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Physiologia
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Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition
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Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Physiologia (ISSN 2673-9488). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 6928

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Michael Koutsilieris

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: molecular endocrinology; endocrine oncology; exercise physiology; molecular physiology; medical education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Anastassios Philippou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology; exercise physiology; clinical exercise physiology; molecular exercise physiology; mechanotransduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that most people in industrialized societies are engaging in far less physical activity than the human body has evolved to support. Regular exercise puts the body under physical and metabolic stress, increases the amount of energy that it burns while exercising, boosts the resting energy expenditure, and affects more physiological systems than any other everyday activity.

More specifically, the biochemistry of exercise is not only a concern for athletes and exercise physiologists, it also has important implications for those who engage in only moderate exercise, as well as for more fully sedentary individuals. Exercise also has profound beneficial effects on the biochemistry of people suffering with diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 outbreak has revealed that exercise and physical activity provide protection against severe SARS-CoV2 infection and the comorbidities thereof, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which emerged as the most significant factors affecting postinfection mortality.

We are pleased to announce this Special Issue focused on “Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry”, i.e., the study of acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise. Our Special Issue seeks to cover, but is not limited to, the following topics: physical or motor activity and biomechanics, exercise training, exercise metabolism, thermoregulation, systemic physiological responses (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and others), and clinical exercise physiology and biochemistry.

This Special Issue aims to present advances and new insights into the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms that mediate acute and adaptive responses to exercise in health and disease.

Prof. Dr. Michael Koutsilieris
Prof. Dr. Anastassios Philippou
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. Physiologia 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 1000 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

  • exercise physiology 
  • exercise biochemistry 
  • exercise metabolism 
  • clinical exercise physiology 
  • strength training 
  • aerobic exercise 
  • high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 
  • skeletal muscle physiology

