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The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics
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The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 9387

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Javier Gene-Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
2. Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: physical activity; exercise; ocular health; cardiovascular health; resistance training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Andrés Gené-Sampedro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
2. Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: glaucoma and exercise; the role of vision on balance and functionality; binocular vision
Dr. Jorge Jorge

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clinical and Experimental Optometry Research Laboratory (CEORLab), Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4704-553 Braga, Portugal
Interests: elite athletes' visual training; sports vision

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exercise is a cornerstone of physical health, influencing a wide array of bodily functions and characteristics. From enhancing muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness to preventing eye disease and improving bone density and metabolic health, exercise plays a pivotal role in shaping our physical attributes.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute studies that delve into the physiological, biomechanical, and morphological changes induced by different types of exercise regimens. The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the multifaceted impacts of various exercise modalities on the human body, encompassing both the general population and specific groups such as athletes, older adults, and individuals with chronic conditions. We seek to gather multidisciplinary, innovative research and comprehensive reviews that delve into the physiological, biomechanical, and morphological changes prompted by physical activity. By highlighting cutting-edge research and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, this Special Issue aspires to deepen our understanding of how exercise interventions can be optimized to enhance physical health and performance.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the role of exercise under the following parameters:

  1. Muscle hypertrophy and bone density;
  2. Eye health;
  3. Cardiovascular health;
  4. Metabolic adaptations;
  5. Visual adaptations;
  6. Sports vision;
  7. Mitigating age-related physical decline.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Javier Gene-Morales
Prof. Dr. Andrés Gené-Sampedro
Dr. Jorge Jorge
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. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • physical exercise
  • health
  • performance

