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Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition
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Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine and Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 9816

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Daniel Rojas-Valverde

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Clínica de Lesiones Deportivas (Rehab&Readapt), Escuela de Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
2. Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico en Salud y Deporte (CIDISAD), Escuela de Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
Interests: sports injuries; athletic injuries; return to play; trauma; sport medicine; sport rehabilitation; physical therapy; rehabilitation; readaptation; injury prevention; injury epidemiology; disability; recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sports and physical activities are vital components of a healthy lifestyle, but they are also associated with a range of health issues that athletes, coaches, and medical professionals need to be aware of. Understanding these issues requires interdisciplinary perspectives that draw from fields such as sports medicine, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and biomechanics.

Understanding these issues requires an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, sports medicine can help in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, while physiology and biomechanics can help in understanding how the body functions during physical activity and how proper body mechanics and equipment design can reduce the risk of injury. Psychology can help in exploring the psychological challenges that athletes may face, such as competition stress, injury, and retirement. Nutrition can help in optimizing dietary intake for optimal performance and injury prevention.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on sports-related health issues. It intends to consolidate knowledge from different fields to enhance our understanding of sports-related health issues and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in research and practice. Additionally, this Special Issue will discuss practical applications for improving athletes' health and well-being. These applications may include strategies for injury prevention, optimizing performance, and promoting ethical practice.

Overall, sports-related health issues are a reality that cannot be ignored. However, by adopting an interdisciplinary approach, researchers and practitioners can develop a comprehensive understanding of these issues and develop effective strategies to address them. This Special Issue aims to contribute to this understanding and promote the health and well-being of athletes, which is of paramount importance.

Possible Topics:

  • The impact of sports on mental health: exploring the psychological challenges of competition, injury, and retirement;
  • Nutrition and sports performance: optimizing dietary intake for optimal performance and injury prevention;
  • Biomechanics and injury prevention: understanding how proper body mechanics and equipment design can reduce the risk of injury;
  • Sports-related concussions: diagnosis, treatment, and long-term consequences;
  • Heat illness and hydration: understanding the risk factors and prevention strategies for heat stroke and dehydration;
  • Overtraining syndrome: the causes, symptoms, and management of this common issue among athletes;
  • Exercise-induced asthma: managing respiratory issues in athletes;
  • Sleep and sports performance: the impact of sleep on physical and cognitive performance in athletes;
  • Environmental factors and sports performance: how altitude, humidity, and temperature affect athletic performance;
  • Ethics in sports medicine: exploring the ethical dilemmas that arise in sports-related health issues, such as performance-enhancing drugs and athlete autonomy;
  • Concussion in sports: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment;
  • The role of nutrition in sports performance and injury prevention;
  • Overtraining syndrome: symptoms, prevention, and treatment;
  • Mental health in sports: challenges and strategies for athletes and coaches;
  • Sudden cardiac death in athletes: risk factors, prevention, and management;
  • The impact of sports on bone health and osteoporosis prevention;
  • Heat illness in sports: prevention and management strategies;
  • Strategies for preventing and managing common sports injuries (e.g., ACL tears and ankle sprains);
  • Female athlete triad syndrome: understanding the interplay of nutrition, menstrual function, and bone health;
  • The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports: risks, consequences, and ethical considerations;
  • Endurance-related health issues (e.g., acute kidney injury and skin injuries).

This Special Issue will provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and expertise on the complex and multi-faceted aspects of sports-related health issues. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives and practical applications, we hope to enhance our understanding of the impact of sports on health and well-being, and promote strategies for injury prevention, optimal performance, and ethical practice.

Dr. Daniel Rojas-Valverde
Guest Editor

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. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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

  • sports medicine
  • metabolism
  • inflammation
  • muscle physiology
  • athlete health
  • physical activities
  • oxydative stress

