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Dr. Gian Mario Migliaccio

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Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Rome Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy

Dr. Luca Russo

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Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy

Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being

Abstract submission deadline

12 January 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

12 July 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Delving into the exciting connection between exercise, nutrition, and brainpower, this research explores how what we eat and how we move can supercharge our cognitive function and general well-being for peak physical performance. We are taking a close look at how specific diets, supplements, and workout routines can enhance thinking skills, slow down age-related mental decline, and contribute to overall better mental and physical states. The quest is to uncover the optimal nutrition and fitness strategies for both mental sharpness and athletic prowess. This involves examining the impact of various types of exercise, from heart-pumping cardio to muscle-building strength training, on brain function and mood. Simultaneously, we are investigating how certain nutrients and supplements can fuel the brain for top performance. A major focus is harnessing the power of exercise to safeguard long-term brain and physical health, with the goal of preventing age-related cognitive as well as physical decline and mood disorders. This includes a deep dive into the gut–brain connection and how the food we eat influences our mental state through the bacteria in our gut. Experts from diverse fields, such as sports science, nutrition, psychology, and neuroscience, are joining forces to develop innovative ways to optimize cognitive, mental, and physical well-being for both athletes and the everyday person. Beyond the field, it empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that promote global wellness. In essence, this topic embraces a comprehensive view of health, emphasizing how exercise and nutrition can work hand-in-hand to boost brain function and physical well-being. The ultimate aim is to create practical, personalized strategies that empower everyone to achieve better physical and mental health through smart lifestyle choices.

Dr. Gian Mario Migliaccio
Dr. Luca Russo
Topic Editors

Keywords

physical enhancement
mental health
exercise regimens
nutritional supplements
cognitive function
sports performance
global well-being
preventive health
multidisciplinary approach
gut–brain axis

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	19.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Brain Sciences brainsci	2.8	5.6	2011	16.2 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology jfmk	2.5	3.7	2016	26.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	5.0	9.1	2009	12.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Sports sports	2.9	4.1	2013	18.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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16 pages, 434 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychological Effects of Different Exercises on Elderly Women

by Wen Qi, Hongli Yu and Dominika Wilczyńska

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15090918 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 360

Abstract

Background: Exercise has been widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacological intervention method for maintaining the mental health and sleep quality of the elderly. However, existing studies rarely distinguish the types of exercise based on cultural attributes, and this is even more so for the situation of elderly women. This oversight limits the accuracy of exercise recommendations for this population. Hence, this study aimed to compare the differential effects of three types of exercise—Oriental exercise, general exercise, and sedentary leisure exercise (SLE)—on physiological indicators and mental health in elderly women and to examine the associations between physiological indicators, sleep quality, and mental health. Methods: A total of 386 participants were included in the study, comprising 252 individuals in the Oriental exercise group (mean ± SD: 67.83 ± 5.36), 110 individuals in the general exercise group (mean ± SD: 67.19 ± 4.47), and 24 individuals in the SLE group (mean ± SD: 67.38 ± 4.75). Psychological tests (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWB), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-20 (GAI-20), and the Exercise Motivation Scale (SMS)) and physiological measurements (such as body weight and pulmonary capacity) were conducted. ANOVA was performed to compare the effects of the three types of exercise on physiological and psychological outcomes, and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between different types of exercise and mental health indicators, physiological indicators, and sleep quality. Results: Primary Objective: One-way ANOVA showed significant group differences in key outcomes. Bonferroni post hoc tests confirmed the following: Oriental exercise > general exercise in SWB (p = 0.032); general exercise > SLE in sleep quality (PSQI, p = 0.028) and lower body weight (p = 0.019); Oriental exercise > general exercise in vital capacity (p < 0.001). Secondary Objective: Pearson correlations revealed the following: PSQI negatively correlated with life satisfaction (SWLS: p = 0.035) and positively with GDS (p = 0.021); SWB positively correlated with SWLS (p < 0.001) and negatively with GDS (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Different exercise modalities have distinct benefits for elderly women. Oriental exercise improved vital capacity and well-being, while general exercise reduced body weight and enhanced sleep quality compared with sedentary leisure activity. Tailored exercise programs may effectively promote both physical and mental health in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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13 pages, 345 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Results from an RCT Examining the Effects of a Health Behavior Intervention as an Adjunct to Standard Trauma Therapy Among Adults with PTSD

by Jeffrey L. Kibler, Karla Patricia Molina Valenzuela, Shalynn Murphy, Claudia Ocholski, Dania Dabbagh, Valeria Rangel Cunha and Mindy Ma

