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Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 15797

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Dr. Sime Versic

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Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: performance analysis; biomechanics; injuries; strength and conditioning; sport demands
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Dr. Nikola Foretic

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Interests: strength and conditioning; handball; performance analysis; biomarkers in sport; exercise-induced stress
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Dear Colleagues,

The editors are grateful to the many researchers who contributed to the success of the first volume of this Special Issue (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/22327H4OE3). We are very pleased to announce the second volume of our Special Issue, “Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition”.

Modern sport, including the field of sport and exercise physiology, has progressed in many ways thanks to the development of science. The analysis of physiological parameters in the background of sports training and competition has ensured advanced and optimal training systems that have brought athletes' capacities to exceptional limits.

Knowledge in the fields of sport diagnostics, the effects of training on athletes’ bodies, fatigue, stress, recovery, and many other aspects of sport physiology is crucial for athletes’ development, improving their performance and reducing injuries. This knowledge is applied by athletes, coaches, sport practitioners, and medical professionals.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality, multi-disciplinary studies related to the following topics:

Diagnostics in sport;
Biochemical markers in sport;
Load monitoring;
Sport injuries—risk factors, prevention, and diagnosis;
Training effects;
Physiological sport demands;
Performance analysis.

We invite authors to submit original scientific research or systematic reviews for the further development of sports physiology. All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed by experts in the field.

Dr. Sime Versic
Dr. Nikola Foretic
Guest Editors

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life 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 2600 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
strength and conditioning
diagnostics
sport injuries
performance analysis

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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14 pages, 639 KB

Open AccessArticle

Injury Epidemiology in Elite U17 Football Players: A Prospective Study Across Six Competitive Seasons

by Tomislav Pranjić, Frane Žuvela, Toni Modrić, Marko Stojanović, Ante Bandalović, Ante Turić, Tomislav Barić, Jakša Škomrlj and Šime Veršić

Life 2026, 16(4), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040632 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 571

Abstract

Injuries in elite youth football may disrupt training continuity and long-term development, particularly during the post-peak height velocity (post-PHV) period when training and match demands increase. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine injury incidence and describe injury patterns in elite U17 football players across six consecutive competitive seasons, including injury type, anatomical location, mechanism, recurrence, and severity. A prospective longitudinal injury-surveillance design was implemented in one elite football academy from 2016/2017 to 2021/2022. Injuries were recorded in the club’s medical database using the international consensus time-loss definition. Injury incidence per 1000 h was calculated for overall exposure, training, and matches, and injuries were analyzed by diagnosis, mechanism, recurrence, and severity. Across the study period, 331 injuries were recorded. Overall injury incidence was 6.95/1000 h, with markedly higher incidence in matches (20.61/1000 h) than training (5.82/1000 h). Seasonal incidence ranged from 4.49/1000 h in 2019/2020 to 9.31/1000 h in 2021/2022. The proportion of injured players ranged from 48% to 76% per season. The most frequent injuries were contusions and muscle cramps/DOMS, followed by ligament injuries, tendinosis, and muscle ruptures. Knee, thigh, ankle, and hip/groin were the most affected regions. Most diagnoses showed a predominantly non-contact pattern. These findings support targeted prevention and load-management strategies in elite youth football. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Two Nights of Severe vs. Mild Sleep Restriction on Vertical Jump Performance in Physically Active Female Students

by Andrija Miksa, Antonio Martinko, Luka Milanovic, Marin Dadic and Ivan Belcic

Life 2026, 16(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030443 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 624

