype. Two raters independently applied the BREQ-3. The reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and agreement. Construct validity was tested with Spearman’s correlation coefficient and discriminant validity with the Kruskal–Wallis test. Eighty individuals participated in the reliability study, and 136 participated in the validation study. Motivational regulation and Self-Determination Index (SDI) internal consistency ranged from 0.55 to 0.82. Test–retest reliability ranged from 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.85) to 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.94), and inter-rater ranged from 0.80 (95% CI 0.68–0.87) to 0.92 (95% CI 0.88–0.95), except for amotivation, which had poor inter-rater and test–retest reliability. Additionally, moderate to weak correlations between various types of motivation and physical function tests were found (p < 0.05). Frail and pre-frail participants had lower SDI, integrated, and intrinsic motivation regulation than non-frail individuals (p < 0.05). This study confirmed the reliability, construct, and discriminative validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the BREQ-3 for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Exercise and Training: Impacts on Public Health)
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