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1177 KB  
Article
One Week of a Betalain-Rich Beetroot Concentrate Does Not Improve 4 km Time-Trial Performance but Impairs Repeated Sprint Cycling Performance in Trained Cyclists
by Steven Vitti, Meghan E. Smith, Sean Killip, Alyssa Sarkisov, Grace Frattellone, Craig Mattern and Justin Faller
Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040054 - 5 Dec 2025
Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to assess the effects of one-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate (BRC) supplementation on high-intensity cycling performance in trained cyclists. Methods: Eighteen male (n = 15) and female (n = 3) cyclists (age: 38.83 ± 8.09; weight: 73.23 ± 10.95 [...] Read more.
Purpose: We aimed to assess the effects of one-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate (BRC) supplementation on high-intensity cycling performance in trained cyclists. Methods: Eighteen male (n = 15) and female (n = 3) cyclists (age: 38.83 ± 8.09; weight: 73.23 ± 10.95 kg; height: 176.86 ± 9.60 cm) were supplemented with a BRC or a placebo (PLA) for six days prior to the experimental trials. On the seventh day, a final dose was administered, and participants completed three all-out 15 s cycling sprints back-to-back, followed by a 4 km cycling time trial (TT). Physiological indicators related to performance were measured throughout the 4 km TT. Results: Sprint performance remained unchanged following PLA treatment. However, BRC treatment led to significant reductions in sprint performance during sprints 2 and 3 compared to sprint 1 (p < 0.05). Time trial performance did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). Significant increases in physiological and psychological responses during the 4-km time trial were observed following both treatments (p < 0.05). However, heart rate was higher at 2 km compared to 1 km, the respiratory exchange ratio was slightly elevated at 2 km and 4 km relative to 1 km, and VO2 was slightly higher at 3 km and 4 km compared to pre-TT following BRC treatment only (p < 0.05). Conclusions: One week of a BRC does not enhance 4 km TT performance but may impair repeated-sprint performance in trained cyclists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 841 KB  
Article
Validation of a Smartphone Application for Measuring Peak Torque During the Nordic Hamstring Exercise in Recreational Athletes
by Amândio Dias, Bruno Lopes, Francisco Machado, João Fonseca, Ricardo Santos and Rodrigo Alves
Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040053 - 5 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hamstring injuries are highly prevalent in sports and often occur, particularly among recreational and professional athletes. Assessing eccentric hamstring strength is critical for injury prevention and rehabilitation, with isokinetic dynamometry being considered the gold standard. However, its accessibility is limited by cost [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hamstring injuries are highly prevalent in sports and often occur, particularly among recreational and professional athletes. Assessing eccentric hamstring strength is critical for injury prevention and rehabilitation, with isokinetic dynamometry being considered the gold standard. However, its accessibility is limited by cost and logistics. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the My Jump Lab (version 4.0) mobile application in estimating eccentric peak torque in the break-point angle, compared with isokinetic dynamometry. Methods: Twenty-seven recreational athletes (twenty-six male, one female) were assessed bilaterally using the mobile application and isokinetic dynamometer, which is considered the gold standard for this type of strength assessment. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and Bland–Altman plots. Results: Results showed excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.999; CV = 0.66%) for both smartphone application evaluators and good comparative validity and reliability (ICC ≈ 0.76 with confidence interval: 0.5367–0.876; p < 0.001 and r ≈ 0.705;) when comparing with isokinetic dynamometry. Conclusions: My Jump Lab is a mobile application which can provide a practical and accessible mean for monitoring eccentric hamstring strength in field settings. The app may serve as a feasible field-based alternative to laboratory dynamometry for eccentric strength monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 2058 KB  
Article
Effects of Acute Morning Melatonin Supplementation Versus Placebo on Cardiometabolic Responses to High-Intensity Interval Exercise: A Randomized Crossover Trial in Active Men
by Naiara Ribeiro Almeida, Diego Alves dos Santos, Kaio Lages dos Santos, Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez, Felipe J. Aidar, Walesca Agda Silva Miranda, Bianca Miarka, Andreia Cristiane Carrenho Queiroz and Ciro José Brito
Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040040 - 9 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Aims: The present study evaluated the acute morning effect of melatonin supplementation (5 mg) on cardiometabolic responses. Methods: For this purpose, 12 physically active men (22.1 ± 1.3 years; 1.7 ± 01 m; 74.7 ± 12.1 kg; 24.3 ± 2.7 m/kg2; [...] Read more.
Aims: The present study evaluated the acute morning effect of melatonin supplementation (5 mg) on cardiometabolic responses. Methods: For this purpose, 12 physically active men (22.1 ± 1.3 years; 1.7 ± 01 m; 74.7 ± 12.1 kg; 24.3 ± 2.7 m/kg2; VO2max: 46.9 ± 2.3 mL/kg/min; 17.3 ± 5.2%F) were measured in a double-blind crossover protocol, where participants were measured before, during, and after a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocol [4 × 4 min at 95% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) with a 3 min interval at 60–70% of HRmax] followed by 30 min of recovery. At rest, the following variables were measured: HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lactate, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). At the end of each stage and interval, VO2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and HR were measured. During recovery, VO2, VCO2, RER, SBP, DBP, and HR were measured. Results: Melatonin significantly enhanced recovery metabolism, as evidenced by increased VO2 at Interval 3 (+2.2 mL/kg/min, p = 0.03, d = 0.69) and 5 min postexercise (+2.4 mL/kg/min, p = 0.02, d = 0.81). The RER was higher during Sprint 4 (+0.08, p = 0.01, d = 0.84), indicating greater carbohydrate reliance. Cardiovascular recovery was also improved, with a reduced HR at 30 min (−5 bpm, p = 0.04, d = 0.66) and lower SBP at 15 min (−8 mmHg, p = 0.02, d = 0.75). Lactate concentration at 30 min was lower with melatonin (−0.7 mmol/L, p = 0.03, d = 0.72). No significant effects were observed at rest or during early exercise. Conclusions: Acute morning melatonin intake may amplify metabolic responses to HIIE while facilitating cardiometabolic recovery. This dual-phase action may benefit athletes aiming to optimize energy expenditure, fat metabolism, and recovery during early-day training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 1240 KB  