Abstract

Partial sleep deprivation is common in sports, particularly before competitions. This study examined whether two nights of severe sleep restriction (<4 h/night), compared with mild sleep restriction (control), are associated with changes in SJ and CMJ in physically active female students. Twenty-three female students (n = 12 experimental; n = 11 control) were randomly assigned to their respective groups. The experimental group underwent two nights of severe sleep restriction (<4 h/night), while the control group experienced mild sleep restriction. Differences between groups were analyzed using Quade’s nonparametric ANCOVA (sleep duration as covariate), and within-group pre–post changes were evaluated using paired-samples t-tests. No significant differences were found between groups after two nights in CMJ (p = 0.92) or SJ (p = 0.73) performance. Within the experimental group, SJ performance significantly decreased from the initial to the final assessment (p = 0.02), with a large effect size (d = −0.81). CMJ performance in the experimental group showed a non-significant decrease with a moderate effect size (d = −0.45). No significant differences or notable effect sizes were found in the control group (d = 0.01 to 0.23). Within-group results suggest that SJ decreased after severe sleep restriction, while CMJ changes were smaller and not statistically significant; between-group comparisons were not significant, and results appear sensitive to the analytical approach. These exploratory findings suggest that monitoring sleep before power-related tasks may be warranted. Coaches may consider monitoring sleep duration before high-intensity power training, as two nights of severe sleep restriction may be associated with reduced SJ performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Weekly Fluctuations in Internal Load and Neuromuscular Performance Across a 10-Week Training Period in Elite Female Boxers

by Ahmet Serhat Aydın, Tolga Altuğ, Coşkun Yılmaz, Adela Badau and Mehmet Söyler

Life 2026, 16(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030386 - 28 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 560

Abstract

This study examined weekly internal load and neuromuscular performance in elite junior female boxers over 10 weeks. Internal load was quantified using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), from which weekly monotony and strain were derived. Neuromuscular performance was assessed weekly using wall-sit endurance and a repetitive jump test. Twenty elite junior female boxers (Mean ± SD: 18.9 ± 1.2) were monitored during regular training without experimental manipulation. Weekly sRPE-derived training load, monotony, and strain showed statistically significant week-to-week fluctuations (p < 0.001). Neuromuscular performance improved in week 2, declined during weeks 3–5, and partially recovered in week 6. The findings demonstrated consistent temporal alignment between internal-load indices and week-to-week neuromuscular performance changes within an observational monitoring framework. Inter-individual variability was observed across athletes. Overall, sRPE-derived indices reflected training stress patterns and were aligned with neuromuscular performance changes in elite female boxers, supporting their use for contextual monitoring of weekly training responses. These findings support the practical integration of internal-load and performance monitoring in elite female combat-sport settings. Future research incorporating boxing-specific external-load metrics, physiological markers, and longer monitoring periods may further refine individualized load-management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

20 pages, 2973 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Non-Conventional Blood Biomarkers Improve Running Performance Prediction? A Proof of Concept

by Matija Dvorski, Marija Rakovac, Tomislav Kelava, Nataša Kovačić, Darja Flegar, Sara Aničić, Ivo Krešić, Ljiljana Ćulibrk, Filip Koražija, Damjan Dimnjaković and Alan Šućur

Life 2026, 16(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020320 - 12 Feb 2026

Viewed by 783

Abstract

Conventional measures such as maximal oxygen uptake (

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Conventional measures such as maximal oxygen uptake (

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O₂max), although widely regarded as the gold standard, do not fully capture endurance performance. Therefore, this study investigated whether a 2.4 km Cooper test elicits measurable changes in blood-based biomarkers (decorin, hypoxanthine, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)) and whether integrating these markers may improve performance prediction in a heterogeneous sample of runners. In this cross-sectional observational proof-of-concept study, thirty-three participants completed the 2.4 km Cooper test, with venous blood samples collected at baseline and post-test. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to assess biomarker changes (α = 0.05), with exploratory correlations evaluated using Spearman’s ρ. To examine whether blood-based biomarkers provide information beyond conventional field-based predictors, Ridge regression with leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) was applied to predict 10 km race time in a subsample of 24 participants who completed a 10 km race two weeks later. The Cooper test elicited significant post-test changes in decorin, hypoxanthine, and BDNF (all p < 0.001). Higher post-test decorin (ρ = −0.44, p = 0.010) and hypoxanthine (ρ = −0.37, p = 0.034) were associated with faster Cooper test performance. In Ridge regression analysis, adding post-test decorin to conventional predictors resulted in a minor reduction of 10 km race time prediction error. This study suggests that decorin may provide complementary information to a conventional field-based test in heterogeneous recreational runners. Post-test decorin marginally contributed to 10 km race performance prediction beyond established predictors, though external validation and comparison with directly measured

