Advanced Strength Training and Nutrition: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Peak Performance

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 November 2025 | Viewed by 1745

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Sport Sciences Research Centre, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Fuenlabrada, 28942 Madrid, Spain
Interests: strength training; sports supplementation; recovery; team sports performance; sports technology; talent development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the pursuit of optimal athletic performance, advanced strength training and nutrition are paramount, serving as foundational pillars for enhancing an individual’s physical capabilities. The application of contemporary strength training methodologies not only facilitates the augmentation of muscular strength but also emphasizes the preservation of musculoskeletal health, ensuring that athletes can perform at their highest capacity while mitigating the risk of injury. Through meticulous programming, athletes are able to achieve substantial gains in force production and endurance, which are essential for success across various sports disciplines.

Equally critical is the role of sports supplementation, which, when strategically employed, can bolster training outcomes by optimizing energy availability, accelerating muscle repair, and improving overall recovery. A well-rounded nutritional strategy enhances the body’s ability to adapt to intense training regimens, supporting long-term athletic development.

Incorporating sports technology further refines this approach, enabling the real-time monitoring of an athlete’s performance metrics, physiological responses, and recovery status. Tools such as motion capture systems, biomechanical sensors, platforms, and ultrasound provide invaluable insights into the efficacy of training protocols, facilitating both injury prevention and tailored rehabilitation protocols.

Moreover, the development of talent through personalized strength training and nutrition plans fosters sustained athletic growth, ensuring that athletes are equipped with the tools necessary to achieve and maintain peak performance over the course of their careers.

Dr. Sergio L. Jiménez Sáiz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • strength training
  • strength and musculoskeletal health
  • sports supplementation
  • recovery
  • team sports performance
  • sports technology
  • injury prevention
  • rehab
  • talent development

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 684 KB  
Article
Seasonal Body Composition Changes in Elite Rugby Players: DXA and Anthropometry-Based Comparison of Backs and Forwards
by Blanca Couce, Anel E. Recarey-Rodríguez, Selene Baos, Helios Pareja-Galeano and María Martínez-Ferrán
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030357 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 152
Abstract
Background: Body composition analysis in rugby is necessary for profiling athletes for ideal positioning, the establishment of standards and the development of nutritional and training strategies for improvement. This study aimed to assess the body composition of elite rugby players and examine [...] Read more.
Background: Body composition analysis in rugby is necessary for profiling athletes for ideal positioning, the establishment of standards and the development of nutritional and training strategies for improvement. This study aimed to assess the body composition of elite rugby players and examine seasonal variations between backs and forwards using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometry. Methods: Thirty-two rugby players (25.97 ± 4.51 years; 93.00 ± 15.39 kg; 181.77 ± 6.27 cm) from First Spanish National league team had their body composition assessed using DXA and anthropometry before and after the season. Results: The main findings indicated that backs exhibited significant increases in total mass, lean mass and fat-free mass, whereas forwards showed and increased only in bone mass. In terms of somatotype, significant changes were observed only in backs, who demonstrated increased mesomorphy and ectomorphy. Within the forwards, front-row players experienced greater increases in LM and FFM compared to other forwards. Conclusions: Rugby players show differences in body composition based on the physical demands of their playing position. These positional differences in body composition are influenced by both training adaptations and genetic predispositions, which ultimately determine the suitability of players for specific roles on the field. Full article
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11 pages, 759 KB  
Article
Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Elastic Taping Improves Ankle Range of Motion Equivalent to Static Stretching in Untrained Subjects
by Riyaka Ito, Tatsuya Igawa, Ryunosuke Urata, Shomaru Ito, Kosuke Suzuki, Hiroto Takahashi, Mika Toda, Mio Fujita and Akira Kubo
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010058 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1100
Abstract
Background/Objective: Maintaining sufficient ankle joint range of motion (ROM) contributes to efficient movement in sports and daily activities. Static stretching (SS), while effective, demands significant time, highlighting the need for alternative, time-efficient approaches to improve ROM. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Maintaining sufficient ankle joint range of motion (ROM) contributes to efficient movement in sports and daily activities. Static stretching (SS), while effective, demands significant time, highlighting the need for alternative, time-efficient approaches to improve ROM. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined intervention (CI) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and elastic tape versus SS. Methods: This randomized crossover trial was conducted in healthy university students. They underwent both interventions with a 1-week washout period. The CI entailed the application of elastic tape to the plantar surface of the foot coupled with NMES targeting the posterior lower leg muscles for 1 min. SS was administered for 5 min using a tilt table. Outcome measures included the dorsiflexion angle (DFA), finger-floor distance (FFD), straight leg raise (SLR) angle, plantar flexor strength (PFS), and knee flexor strength (KFS), assessed pre- and post-intervention. DFA was analyzed using equivalence testing with a predefined margin. Results: Both interventions yielded significant improvements in DFA, FFD, and SLR. The combination of NMES and elastic tape demonstrated equivalence to 5 min of SS in enhancing DFA. Neither intervention resulted in a significant reduction in PFS or KFS. Conclusions: The CI of NMES and elastic tape effectively and safely improves flexibility in a short time. Its time efficiency makes it a promising alternative to SS, especially for brief warm-ups or limited rehabilitation time. Further research should explore its long-term effects and broader applicability. Full article
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