Article
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Performance and Inspiratory Strength in Female CrossFit Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Juliana Andrade Assis, Lúcio Marques Vieira-Souza, Diego Valenzuela Pérez, Cristiano Diniz da Silva, Carlos Fuentes Veliz, Naiara Ribeiro Almeida, Bianca Miarka, Otávio Toledo Nóbrega and Ciro José Brito
Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040039 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2880
Abstract
Background: The high-intensity demands of CrossFit induce respiratory muscle fatigue, potentially impairing performance via the metaboreflex. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) may mitigate this effect, but evidence in female athletes remains limited. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of RMT on sport-specific performance [...] Read more.
Background: The high-intensity demands of CrossFit induce respiratory muscle fatigue, potentially impairing performance via the metaboreflex. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) may mitigate this effect, but evidence in female athletes remains limited. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of RMT on sport-specific performance and maximal inspiratory pressure (PIMAX) in recreational female CrossFit practitioners. Design: We conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted in a CrossFit-affiliated gym. Participants: We recruited twenty-nine recreational female practitioners (age: 30.3 ± 7.9 years) with ≥1 year of uninterrupted training who were free from respiratory diseases. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a CrossFit-only group (n = 14) or CrossFit + RMT group (n = 15). Both trained 5 days/week for 6 weeks; the RMT group additionally performed 30 inspiratory efforts at 50% of PIMAX, 5 days/week, with weekly load adjustment. Main Outcome Measures: Primary: Sport-specific performance (total repetitions in a 10-min AMRAP [As Many Rounds As Possible] test). Secondary: PIMAX (cmH2O). Measurements were taken pre- and post-intervention. Results: Baseline performance and PIMAX were similar between groups. After 6 weeks, the CrossFit + RMT group improved in performance more (Δ = +10.5 ± 10.7 reps, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.168) than the CrossFit-only group (Δ = +2.3 ± 8.1). PIMAX gains were also greater with RMT (Δ = +19.6 ± 8.4 cmH2O, p = 0.043, ηp2 = 0.148) vs. control (Δ = +10.1 ± 9.7). No adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Adding RMT to CrossFit training enhanced sport-specific performance and inspiratory strength in recreational female practitioners more than CrossFit alone. RMT appears to be a safe and effective complementary strategy for high-intensity functional training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 774 KB  
Article
Analysis of the Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male and Female Junior Rowers During Extreme Exercise
by István Barthalos, Zoltán Alföldi, Imre Soós, Anna Horváth Pápai, Ádám Balog, László Suszter and Ferenc Ihász
Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040038 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 973
Abstract
Background: Rowing is a highly demanding endurance sport, requiring simultaneous work of approximately 70% of the body’s muscle mass and the combined contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory responses and performance characteristics of elite [...] Read more.
Background: Rowing is a highly demanding endurance sport, requiring simultaneous work of approximately 70% of the body’s muscle mass and the combined contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory responses and performance characteristics of elite junior male and female rowers during maximal effort over 2000 m on a rowing ergometer. Methods: Fifteen junior rowers (six males aged 15–17 and nine females aged 15–18) participated in the study. Anthropometric data (body height, weight, and body surface area) were recorded. All participants performed a maximal 2000 m test on a Concept2 D-model ergometer. Throughout the test, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate, and ventilation parameters were continuously measured. Performance and physiological data were analyzed in three intensity zones, defined by ventilatory thresholds (VT1–VT3), as well as at peak exercise. Results: Significant anthropometric differences were observed between genders. In terms of performance, males completed the 2000 m test significantly faster than females (208.83 ± 87.66 s vs. 333.78 ± 97.51 s, p = 0.0253). Relative VO2 at peak exercise was higher in males (58.73 ± 5.25 mL·kg−1·min−1) than females (48.32 ± 6.09 mL·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.0046). In most cardiorespiratory parameters, males outperformed females significantly, except for heart rate and ventilatory equivalents. Ranking analysis revealed that higher VO2max values were generally associated with a better placement in both genders, though this relationship was not perfectly linear. Performance time was negatively correlated with VO2Peak (r = −0.8286; p < 0.001), rVO2Peak (r = −0.6781; p < 0.01), and O2PPeak (r = −0.7729; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings confirm significant gender differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory characteristics of elite junior rowers and reinforce VO2max as a key determinant of performance. Yet, deviations from a direct VO2max–rank correlation highlight the influence of tactical, psychological, and biomechanical factors. Future research should provide practical recommendations for monitoring performance and tailoring training to optimize adaptation and long-term athlete development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 3rd Edition)
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