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O₂max are needed before practical application can be recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 2491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Adapted Taekwondo Versus Tai Chi on Health Status in Independent Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela, Izham Cid-Calfucura, Jordan Hernandez-Martinez, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, José Manuel García-García, Bibiana Calvo-Rico, Cristián Cofre-Bolados, Amaya Pavez-Lizarraga, Verónica Flandes-Vargas, Álvaro Segueida-Lorca and Celso Sánchez-Ramírez

Life 2025, 15(10), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101511 - 25 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) and Tai Chi (TC) are promising interventions for enhancing health and physical function in older people, yet few studies have compared their effects across multiple domains. This study aimed to compare the effects of TKD versus TC on health status in independent older women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with two parallel groups: TKD (n = 11) and TC (n = 10). Both groups trained three times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometry, submaximal CPX, 2-min step test, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS), 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, sit-and-reach, and back scratch. Results: Compared with TC, the TKD group showed significantly greater improvements in several cardiorespiratory outcomes, including VO₂ at VT1 and VT2, power output, VO₂/HR, OUES, and VE/VCO₂ slope (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001; d = 0.69–1.29). TKD participants also exhibited superior gains in maximal and relative IMTP, MIHS, relative MIHS, 30 s arm curl repetitions, and TUG performance (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001; d = 0.61–1.26). Both groups improved similarly in the 30 s chair stand test (p < 0.05). Flexibility outcomes diverged, with TKD improving sit-and-reach and TC showing greater gains in the back scratch test (p < 0.05). Conclusions: TKD was more effective than TC in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and balance in older women and may represent a valuable health-oriented training strategy for this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1355 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Stride Length on Pelvic–Trunk Separation and Proximal Plyometrics in Baseball Pitching

by Dan K. Ramsey and Ryan L. Crotin

Life 2025, 15(9), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091440 - 14 Sep 2025

Viewed by 2476

Abstract

Pelvis and trunk counter-rotation are key factors known to effect throwing arm kinematics in baseball pitching, where energy or momentum is transferred from the lower extremities through to the trunk during the pitching cycle. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze previously recorded motion capture data of 19 skilled competitive pitchers to test the a priori hypothesis whether different stride lengths affect transverse pelvis and trunk biomechanics. A blinded randomized crossover design was used where pitchers threw two simulated games at ±25% from desired stride length (DSL), respective of overstride (OS) and under-stride (US). Variables of interest included pelvic–trunk separation (PTS) angle or degree of uncoupling and proximal plyometric effect (PPE) or ratio between trunk–pelvis angular velocities, as surrogate measures of rotational and elastic energy transfer. Paired t-tests were used to compare across stride conditions. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis demonstrated stride lengths differed statistically, (DSL vs. OS p = 0.006), (DSL vs. US, p < 0.001), and (US vs. OS, p < 0.001). Despite the statistically different stride lengths, fastball velocities tracked with radar were consistent. No significant differences within and across innings pitched between OS and OS conditions were found. The ±25% stride length changes influenced temporal parameters within the pitching cycle. Shorter stride elicited by early SFC reduced time during the Generation phase and extended the Brace-Transfer duration (p < 0.001). Statistically different transverse pelvis and trunk kinematics at hallmark events and phases consequently influenced pelvic–trunk separation and proximal plyometrics. During the Generation (PKH-SFC) and Brace-Transfer (SFC-MER) phases, the pelvis and trunk were significantly more externally rotated (p < 0.001) with shorter strides, concomitant with less separation at the instant of SFC and the Generation phase with greater peak proximal plyometrics effect ratios peak during throwing arm acceleration, indicative of greater contribution of trunk angular velocity (p < 0.05). Greater transverse trunk angular velocities relative to the pelvis late in double support necessitates the throwing arm to “catch up” from a position of greater arm lag, which compromises the dynamic and passive stabilizers. In conclusion, stride length alters pitching biomechanics and timing of peak pelvic–trunk separation and trunk angular velocity relative to the pelvis. Increased shoulder and elbow tensile stress is to be expected, consequently increasing risk for injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 1261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Interventions Using Taekwondo, Boxing, and Elastic Band Training on Body Composition and Physical Function in Chilean Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Edgar Vásquez-Carrasco, Jordan Hernandez-Martinez, Izham Cid-Calfucura, Eduardo Guzmán-Muñoz, Camila Ruiz, Camila Baeza, María José Márquez, Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela, Braulio Henrique Magnani Branco, Eduardo Carmine-Peña, Paulina Sepúlveda, Cristian Sandoval and Pablo Valdés-Badilla

