Strength Training, Isokinetic Protocols, and Performance: Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Oxygenation Responses

Dear Colleagues,

Strength training performance is determined by the interaction between mechanical output, neuromuscular control, and physiological regulation. While peak force and torque have traditionally been the primary outcomes in strength research, increasing evidence highlights the relevance of rate of force development (RFD), fatigue-related variables, and central nervous system involvement in determining performance, injury risk, and functional capacity. Isokinetic dynamometry offers a highly controlled framework for investigating force–velocity relationships, fatigue profiles, and explosive strength characteristics. In parallel, advances in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enable non-invasive assessments of skeletal muscle and cerebral oxygenation, providing novel insights into metabolic demand and central regulation during strength exercise. Recent research has demonstrated that resistance exercise protocols can elicit distinct prefrontal cortex oxygenation responses, suggesting a meaningful contribution of central mechanisms to strength performance and fatigue. Integrating isokinetic protocols, RFD-based metrics, and muscle–brain oxygenation represents a promising approach to advance both fundamental and applied strength science.

This Special Issue aims to compile high-quality research exploring mechanical, neuromuscular, and oxygenation responses to strength and isokinetic training, with implications for sport performance, rehabilitation, health, and clinical populations.

We welcome submissions exploring, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Isokinetic strength training and performance assessment;
• Rate of force development and torque–time characteristics;
• Neuromuscular and central fatigue mechanisms during strength exercise;
• Muscle and cerebral oxygenation responses assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy;
• Applications of isokinetic and strength-based protocols in sport, rehabilitation, and health.

Dr. Luis Leitão
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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 1800 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.

• strength training
• isokinetic exercise
• rate of force development
• muscle oxygenation
• cerebral oxygenation
• near-infrared spectroscopy
• neuromuscular performance
• fatigue
• power
• rehabilitation