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Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance
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Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 August 2025 | Viewed by 8175

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rodrigo Zacca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
2. Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
Interests: exercise; health; sports training; training process; training periodization; training and detraining; exercise and sport physiology; energetics; bioenergetics; human locomotion; pulmonary function; oxygen uptake kinetics; biomarkers; thermal physiology; electrochemical biosensors; microneedle biosensors; strength and conditioning; exercise and sport biomechanics; digital technologies; wearable technologies; smart textiles; physical fitness assessment; elite athletes; training and testing; physical activity monitoring; performance analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Robin Pla

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
French Swimming Federation, Clichy, France
Interests: physiology; heart rate variability; swimming
Dr. Roberto Baldassarre

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Researcher Italian Olympic Committee and Italian Swimming Federation, Rome, Italy
Interests: sport sciences; endurance; performance; elite athlete; pacing strategy; monitoring training load

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the physiological mechanisms underlying human performance in exercise, health, and sports. Topics of interest include exercise physiology, bioenergetics, human locomotion, thermal physiology, performance analysis, and training optimization. We welcome contributions featuring various methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, integrated and longitudinal approaches, and narrative reviews authored by experts in the field. Advancements in digital and wearable technologies—such as smart textiles, biomarkers, and electrochemical sensors—are of particular interest, as they offer insights into monitoring training load, pacing strategies, and performance outcomes. We encourage submissions that address gender diversity and include high-performance samples/volunteers across genders. Additionally, we seek contributions that adopt an integrated approach to providing holistic solutions to complex problems within exercise physiology—join us in advancing our collective understanding of exercise performance and human physiology as we strive to optimize health and athletic achievement.

Dr. Rodrigo Zacca
Dr. Robin Pla
Dr. Roberto Baldassarre
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Sports 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 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.

Keywords

  • exercise
  • health
  • sports
  • performance
  • exercise and sport physiology
  • bioenergetics
  • human locomotion
  • thermal physiology
  • performance analysis
  • training and detraining
  • digital technologies
  • wearable technologies
  • smart textiles
  • biomarkers
  • electrochemical sensors
  • microneedle sensors
  • sport sciences
  • endurance
  • elite athlete
  • pacing strategy
  • monitoring training load
  • heart rate variability
  • oxygen uptake kinetics
  • longitudinal studies
  • integrated approaches
  • pulmonary function

