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Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition
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Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Exercise for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 2929

Special Issue Editor

Dr. William Guyton Hornsby

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Office, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
Interests: sport science; athlete monitoring; weightlifting; force plate assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Applied research aimed at better understanding the training process and/or underlying aspects of sport performance can be invaluable to coaches and sport scientists. Competitive athletes can respond differently than untrained or recreationally trained individuals to the same training stimuli. Additionally, the physiological makeup of more advanced athletes has been shown to favor certain “profiles” (e.g., anthropometrics, muscle fiber type, etc.) depending on the sport. This general area of research is often challenging for many reasons, e.g., small sample sizes, lack of true control group, extending past the initial adaptation period, etc. This Special Issue welcomes research on trained athletes and can include cross-sectional research (e.g., relationships), longitudinal studies (e.g., training studies), and review articles. Of particular interest is research conducted in an ecologically valid manner and studies that involve a training intervention, including detailed reporting of the training prescription.

Dr. William Guyton Hornsby
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

  • sport science
  • athlete monitoring
  • training studies
  • training prescription

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1854 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Changes in Performance Metrics, Hormonal, Hematological, and Biochemical Markers Among Semi-Professional Soccer Players: Implications for Training and Recovery
by Eleftherios Mylonis, Dimitrios I. Bourdas, Natalia Kompodieta, Athanasios Tegousis, Panteleimon Bakirtzoglou, Athanasios Souglis and Evangelos Bekris
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020147 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 67
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined physiological, biochemical, and performance adaptations in 18 semi-professional male soccer players across three seasonal phases: pre-season initiation (PS), pre-competition (PC), and mid-season (MS). Methods: Assessments included physical/performance/hormonal/biochemical markers. Results: From PS to PC, body fat (Cohen’s [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study examined physiological, biochemical, and performance adaptations in 18 semi-professional male soccer players across three seasonal phases: pre-season initiation (PS), pre-competition (PC), and mid-season (MS). Methods: Assessments included physical/performance/hormonal/biochemical markers. Results: From PS to PC, body fat (Cohen’s d = −0.88; p ≤ 0.01) and speed drop rate (Cohen’s d = −1.52; p ≤ 0.01) significantly decreased, while V̇O2max (Cohen’s d = 0.80; p ≤ 0.01), velocity at V̇O2max (Cohen’s d = 1.86; p ≤ 0.01), and velocity at the second ventilatory threshold (Cohen’s d = 1.54; p ≤ 0.01) significantly increased. Significant fluctuations were observed in creatine kinase (Cohen’s d = 4.34; p ≤ 0.01), myoglobin (Cohen’s d = 0.66; p ≤ 0.01), and cortisol (Cohen’s d = −1.14; p ≤ 0.01) levels. From PS to MS, further reductions in body fat (Cohen’s d = −0.81; p ≤ 0.01) and speed drop rate (Cohen’s d = −1.12; p ≤ 0.01) were observed, along with significant improvements in countermovement jump performance (Cohen’s d = 1.08; p ≤ 0.01) and cardiorespiratory fitness (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.83; p ≤ 0.01). Creatine kinase (Cohen’s d = 3.82; p ≤ 0.01), myoglobin (Cohen’s d = 1.50; p ≤ 0.01), interleukin-6 (Cohen’s d = 1.24; p ≤ 0.01), and testosterone (Cohen’s d = 0.92; p ≤ 0.01) significantly increased. Stability in lower limb strength, flexibility, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, ferritin, liver enzymes, and most hematological parameters suggest resilience to seasonal demands. Conclusions: Seasonal training enhanced fitness and hormonal balance while maintaining physiological stability. These findings underscore the importance of periodized training to manage muscle damage and sustain an anabolic hormonal profile for peak performance. Consistent diet and training support metabolic health, while tailored recovery strategies and season-specific interventions are essential for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition)
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14 pages, 995 KiB  
Article
Reliability of Muscle Oxygen Saturation for Evaluating Exercise Intensity and Knee Joint Load Indicators
by Aldo A. Vasquez-Bonilla, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Matías Monsalves-Álvarez, Marcelo Tuesta, Daniel Duclos-Bastías, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, Jorge Olivares-Arancibia, Eduardo Guzmán-Muñoz and José Francisco López-Gil