Life 2025, 15(7), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071049 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2777

Abstract

Background: Interventions involving Olympic combat sports, such as Taekwondo (TKD) and Boxing (BOX), represent innovative approaches for promoting health in older people. Elastic bands training (EBT), by contrast, is a safe and cost-effective method that has demonstrated positive effects on functional physical parameters in this population. This study aimed to compare the effects of TKD and BOX interventions, relative to EBT, on body composition and physical function in Chilean older women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial comprised three parallel groups: TKD (n = 10), BOX (n = 10), and EBT (n = 10). Participants in each group underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments following two 60 min sessions per week over an eight-week period. Results: Multiple comparisons revealed significant advantages for EBT over TKD and BOX in maximal isometric handgrip strength for both the dominant (p < 0.001; d = 0.967, large effect) and non-dominant (p < 0.001; d = 0.641, moderate effect) hands. Conversely, significant improvements in Timed Up-and-Go performance were observed in the TKD and BOX groups compared to EBT (p < 0.001; d = 2.071, large effect). All groups showed significant within-group improvements in the 30 s chair stand test (p < 0.001; d = 0.095, large effect). No significant changes were found in body fat percentage, fat-free mass, back scratch test, sit-and-reach test, or 2 min step test across groups. Conclusions: Although no substantial differences were observed between groups for most variables, TKD and BOX interventions significantly reduced Timed Up-and-Go times, whereas EBT enhanced maximal isometric handgrip strength in both hands. These findings highlight the distinct functional benefits of each intervention modality for older Chilean women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 480 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of an Acrobatics-Based Curriculum on Motor Fitness in Adolescents

by Saša Veličković, Edvard Kolar, Miloš Paunović, Petar Veličković, Saša Pantelić, Saša Bubanj, Igor Ilić, Bojan Bjelica, Tomislav Gašić, Adem Preljević, Ana-Maria Vulpe, Bogdan Constantin Rață, Cristina-Elena Stoica, Nicolae-Lucian Voinea and Tatiana Dobrescu

Life 2025, 15(5), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050778 - 13 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to examine whether an experimental acrobatics curriculum, conducted three times a week, could lead to greater improvements in specific components of motor fitness—coordination, balance, agility, and speed—compared to the standard physical education program; (2) Methods: The research was conducted over a 16-week period and included 50 seventh-grade students, divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 25) and a control group (CG, n = 25). The experimental group participated in a program of acrobatics and skipping twice a week, while the control group followed the standard physical education curriculum. Motor skills tests were administered before and after the intervention using standardized methods; (3) Results: Results from the ANCOVA analysis showed significant improvements in flexibility, coordination, balance, and agility in the experimental group, with large effect sizes, confirming the effectiveness of the acrobatics and skipping program. However, the impact on speed was variable, indicating the need for specific exercises to improve this ability; (4) Conclusions: The findings are consistent with previous research, highlighting the superiority of specialized acrobatic exercises in enhancing overall motor performance in adolescents. Further research is needed to optimize acrobatics and skipping programs for maximum benefits in the development of motor skills and physical education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1088 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Changes in Cortisol Awakening Response During 10 Days of High-Intensity Cycling Exercise

by Yui Ogasawara, Takayuki Sugo and Hironobu Tsuchiya

Life 2025, 15(12), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121872 - 6 Dec 2025

Viewed by 2318

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that the cortisol awakening response (CAR) shows a biphasic pattern—either an increase or a blunting—in response to exercise involving overload, potentially reflecting physiological adaptation. However, its response to continuous high-intensity exercise under controlled experimental conditions has not been sufficiently investigated. [...] Read more.

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]) in two healthy male participants. The CAR increased during Days 1–4 and returned to baseline levels from Day 5 onward, showing similar trends in acute physiological responses.

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and/or maximum workload improved following the intervention. These findings support the methodological feasibility of longitudinal CAR monitoring during short-term high-intensity exercise under controlled experimental conditions and suggest that CAR may be a promising non-invasive biomarker for assessing short-term physiological adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology: 2nd Edition)

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