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 655 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting Sport-Related Concussion Non-Disclosure in Women’s Rugby—A Multi-Country Qualitative Analysis
by Lisa Ryan, Ed Daly and Katherine Hunzinger
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040277 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1010
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Collision-sport athletes, such as rugby players, are at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Women are known to be at higher risk of SRC and may experience more severe and chronic symptomology than men. Knowledge of the factors that affect a [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Collision-sport athletes, such as rugby players, are at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Women are known to be at higher risk of SRC and may experience more severe and chronic symptomology than men. Knowledge of the factors that affect a player’s disclosure of their concussive symptoms could help to inform strategies to improve compliance with reporting and management of head injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that may impact women rugby players’ disclosure of a concussion. Methods: Twenty-eight adult (≥18 years of age) elite and semi-elite women rugby players from the UK and Ireland (n = 17) and the United States (n = 11) were interviewed on their playing background and SRC experience in women’s rugby via one-on-one interviews (UK and Ireland) or an online questionnaire (US). Results: SRC data were analysed inductively using a thematic analysis approach to determine the potential reasons for SRC non-disclosure in women’s rugby. Four main themes were identified which may influence a player’s SRC non-disclosure: 1. women rugby players are self-managing SRC; 2. work-related concerns impact on SRC disclosure; 3. players and support staff lack knowledge on SRC management; and 4. poor internal and external communication affect the support players receive when injured. Conclusions: The findings were consistent across players from different countries. This research highlighted several factors that may impact on women rugby players’ disclosure of SRC regardless of country of origin (UK, Ireland, or US) and access to concussion care. Coaches and management teams should be aware of these reasons, which may enhance how they discuss and manage concussion. There is a clear need for further education on concussion for players and support staff and for strategies to create environments where women can openly discuss their concussion concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 6290 KiB  
Article
Accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 for Measures of Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate at Rest and During Exercise: Impact of Skin Pigmentation
by Sydney E. Chase, Rebecca G. Liddell, Chloe L. McGonagle and Stephen J. Ives
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040275 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3410
Abstract
Background: The Apple Watch provides promising health data that could aid in increasing exercise adherence; regular exercise can help individuals manage and prevent diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of skin pigmentation on the accuracy of the Apple Watch [...] Read more.
Background: The Apple Watch provides promising health data that could aid in increasing exercise adherence; regular exercise can help individuals manage and prevent diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of skin pigmentation on the accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 for measures of energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) is unknown. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 on various skin pigmentations for measures of EE and HR. Methods: Thirty young, healthy individuals were assigned to one of three groups based on their scores on the Fitzpatrick skin survey. Participants completed a 10 min treadmill protocol with varying speeds and inclines while wearing an Apple Watch Series 9, a two-way non-rebreathing mouthpiece connected to a Parvo Medics metabolic cart, and a Polar H7 chest strap to measure EE and HR. Results: Overall, EE was found to be inconsistent for all skin pigmentation groups. However, for HR, the Apple Watch Series 9 was more variable (i.e., less accurate) for darker skin pigmentations compared to lighter skin pigmentations. Conclusions: The Apple Watch Series 9 was found to vary in both EE and HR measures from criterion across intensity and skin pigmentation, with greater discrepancies for individuals in Group 3 for measures of HR. Further investigation might aim to study the impact of skin pigmentations and wrist subcutaneous fat on the accuracy of the latest Apple Watch Series 9 for measures of EE and HR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Evaluation of Self-Reported Training Volume as an Adjunct Measure of Female Athlete Triad Risk in Division 1 Collegiate Female Runners
by Sarah Parnell, Austin J. Graybeal, Megan E. Renna and Jon Stavres
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040179 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study tested whether self-reported training volume is predictive of female athlete triad risk collected using an established twelve-question triad screening tool in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) collegiate female runners. Methods: A total of 319 institutions [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study tested whether self-reported training volume is predictive of female athlete triad risk collected using an established twelve-question triad screening tool in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) collegiate female runners. Methods: A total of 319 institutions were initially contacted, seven of which agreed to distribute surveys to their female cross-country and track and field athletes. A total of 41 of 149 respondents completed the survey and met all inclusion criteria. Linear and binomial logistic regressions examined the relationships between self-reported training volumes and estimated triad risk. Independent samples t-tests were also used to compare training volumes across the high (> 50th percentile for risk factor counts) vs. low-risk groups. Results: Total weekly competition and conditioning resistance training hours were associated with the total number of triad risk factors (p = 0.044) and were also predictive of the triad risk group (p = 0.037). Likewise, both competition and conditioning resistance training hours (p = 0.034) were higher in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that self-reported resistance training volume is predictive of triad risk, but additional research is required to determine if monitoring training volume can provide valuable, real-time assessments of triad risk in DI collegiate female runners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Potential Effects of Lifelong Team Handball and Football Training and Nutritional Habits on Bone Health and Body Composition in Elderly Women
by Domenico Martone, Jeppe Foged Vigh-Larsen, Daniela Vitucci, Malte Nejst Larsen, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Jens Lykkegaard Olesen, Magni Mohr, Annamaria Mancini, Peter Krustrup and Pasqualina Buono
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030159 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lifelong team handball/football training on regional bone health and body composition in elderly women. Methods: Seventeen elderly women team handball/football players (65.9 ± 5.7 years) and twenty-one untrained age-matched women (controls) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lifelong team handball/football training on regional bone health and body composition in elderly women. Methods: Seventeen elderly women team handball/football players (65.9 ± 5.7 years) and twenty-one untrained age-matched women (controls) (67.7 ± 5.1 years) participated. Whole-body and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of arms, legs, and lower spine (L1–L4) were performed. Results: We observed 8% and 9% higher bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), respectively, at the whole-body level and in the legs and 11.5% higher BMC in the legs in team handball/football players compared to untrained age-matched controls (p < 0.05). Higher total and leg lean body mass (p < 0.05), along with lower total body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and higher T- and Z-scores, markers of fragility risk fracture (0.294 ± 1.461 vs. −0.538 ± 1.031; 1.447 ± 1.278 vs. 0.724 ± 0.823, respectively), were also found in team handball/football players compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences in nutritional habits were observed between groups. Conclusions: Our study suggest that the beneficial effects of lifetime handball/football practice on bone preservation in elderly women occur independently from nutritional intake, which emphasize the potential role of team sports in osteoporosis prevention. Future studies should focus on the cofounding factors and causative mechanisms mediated by team sport practice in osteoporosis prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)