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080871 - 15 Aug 2025

Viewed by 514

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show patterns of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk earlier in life than the general population. The need for effective interventions for CVD risk-reduction in PTSD is increasingly evident. In this paper we present preliminary results from a longitudinal study of a health behavior intervention, as an adjunct to standard trauma therapy in PTSD. The health behavior intervention addresses CVD-related heath behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress) in a 12-week program delivered individually in 90-min sessions. Behavior change recommendations included: increased aerobic activity; establishing a balanced diet, enhancing consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing sugars and fat/saturated fat; incorporating strategies to enhance sleep and lower PTSD-related disruptions (e.g., nightmares); and relaxation and cognitive coping skills to reduce general stress. Methods: Participants were randomized to the health behavior intervention plus standard trauma therapy experimental condition or a standard trauma therapy control group. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention phase. Sleep efficiency was measured from actigraphy watches. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and blood pressure was measured using an automated device. The preliminary outcomes are for 29 participants to date who have pre-post data. Results: Sleep efficiency was improved in the intervention group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group also evidenced significant pre-post increases in moderate physical activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in vigorous physical activity did not reach statistical significance in this preliminary sample but the pattern of results are similar to those for moderate activity. Trends toward significance were also observed for pre-post changes in systolic (p = 0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.07), with small reductions for the intervention group and increases for the control group. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary information about the effectiveness of the health behavior intervention on multiple parameters for adults with PTSD. The findings suggest that focusing on health behavior change in multidisciplinary treatments for PTSD may enhance outcomes such as sleep and physical activity and potentially result in greater quality of life. However, the small preliminary sample size reported here should be considered when interpreting the outcomes. Further research may also determine how improvements in health parameters impact other indices of long-term cardiovascular health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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23 pages, 2746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydration Status and Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers in NCAA Female Soccer Athletes During Preseason Conditioning

by Daniel E. Newmire, Erica M. Filep, Jordan B. Wainwright, Heather E. Webb and Darryn S. Willoughby

Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132185 - 30 Jun 2025

Viewed by 664

Abstract

Exercise training in extreme temperatures concurrent with hypohydration status may potentiate the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in young, healthy persons. Background/Objectives: It is unknown how repeated training bouts in ambient higher temperatures and humidity may influence measures of AKI. The purpose of this study was to investigate hydration status and renal biomarkers related to AKI in NCAA Division I female soccer athletes during preseason conditioning. Methods: A convenience sample of n = 21 athletes were recruited (mean ± SEM; age: 19.3 ± 0.25 y; height: 169.6 ± 1.36 cm; mass: 68.43 ± 2.46 kg; lean body mass: 45.91 ± 1.13 kg; fat mass: 22.51 ± 1.69 kg; body fat %: 32.22 ± 1.32%). The average temperature was 27.43 ± 0.19 °C, and the humidity was 71.69 ± 1.82%. Body composition, anthropometric, workload, and 14 urine samples were collected throughout the preseason training period for urine specific gravity (USG), creatinine (uCr), cystatin C (uCyst-C), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) analyses. Results: Our investigation showed that, when compared to baseline (D0), the athletes maintained a USG-average euhydrated status (1.019 ± 0.001) and were euhydrated prior to each exhibition game (D5-Pre: p = 0.03; 1.011 ± 0.001; D10-Pre: p = 0.0009; 1.009 ± 0.001); uCr was elevated on D8 (p = 0.001; 6.29 ± 0.44 mg·dL⁻¹·LBM⁻¹) and D10-Post (p = 0.02; 6.61 ± 0.44 mg·dL⁻¹·LBM⁻¹); uCyst-C was elevated on D6 through D10 (p = 0.001; ~0.42 ± 0.01 mg·dL⁻¹); no differences were found in uNGAL concentration. The highest distance (m) displaced was found during exhibition games (D5: p = <0.0001; ~8.6 km and D10: p = <0.0001; ~9.6 km). During the preseason conditioning, the athletes maintained a euhydrated status (~1.019) via USG, an increase in uCr that averaged within a normal range (208 mg·dL⁻¹), and an increase in uCyst-C to near AKI threshold levels (0.42 mg·L⁻¹) for several practice sessions, followed by an adaptive decline. No differences were found in uNGAL, which may be explained by athlete variation, chosen time sample collection, and variation in training and hydration status. Conclusions: The athletes maintained a euhydrated status, and this may help explain why urinary markers did not change or meet the reference threshold for AKI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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29 pages, 2914 KB