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1455 KiB  
Article
Changes in Race Performance During the Underwater Phases of a 200 m Bi-Fins Race Simulation After Application of Respiratory Muscle Training—A Case Study in the Current World Record Holder
by Tomáš Michalica, Jakub Březina, Marek Polach, Dennis-Peter Born, Jiří Mališ, Zbyněk Svozil and Eva Kociánová
Sports 2024, 12(11), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12110306 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Maximal athletic performance can be limited by various factors, including restricted respiratory function. These limitations can be mitigated through targeted respiratory muscle training, as supported by numerous studies. However, the full potential of respiratory training in competitive finswimming has not been fully investigated. [...] Read more.
Maximal athletic performance can be limited by various factors, including restricted respiratory function. These limitations can be mitigated through targeted respiratory muscle training, as supported by numerous studies. However, the full potential of respiratory training in competitive finswimming has not been fully investigated. This case study aims to evaluate the effects of eight-week respiratory muscle training (RMT) on performance variability during the underwater phases of a 200 m bi-fins race simulation in an elite finswimmer (current world record holder and multiple world championship medalist). Performance variability was assessed based on pre-test, inter-test, and post-test data. Each measurement included pulmonary function and swim performance evaluations. In this study, underwater performance parameters, such as distance, time, velocity, and number of kicks, were assessed using video analysis synchronized with race timing and evaluated using the Dartfish software. The swimmer followed a 28-day training program with an Airofit PRO™ respiratory trainer between tests, with daily sessions targeting both inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The training involved 6–10 min of targeted exercises per day. Significant improvements were observed in Wilcoxon’s paired-sample test between the pre-test and post-test results in terms of underwater distance (p = 0.012; d = 1.26), underwater time (p = 0.012; d = 1.26), and number of underwater kicks (p = 0.043; d = 1.01), resulting in a 14.23% longer underwater distance, 14.08% longer underwater time, and 14.94% increase in underwater kicks. Despite the increased distance and time, underwater velocity remained stable, indicating improved underwater performance efficiency. Despite some improvements, it is not possible to conclude that respiratory muscle training (RMT) can contribute to improved finswimming performance during the underwater phases of a 200 m bi-fins race simulation in this particular athlete’s case. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to fully understand the impact of RMT on finswimming performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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13 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Specializing When It Counts: Comparing the Dose–Time Effect of Distance Variety between Swimming and Track Running
by Dennis-Peter Born, Jesús J. Ruiz-Navarro, Jenny Lorentzen and Glenn Björklund
Sports 2024, 12(10), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12100272 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 926
Abstract
Objective: To conduct a longitudinal retrospective analysis, explore the relationship between success at peak performance age and the number of different race distances athletes competed in each year (within-sport distance variety), and compare the dose–time effect of this distance variety throughout the development [...] Read more.
Objective: To conduct a longitudinal retrospective analysis, explore the relationship between success at peak performance age and the number of different race distances athletes competed in each year (within-sport distance variety), and compare the dose–time effect of this distance variety throughout the development process between male swimmers and track runners. Methodology: Male swimmers (n = 6033) and track runners (n = 19,278) still competing at peak performance age were ranked, and the number of different race distances was extracted retrospectively for each year until early junior age (13–14-year-old category) from the databases of the European Aquatics and World Athletics federations. Firstly, correlation analysis determined the relationship between ranking at peak performance age and distance variety. Secondly, Poisson distribution provided the probability and dose–time effect of distance variety for becoming an international-class athlete at peak performance age. Results: Generally, correlation analysis revealed low coefficients (r ≤ 0.22) but significant effects (p < 0.001) for larger distance variety and success at peak performance age. Poisson distribution revealed the highest probability of becoming an international-class swimmer when competing in 2–4 race distances at junior age, depending on the primary race distance. The dose–time effect indicated a gradual reduction in the number of race distances as athletes approached peak performance age, narrowing down to 1–2, 2–3, and 3–4 distances for sprint, middle-, and long-distance races, respectively. Track runners exhibited a lower distance variety than swimmers, with a consistent optimum of 1–2 race distances across the age groups. Conclusions: The present findings including data of the most combined race distances for each primary race distance and a comparison between swimming and track running provide new background information to challenge traditional training regimes and help establish new strategies for long-term athlete development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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11 pages, 1545 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of Wearable Technology Devices during Simulated Pickleball Game Play
by James W. Navalta, Bryson Carrier, Matahn Blank, Setareh Zarei, Dustin W. Davis, Micah Craig, Olivia R. Perez, Jacob Baca, Thea S. Sweder, Tashari Carballo and Jamaal Bovell
Sports 2024, 12(9), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090234 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1044
Abstract
Pickleball is a popular sport. Also popular is wearable technology usage. Because the validity and reliability of wearable technology during pickleball is unknown, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the ability of common devices to return heart rate and estimated energy [...] Read more.
Pickleball is a popular sport. Also popular is wearable technology usage. Because the validity and reliability of wearable technology during pickleball is unknown, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the ability of common devices to return heart rate and estimated energy expenditure during pickleball activity. Twenty adult participants were outfitted with a portable metabolic unit and heart rate monitor (criterion measures). Experimental devices were a Garmin Instinct, Polar Vantage M2, Polar OH1, and Polar Verity Sense. Participants played simulated pickleball for 10 min. Validity measures included mean absolute percent error (MAPE) and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), whereas reliability measures included coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The heart rate returned lower than 10% MAPE across all devices (Instinct = 5.73–6.32%, Verity Sense = 2.92–2.97%, OH1 = 3.39–3.45%) and greater than 0.85 CCC (Instinct = 0.85–0.88, Verity Sense = 0.96–0.96, OH1 = 0.93–0.94). The CV was below 10% (Instinct = 9.30%, Verity Sense = 2.68%, OH1 = 5.01%), and ICC was above 0.7 (Instinct = 0.77, Verity Sense = 0.98, OH1 = 0.91). The energy expenditure MAPE was greater than 10% (Instinct = 27.67–28.08%, Vantage M2 = 18.87–23.38%) with CCC lower than 0.7 (Instinct = 0.47–0.49, Vantage M2 = 0.62–0.63). Reliability thresholds were met in the Vantage M2 (CV = 6%, ICC = 0.98) but not in the Instinct (CV = 15%, ICC = 0.86). The Instinct was neither valid nor reliable for estimated energy expenditure, while the Polar Vantage M2 was reliable but not valid. All devices returned valid and reliable heart rates during pickleball. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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15 pages, 1977 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Motor Task Performance: Effects of Verbal Encouragement and Music—Key Results from a Randomized Crossover Study with Electromyographic Data
