The Physiology of Endurance Training and Its Practical Application for Lifelong Health

Dear Colleagues, 

Endurance represents a cornerstone of physical fitness, underpinned by many physiological adaptations that facilitate sustained activity. Endurance exercise triggers a complex interplay of cardiopulmonary enhancements, skeletal muscle adaptations, and metabolic shifts, all of which collectively contribute to optimizing aerobic capacity and delaying the onset of fatigue.

Central to these adaptations is the enhancement of cardiopulmonary function, including improvements in cardiac output, stroke volume, and pulmonary ventilation. These changes, coupled with increased mitochondrial biogenesis and capillary density within skeletal muscles, enable more efficient oxygen delivery and utilization, which are crucial for supporting prolonged exertion. Furthermore, endurance training induces metabolic adaptations, such as a shift towards the greater utilization of fatty acids for energy production, thereby sparing glycogen stores and enhancing endurance performance.

However, the benefits of endurance training extend far beyond athletic performance, with profound implications for overall health and well-being across an individual’s lifespan. Regular engagement in endurance exercise has been shown to mitigate a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, endurance training exerts anti-inflammatory effects and bolsters immune function, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and infections.

In addition to its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, endurance training also exerts neuroprotective effects, promoting cognitive function and mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Studies have demonstrated that individuals who engage in regular aerobic exercise exhibit improved cognitive performance and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Thus, integrating endurance exercise into one’s daily routine is not only paramount for enhancing athletic performance, but also crucial for promoting longevity and overall quality of life. By harnessing the physiological adaptations induced by endurance training, individuals can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, preserve their cognitive function, and optimize their healthspan.

In conclusion, endurance training represents a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental well-being throughout life. By understanding the intricate physiological mechanisms underpinning endurance exercise and its broader health implications, individuals can make informed choices to prioritize regular aerobic activity.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on the current state of knowledge on the links between endurance training and human health. New research papers, reviews, case reports and conference papers are welcome, as are papers presenting new approaches to training for VO2max and enhancement. Other manuscript types accepted include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports, and commentaries.

We will accept manuscripts from disciplines including exposure assessment science, epidemiology, intervention studies, and risk and health impact assessment and management, including training  standards . The following are examples of topics that could be addressed in this Special Issue:

1. The effect of endurance training on cardiovascular function, metabolic efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.
2. The effect of endurance training on the risk of chronic diseases and mental health, and its importance in public health initiatives.
3. Practical applications of endurance training, including personalized training programs, the monitoring of physiological markers, and interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and healthcare professionals.

Prof. Dr. Veronique Billat
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

• endurance training
• physiology
• aerobic capacity
• metabolic adaptations
• cardiovascular health
• longevity
• cognitive function
• healthspan