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Relationship Between Refractive Error, Visual Acuity, and Postural Stability in Elite Football Players
by Miguel Oliveira, Rui Fuste, Javier Gene-Morales, Andrés Gené-Sampedro and Jorge Jorge
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5437; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105437 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 50
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visual system parameters (visual acuity and refractive error) and postural balance under controlled conditions in elite football players. Visual acuity (monocular and binocular) and refractive errors were assessed in 34 male athletes using retinoscopy and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visual system parameters (visual acuity and refractive error) and postural balance under controlled conditions in elite football players. Visual acuity (monocular and binocular) and refractive errors were assessed in 34 male athletes using retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Postural stability was assessed with the Cyber-Sabots™ platform, recording the center of pressure (CoP) metrics, including sway amplitude, velocity, and distribution area. Visual and postural parameter correlations were assessed using Pearson’s test (p < 0.05). Athletes demonstrated good binocular visual acuity (−0.03 ± 0.09 logMAR) and were predominantly emmetropic. Visual acuity and postural parameters showed significant negative correlations, whereby visual acuity was associated with reduced CoP displacement (r = −0.352) and sway area (r = −0.367), indicating enhanced stability. Hyperopia and oblique astigmatism were moderately correlated with increased sway (r = 0.343) and antero-posterior sway amplitude in the sagittal plane (r = 0.324). Anisometropia showed moderately negative correlations with antero-posterior control (r = −0.421), suggesting a disruptive effect on postural stability. The postural analysis showed adaptations characteristic of football players, including anterior body inclination, increased forefoot loading, and medio-lateral sway. Romberg’s quotients highlighted significant visual input reliance for maintaining postural balance. Visual acuity, refractive errors, and interocular refractive asymmetries significantly influence postural stability in elite football players. These results support incorporating visual function assessment into training and injury prevention in elite sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics)
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16 pages, 1947 KiB  
Article
Biomechanics of Punching—The Impact of Effective Mass and Force Transfer on Strike Performance
by Jakub Kacprzak, Dariusz Mosler, Anatolij Tsos and Jacek Wąsik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074008 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2484
Abstract
Effective mass, the portion of an athlete’s mass contributing to a punch, is a key biomechanical factor influencing punching strength in boxing. This study examines its relationship with punch mechanics, impulse dynamics, and body composition, identifying techniques that maximize effective mass and enhance [...] Read more.
Effective mass, the portion of an athlete’s mass contributing to a punch, is a key biomechanical factor influencing punching strength in boxing. This study examines its relationship with punch mechanics, impulse dynamics, and body composition, identifying techniques that maximize effective mass and enhance force transfer efficiency. Thirty trained male boxers performed jab, cross, lead hook, and rear hook punches while punching force and limb acceleration were measured using an AMTI MC12-2K force plate and Noraxon Ultium EMG sensors. Effective mass was calculated as the ratio of peak force to fist acceleration at impact. Statistical analysis compared punching techniques and examined correlations with body composition and training experience. Straight punches (jab, cross) exhibited significantly higher effective mass than hooks (KW-H = 235.24; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.468), despite hooks generating greater peak forces. Cross punches had the highest effective mass (31.17 ± 16.20 kg), followed by jabs (30.39 ± 15.09 kg). No significant correlation was found between effective mass and body composition or training tenure, suggesting technique is more critical than absolute body mass. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing linear punch mechanics and impulse-to-acceleration synchronization in training to enhance effective mass transfer and striking performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics)
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16 pages, 1075 KiB  
Article
Impact of Low-Load High-Volume Initial Sets vs. Traditional High-Load Low-Volume Bench Press Protocols on Functional and Structural Adaptations in Powerlifters
by Francisco J. González-Alcázar, Pablo Jiménez-Martínez, Carlos Alix-Fages, Alberto Ruiz-Ariza, Rafael A. Casuso, Jesús Varela-Goicoechea, Amador García-Ramos and Agustín Jerez-Martínez
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041974 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 4755
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of low-load high-volume (LL-HV) resistance training compared to traditional high-load low-volume (HL-LV) protocols in eliciting functional and structural adaptations in powerlifters. Twenty-six well-trained male powerlifters were randomly assigned to LL-HV and HL-LV groups and participated in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of low-load high-volume (LL-HV) resistance training compared to traditional high-load low-volume (HL-LV) protocols in eliciting functional and structural adaptations in powerlifters. Twenty-six well-trained male powerlifters were randomly assigned to LL-HV and HL-LV groups and participated in a 12-week supervised training intervention. The LL-HV protocol involved an initial bench press set performed at 45–60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with very high repetitions, while the HL-LV group performed the initial set at 75–90% of 1RM, following matched total training volume for accessory exercises. Both groups trained twice weekly, with identical proximity to failure based on repetitions in reserve (RIR). Functional outcomes included changes in bench press 1RM and mean velocity (MV) measured at various submaximal loads, while structural adaptations were assessed through arm and chest circumferences. Statistical analyses were conducted using a two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effects of “time” and “training group” on these outcomes. Percent changes were comparable between groups for most variables, with significant improvements observed in the LL-HV group for MV at 80% of 1RM and arm circumference. These findings suggest that LL-HV, emphasizing high-repetition sets, offers an effective alternative to HL-LV protocols for enhancing performance and structural adaptations in powerlifters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics)
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15 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
A Descriptive Analysis of Visual and Oculomotor Skills in Federated University Athletes
by Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena, Xabier Rodríguez-Alonso, Clara Martinez-Perez, José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Vicente J. Clemente-Suárez, Celia Sanchez-Ramos and Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010418 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1407
Abstract
Background: Visual and oculomotor skills are essential components of athletic performance, particularly in sports that demand rapid visual processing and precise motor execution. This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of the visual and oculomotor abilities of federated university athletes and explore [...] Read more.
Background: Visual and oculomotor skills are essential components of athletic performance, particularly in sports that demand rapid visual processing and precise motor execution. This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of the visual and oculomotor abilities of federated university athletes and explore their relationship with self-perceived performance. Methods: A total of 52 federated university athletes (34 men and 18 women), aged 18 to 37 years, participated in this observational and descriptive study. Visual assessments were conducted using the digital COI-Sport Vision system, evaluating static and dynamic visual acuity, stereopsis, vergence, contrast sensitivity, visual memory, hand-eye coordination, anticipation time, peripheral awareness, and identification. Results: The findings revealed patterns in the visual and oculomotor skills of this cohort, particularly in parameters such as dynamic visual acuity, stereopsis, and hand-eye coordination, which are relevant to the demands of their sports. Athletes reporting a higher satisfaction with their performance exhibited faster response times in visual memory (p = 0.039) and anticipation tasks (p = 0.022). These results suggest a potential relationship between self-perceived performance and specific visual skills, although further research is needed to establish causal links. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the visual and oculomotor abilities of federated university athletes, emphasizing the potential influence of self-perceived performance on visual skill execution. While the results do not allow for direct comparisons with other populations, they lay the groundwork for future research into sport-specific visual demands. Incorporating validated psychological assessments and exploring longitudinal designs could further enhance an understanding of the interplay between visual skills, motivation, and athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Exercise on Physical Characteristics)
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