Review

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18 pages, 703 KiB  
Review
Potential Effects of Soccer Ball Characteristics on Ball-to-Head Contact: A Systematic Review
by José M. Oliva-Lozano, Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona, José M. Muyor, George T. Chiampas, Barry Pauwels and Rick Cost
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040210 - 27 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to systematically review research on the effect of soccer ball characteristics on ball-to-head contact. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using electronic databases, which included PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to systematically review research on the effect of soccer ball characteristics on ball-to-head contact. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using electronic databases, which included PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined keywords related to soccer, the ball and its characteristics, heading, and kinematics variables. Studies analyzing the impact of soccer ball characteristics on heading biomechanics were included. The review included studies using mathematical models, simulations, and human subjects. Results: A total of nine studies were included, highlighting the lack of evidence on this topic. The following ball characteristics were investigated: inflation pressure (n = 7), mass (n = 4), structure/material properties (n = 3), size/diameter (n = 3), and stiffness (n = 3). Most studies used non-human subjects, such as mathematical, simulated, or head-form models. Key findings were as follows: (a) reducing inflation pressure may decrease impact magnitude; (b) ball size may not directly relate to impact magnitude, but one study found that a smaller size resulted in a shorter impact time; (c) lower impact observed with decreasing ball mass; (d) lowering stiffness showed a tendency to lower impact; (e) two studies on water absorption found that wet balls were heavier and had greater impact forces than dry balls; and (f) ball structure and cover material directly influenced impulsive forces. Conclusions: Modifying soccer ball characteristics may reduce heading forces, but the available research has limitations. More controlled studies are needed to determine optimal ball properties for mitigating injury risk during soccer heading. Standardized testing methods can further clarify the biomechanics of heading, supporting ongoing innovations to enhance player experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)
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Other

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10 pages, 647 KiB  
Brief Report
Oxidative Stress Modulation and Glutathione System Response During a 10-Day Multi-Stressor Field Training
by Liāna Pļaviņa and Edgars Edelmers
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020166 - 10 May 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate how a 10-day multi-stressor field-training course—combining high physical and psycho-emotional demands, caloric restriction, and severe sleep deprivation—affects systemic oxidative/antioxidative status and biomarkers of nucleic-acid and skeletal-muscle damage in trained military cadets. Methods: Seventy-five healthy cadets (8 women, 67 men; 22–34 [...] Read more.
Objectives: To evaluate how a 10-day multi-stressor field-training course—combining high physical and psycho-emotional demands, caloric restriction, and severe sleep deprivation—affects systemic oxidative/antioxidative status and biomarkers of nucleic-acid and skeletal-muscle damage in trained military cadets. Methods: Seventy-five healthy cadets (8 women, 67 men; 22–34 y) completed the course. Standardised operational rations (700–800 kcal day−¹) and two 20 min tactical naps per 24 h were enforced. Pre- and post-course venous blood was collected after an overnight fast. Plasma superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD), reduced and oxidised glutathione (GSH, GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were quantified by colourimetric/fluorometric assays; 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and myoglobin were measured by ELISA. The oxidative-stress index (OSI) was calculated as GSSG·GSH−¹. Within-subject differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; associations between biomarker changes were explored by Spearman correlation. Results: After training, GSH (+175%, p < 0.001) and GSSG (+32%, p < 0.001) rose significantly, whereas SOD (−19%, p = 0.002), H₂O₂ (−20%, p = 0.015), MDA (−50%, p < 0.001), 8-OHdG (−23%, p < 0.001), and OSI (−47%, p < 0.001) declined. Myoglobin remained unchanged (p = 0.603). Reductions in MDA correlated inversely with increases in GSSG (rₛ = −0.25, p = 0.041), while H₂O₂ changes correlated positively with GSSG (rₛ = 0.25, p = 0.046), indicating a glutathione-driven adaptive response. Conclusions: Ten consecutive days of vigorous, calorie- and sleep-restricted field training elicited a favourable redox adaptation characterised by enhanced glutathione-mediated antioxidant capacity and lower circulating oxidant concentrations, without evidence of DNA or skeletal-muscle damage. The data suggest that, in physically prepared individuals, prolonged multi-stressor exposure can strengthen endogenous antioxidant defences rather than precipitate oxidative injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition)
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