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020136 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and its correlation with variables from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor placed on the knee at different exercise intensities. Methods: Fourteen university athletes participated in the study. [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and its correlation with variables from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor placed on the knee at different exercise intensities. Methods: Fourteen university athletes participated in the study. Incremental ergospirometry was performed to exhaustion to calculate V’O2max, determine training zones, heart rate, and workload using the IMU, and analyze muscle metabolism by SmO2. Results: The analysis revealed significant differences between moderate-to-high-intensity zones (80–89% vs. 50–69%, Δ = 27% of SmO2; p < 0.001) and high-intensity zones (90–100% vs. 50–79%, Δ = 35% of SmO2; p < 0.001). SmO2 values showed moderate reliability at moderate exercise intensities (e.g., ICC 0.744 at 50%) and high variability at higher intensities, with ICC values around 0.577–0.594, and CV% increasing up to 77.7% at 100% intensity, indicating decreasing consistency as exercise intensity increases. SmO2 significantly decreases with increasing angular velocity (β = −13.9, p < 0.001), while knee joint load only shows significant correlations with SmO2 in the moderate-to-high-intensity zones (r = 0.569, p = 0.004) and high-intensity zones (r = 0.455, p = 0.012). Conclusions: SmO2 is a key predictor of performance during maximal incremental exercise, particularly in high-intensity zones. Moreover, SmO2 has the potential to serve as a physiological marker of the internal load on the muscles surrounding the knee during exercise. The SmO2 decrease could depend on the angular velocity and impact of the exposed knee during running. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition)
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15 pages, 294 KiB  
Article
Effect of 4 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on VO2max, Anaerobic Power, and Specific Performance in Cyclists with Cerebral Palsy
by Cristian A. Lasso-Quilindo, Luz M. Chalapud-Narvaez, Diego C. Garcia-Chaves, Carlos Cristi-Montero and Rodrigo Yañez-Sepulveda
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020102 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective and efficient method for training Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy, particularly in intermittent sports and those requiring aerobic and anaerobic capacity, speed, and strength to delay fatigue onset and optimize athletic performance. Objectives: This study [...] Read more.
Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective and efficient method for training Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy, particularly in intermittent sports and those requiring aerobic and anaerobic capacity, speed, and strength to delay fatigue onset and optimize athletic performance. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effects of four weeks of HIIT on the estimated VO2max, anaerobic power, and athletic performance in cyclists with cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included three male athletes (Athletes A, B, and C) with cerebral palsy from the Paracycling Departmental Commission of Cauca, Colombia. The estimated VO2max was assessed using an incremental test on a cycling ergometer. Anaerobic power was measured using the 30 s long Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT_30 s. Specific performance was evaluated with an individual time trial of 14 km for class T1 and 20 km for class T2. HIIT training was performed on a cycling ergometer over four weeks (two sessions per week). The training intensity was based on watts (W) measured in the incremental test for long HIIT sessions and in the WAnT_30 s test for short HIIT sessions. The training load was monitored through heart rate (HR) responses and the subjective perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of the training. Results: After the HIIT intervention, percentage changes in the estimated VO2max were observed in Athlete A (+7%) and Athlete C (+9.4%). In the WAnT_30 s, there were increases in the maximal and mean power in Athlete A (>31%, 282.3 vs. 370.4 W), Athlete B (>15%, 272.5 vs. 312.6 W), and Athlete C (>9%, 473.7 vs. 516.2 W). Individual time trial performance improved, with reduced completion times for Athlete A (−6.7%, 2492 vs. 2325 s), Athlete B (−3.7%, 2486 vs. 2390 s), and Athlete C (−3.7%, 2775 vs. 2674 s). Conclusions: This study found that eight sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) over a four-week period had a positive effect on the estimated VO2max in Athletes A and C. Moreover, all three paracyclists demonstrated improvements in their maximal and average power output during the 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT_30 s), as well as enhanced performance in the time trial test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition)