by Filippo Cotellessa, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Carlo Trompetto, Lucio Marinelli, Laura Mori, Emanuela Faelli, Cristina Schenone, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Carlo Biz, Pietro Ruggieri and Luca Puce
Sports 2024, 12(8), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12080210 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
External motivational stimuli have been shown to improve athletic performance. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this improvement remain poorly understood. This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of music and verbal encouragement on measures of muscle excitation and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in [...] Read more.
External motivational stimuli have been shown to improve athletic performance. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this improvement remain poorly understood. This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of music and verbal encouragement on measures of muscle excitation and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in the biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles during an endurance task. Fifteen untrained (mean age 29.57 ± 2.77 years) and 13 trained individuals (mean age 32.92 ± 2.90 years) were included. The endurance task, performed to exhaustion, consisted of keeping the dominant arm flexed to 90 degrees while holding a dumbbell loaded to 80% of 1RM with a supine grip in three randomized conditions: standard, with self-selected music, and with verbal encouragement. The untrained subjects showed an increase in task duration of 15.26% (p < 0.003) with music and 15.85% (p < 0.002) with verbal encouragement compared to the condition without external stimuli. There were no significant differences in the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue between the different conditions. Regarding the muscle excitation metrics, although the mean amplitude, peak value, and area under the curve remained unchanged across conditions, a significant reduction in the trend coefficient, indicating motor unit recruitment over time, was observed with both music (biceps brachii: −10.39%, p < 0.001; brachioradialis: −9.40%, p < 0.001) and verbal encouragement (biceps brachii: −7.61%, p < 0.001; brachioradialis: −6.51%, p < 0.001) compared to the standard condition. For the trained participants, no significant differences were observed between conditions in terms of task duration and outcome measures related to muscle excitation and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue, suggesting the possible presence of a ceiling effect on motivation. These results highlight the important role of external motivational stimuli, such as music and verbal encouragement, in improving task performance in untrained subjects, probably through more effective and efficient recruitment of motor units. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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13 pages, 444 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Polarized Training Intensity Distribution on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Work Economy Among Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review
by Henrik Lyngstad Nøst, Morten Andreas Aune and Roland van den Tillaar
Sports 2024, 12(12), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12120326 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 796
Abstract
High-intensity training (HIT) has commonly been the most effective training method for improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and work economy, alongside a substantial volume of low-intensity training (LIT). The polarized training model combines both low- and high-intensity training into a [...] Read more.
High-intensity training (HIT) has commonly been the most effective training method for improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and work economy, alongside a substantial volume of low-intensity training (LIT). The polarized training model combines both low- and high-intensity training into a specific training intensity distribution and has gained attention as a comprehensive approach. The objective of this review was to systematically search the literature in order to identify the effects of polarized training intensity distribution on VO2max, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and work economy among endurance athletes. A literature search was performed using PubMed and SPORTDiscus. A total of 1836 articles were identified, and, after the selection process, 14 relevant studies were included in this review. The findings indicate that a polarized training approach seems to be effective for enhancing VO2max, VO2peak, and work economy over a short-term period for endurance athletes. Specifically, a training intensity distribution involving a moderate to high volume of HIT (15–20%) combined with a substantial volume of LIT (75–80%) appears to be the most beneficial for these improvements. It was concluded that polarized training is a beneficial approach for enhancing VO2max, VO2peak, and work economy in endurance athletes. However, the limited number of studies restricts the generalizability of these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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27 pages, 1597 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Different Types of Physical Activity and Their Intensity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Tehreema Ghaffar, Francesca Ubaldi, Veronica Volpini, Federica Valeriani and Vincenzo Romano Spica
Sports 2024, 12(8), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12080221 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2536
Abstract
Background. Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut [...] Read more.
Background. Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut microbiota. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the modulation of gut microbiota in different types and intensities of physical activity and different lifestyles of athletes. Methods. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024500826). Results. Out of 1318 studies, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pilot study’s meta-regression analysis highlights the role of type and intensity of exercise in changing the B/B (Bacillota/Bacteroidota) ratio (p = 0.001). Conclusions. As gut training becomes more popular among athletes, it is necessary to map interactions between microbiota and different types of physical activity, personalized diets, physical activities, and ergogenic supplements to enhance performance and athletic wellness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
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