Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 1786

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei 11153, Taiwan
Interests: exercise physiology; cardiovascular physiology; metabolic syndrome; cardiopulmonary function; aging; physical therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue entitled “Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine” in Life. Life is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of scientific studies related to fundamental themes in life sciences, from basic to applied research. For detailed information on the journal, we refer you to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/.

With our growing understanding of exercise medicine, its role in preventing, managing, and treating various medical conditions has been significantly recognized. From cardiovascular to aging health care, exercise is now considered a fundamental intervention for improving overall well-being and reducing the risks of chronic diseases. This Special Issue, “Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine”, emphasizes the latest developments in exercise science and its applications in health, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. As the field continues to expand, there is a growing demand for high-quality research that explores the physiological, molecular, and clinical aspects of physical activity across various populations. With this, we invite original research, systematic reviews, and innovative studies addressing key topics related to exercise medicine, aging, and chronic diseases. The listed keywords represent just a few of the many potential areas of interest.

Prof. Dr. Ai-Lun Yang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • exercise and chronic disease
  • cardiovascular dysfunction/disease
  • metabolic syndrome
  • aging
  • athletic training
  • sports medicine
  • rehabilitation

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 967 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Functional Adaptations to Vivifrail Intervention Between Higher- and Lower-Fitness Healthy Older Adults
by Fang-Ru Lee, Yu-Jui Li, Chia-Yu Tang, Chang-Chi Lai, Hsia-Ling Tai and Szu-Kai Fu
Life 2025, 15(7), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15070988 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
This study evaluated the differential effects of an advanced Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention on arterial stiffness, functional fitness, and body composition in robust older women with varying baseline fitness levels. A total of 41 participants were assigned to a higher-fitness group (HFG, n [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the differential effects of an advanced Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention on arterial stiffness, functional fitness, and body composition in robust older women with varying baseline fitness levels. A total of 41 participants were assigned to a higher-fitness group (HFG, n = 22) or a lower-fitness group (LFG, n = 19) based on their 30 s chair stand performance. Over 12 weeks, both groups completed five weekly sessions incorporating strength, balance, aerobic, and dual-task elements. Significant within-group improvements were observed in the arm curl test (HFG: p = 0.031; LFG: p = 0.002), chair stand (LFG: p < 0.001), and 2 min step test (LFG: p = 0.002). Between-group analysis showed greater percentage gains in the LFG for the chair stand (33.8% ± 28.2% vs. 7.1% ± 21.6%, p = 0.001) and step test (13.7% ± 14.5% vs. 5.3% ± 14.7%, p = 0.040). No significant changes were found in handgrip strength, gait speed, pulse wave velocity, or muscle mass. These results suggest that the modified Vivifrail protocol enhances lower-limb endurance in lower-fitness individuals, but additional adaptations may be necessary to impact vascular and compositional outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine)
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13 pages, 959 KiB  
Article
Ipsilateral Repeated Bout Effect Across Heterologous Muscle Groups: Eccentric Knee Extensor Conditioning Enhances Elbow Flexor Recovery in Young Women
by Fu-Shun Hsu, Chung-Chan Hsieh, Chia-Yu Tang, Chang-Chi Lai, Yu-Jui Li, Yun-Chung Tseng and Szu-Kai Fu
Life 2025, 15(6), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060919 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 661
Abstract
This study investigated whether prior eccentric exercise of knee extensors could attenuate muscle damage in ipsilateral elbow flexors, supporting the presence of an ipsilateral repeated bout effect (IL-RBE) across heterogeneous muscle groups. Sixteen young women were randomized into an intervention group (NL/NU) and [...] Read more.
This study investigated whether prior eccentric exercise of knee extensors could attenuate muscle damage in ipsilateral elbow flexors, supporting the presence of an ipsilateral repeated bout effect (IL-RBE) across heterogeneous muscle groups. Sixteen young women were randomized into an intervention group (NL/NU) and a control group (C/NU). The NL/NU group performed eccentric knee extensor exercise 14 days before elbow flexor eccentric loading. Compared to the C/NU group, the NL/NU group exhibited an earlier return to baseline in muscle stiffness (D3: NL/NU = 1.14 ± 0.05 vs. Pre = 0.96 ± 0.03 m/s), joint release angle at 30° (D3: NL/NU = 22.79 ± 1.02 vs. Pre = 24.46 ± 0.87°), and joint release angle at 45° (D2: NL/NU = 37.75 ± 1.38 vs. Pre = 38.83 ± 0.87°), indicating a faster recovery trend in these specific neuromuscular and morphological measures. These results suggest that prior remote eccentric loading induces systemic and neuromuscular adaptations, facilitating improved functional recovery. The findings expand IL-RBE applicability to heterologous muscles within the same limb and support its integration into training and rehabilitation protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine)
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15 pages, 408 KiB  
Systematic Review
Exercise as Modulator of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Markel Rico-González, Daniel González-Devesa, Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona and Adrián Moreno-Villanueva
Life 2025, 15(7), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071147 - 21 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in neuroplasticity and cognitive development. While exercise has been shown to modulate BDNF levels in adults, evidence in children remains limited and heterogeneous. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to examine [...] Read more.
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in neuroplasticity and cognitive development. While exercise has been shown to modulate BDNF levels in adults, evidence in children remains limited and heterogeneous. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to examine randomized controlled trials investigating exercise effects on BDNF in children aged 5–12 years. The databases searched included FECYT, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library through June 2025. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Five randomized controlled trials (N = 385 participants) met inclusion criteria. Two studies (40%) demonstrated significant BDNF increases following exercise interventions. Successful interventions were characterized by neuromotor activities or martial arts programs, training frequencies ≥ 3 sessions/week, durations ≥ 12 weeks, and healthy participant populations. Methodological quality was mostly fair, with four studies rated as fair and one as good. Conclusions: Structured physical exercise may enhance BDNF levels in healthy children, with neuromotor activities and martial arts showing particular promise. However, children with overweight/obesity may require modified intervention approaches. The evidence supports the implementation of cognitively engaging physical activities in educational settings to optimize brain health during critical developmental periods, though larger standardized trials are needed to strengthen these preliminary findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Exercise Medicine)
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