17 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Repeatability and Validity of Different Methods to Determine the Anaerobic Threshold Through the Maximal Multistage Test in Male Cyclists and Triathletes
by Iñaki Llodio, Javier Yanci, Mikel Usandizaga, Auritz Larrea, Aitor Iturricastillo, Jesús Cámara and Cristina Granados
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010009 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 899
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the repeatability and validity of different methods to determine the anaerobic threshold through a maximal multistage cycling test; Methods: In total, 17 male endurance-trained athletes [7 cyclists and 10 triathletes, age 33.2 [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the repeatability and validity of different methods to determine the anaerobic threshold through a maximal multistage cycling test; Methods: In total, 17 male endurance-trained athletes [7 cyclists and 10 triathletes, age 33.2 ± 6.9 yr, workload at maximal lactate steady state (MLSSW) 268 ± 27 W] participated in the study. The participants performed a maximal multistage cycling test twice to analyze the repeatability of the anaerobic threshold (AT) using nine different methods. In the remaining sessions, several 20 min constant load tests were performed to determine MLSSW (gold standard); Results: The workload corresponding to 73% of the maximal power (AT73Pmax) showed the best repeatability followed by the Dmax method calculated from the blood lactate concentration ([La−]) associated with the Minimum Lactate Equivalent and final [La−] (DmaxLE). Validity analyses showed that all AT determined in the present study were strong predictors of MLSSW, however, AT73Pmax and the workloads at 1.5 mmol·L−1 above the first lactate threshold significantly underestimated MLSSW. The use of correction equations for these variables lowered their absolute mean bias to <5 W. DmaxLE and workload associated with the 86% of the maximal heart rate showed the narrowest limits of agreement to estimate MLSSW closely followed by corrected AT73Pmax; Conclusions: AT73Pmax, using the correction equation and DmaxLE, stand out as powerful predictors of MLSSW among the variables analyzed in the present study in trained cyclists or triathletes. Sports physiologists and coaches can use corrected AT73Pmax and DmaxLE to accurately assess athletes’ endurance capacity and prescribe their training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition)
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10 pages, 1088 KiB  
Article
Regional Body Composition and Strength, Not Total Body Composition, Are Determinants of Performance in Climbers
by Fernando Carrasco, Maria Jose Arias-Tellez, Ignacio Solar-Altamirano, Jorge Inostroza and Gabriela Carrasco
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040228 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 843
Abstract
Objective: To compare the body composition of Chilean climbers of different performance levels and to determine the relation between the forearm and upper-trunk lean mass and the handgrip and upper-body traction strength, respectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on thirty Chilean [...] Read more.
Objective: To compare the body composition of Chilean climbers of different performance levels and to determine the relation between the forearm and upper-trunk lean mass and the handgrip and upper-body traction strength, respectively. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on thirty Chilean male adult climbers (26.1 ± 4.9 y.): nine of intermediate level (L1), eleven advanced (L2), and ten elite (L3). Through dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar Prodigy®), fat mass percentage (FM%), total lean mass (LM), forearm lean mass (FLM), and upper-trunk lean mass (UTLM) were measured. Total muscle mass (TMM) was also estimated. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a Jamar® dynamometer. Maximum upper-body traction strength (UBTS) was evaluated with a standardized movement. The level of climbing was assessed according to IRCRA rules. Results: No differences in FM%, total LM, UTLM, or TMM between the groups were found. Left and assistant FLM were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and 0.041, respectively). HGS absolute, relative, and adjusted by FLM were not different between groups. FLM was associated with HGS in all segments (p ≤ 0.001). UBTS absolute values, and as adjusted by TMM, were significantly higher in L3 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: Left and non-dominant forearm lean mass were significantly higher in elite climbers. Handgrip strength was not significantly higher in elite climbers; however, the upper-body traction strength was significantly higher in elite climbers, independent of total or regional muscle mass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—4th Edition)
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