Open AccessArticle

Protein and Amino Acid Supplementation Among Recreational Gym Goers and Associated Factors—An Exploratory Study

by Sandor-Richard Nagy, Magdalena Mititelu, Violeta Popovici, Mihaela Gabriela Bontea, Annamaria Pallag and Tünde Jurca

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030248 - 28 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2105

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigated the relationship between protein and amino acid supplementation and various associated aspects among recreational gym goers at 2 gymnasiums in Oradea (Romania). Methods: A total of 165 gym goers (110 men and 55 women, most of them 18–30 years old) with high educational levels were included in the present study, which was conducted as face-to-face interviews. Results: Participants were divided into 4 groups: protein supplement users (PSUs, 42/165), creatine supplement users (CSUs, 38/165), L-carnitine supplement users (LcSUs, 37/165), and protein + creatine + L-carnitine supplement users (PCLcSUs, 48/165). Most consumers were young (18–30 years) and preferred the triple combination. Females consumed PS and CS (38.2% and 34.5%, respectively), while the most-used NSs by males were PCLcS (36.4%) and LcS (27.3%). Obese gym goers opted for LcS consumption (r = 0.999, p < 0.05). Creatine and L-carnitine were consumed for force training (65.79 and 62.16%), while PCLcS and PS were used in cardio + force and force training in equal measures (42.86 and 47.92%, respectively). Most PSUs were gym goers for 7–12 months and more than 1 year (r = 0.999 and r = 0.952, respectively, p < 0.05), while PCLcSUs had a training frequency of at least 5 times a week (r = 0.968, p < 0.05). Muscle mass growth was the primary training focus for all NS users (57.89%), followed by muscular tonus (40.54%, p < 0.05). Almost 30% of one-only NS users reported various side effects, whereas all PCLcSUs claimed side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Age and gender were key factors in diet type, training type, frequency, duration, scope, NS type, and dose intake. The frequency of side effects substantially depended on the kind of NS and the dose consumed. The present study’s results highlight the need for health professionals’ advice and monitoring in personalized diets and protein and amino acid supplementation in recreational gym goers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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22 pages, 1468 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vigorous Exercise Enhances Verbal Fluency Performance in Healthy Young Adults

by Maya M. Khanna, Corey L. Guenther, Joan M. Eckerson, Dion Talamante, Mary Elizabeth Yeh, Megan Forby, Krystal Hopkins, Emmali Munger, Grace Rauh, Shringala Chelluri, Courtney Schmidt, Isabel Walocha and Matthew Sacco

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15010096 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Background/Objectives: We examined the effects of cardiovascular exercise on verbal fluency using a between-groups design. Methods: Within our experimental (i.e., exercise) group, participants performed phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks (VFTs) before, during, and after a vigorous 30 min bout of cycling. Participants within our control group also completed these VFTs before, during, and after a non-physical activity. We compared the VFT performance of the experimental (exercise) and control (no-exercise) groups of participants in terms of the characteristics of the words that they produced within the VFTs. In addition, we examined these aspects of VFT performance for each participant group across time within the experiment session. Conclusions: From these comparisons, we see that exercise influenced VFT performance. Most notably, participants engaged in exercise changed their VFT performance over time, while control group participants did not. Exercising participants produced more words over the course of their exercise session that contained fewer letters over time and were lower in frequency during and after exercise as compared to before exercise. Additionally, topic switches in the VFTs increased after exercise as compared to before exercise. Participants in the control group did not change their VFT performance over time according to any of these measures. These findings indicate that exercise impacted participants’ lexical access and that these VFT performance changes were not due to practice effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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13 pages, 251 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Fitness, Rest, and Exercise for Strength and Health (FRESH) Study: A Three-Year Comparison of College Students’ Perceived and Measured Health Metrics

by Julia Blouin, Adelaide Feek, Yichen Jin, Jennifer Cook, Timothy O’Neal and Jennifer M. Sacheck

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020217 - 8 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

The undergraduate college years are a critical transition period for young adults in establishing life-long health behaviors. Background/Objective: Within the FRESH Study, we aimed to understand the relationship between perceived physical health, perceived mental health, and specific health metrics (e.g., physical activity, food insecurity, sleep quality) among college students following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: First-year undergraduate students (n = 271) from an urban university were recruited in three study waves (2021–2022, 2022–2023, and 2023–2024). Participants answered online surveys on demographics, health perceptions, physical activity, dietary patterns, beverage consumption, food insecurity, stress, and sleep quality. Results: Overall, participants rated their physical health better than their mental health (‘good’, ‘very good’, or ‘excellent’; 89.6% vs. 62.2%), even though 30.7% were not of ‘healthy weight’ status, 34.5% did not meet physical activity recommendations, and 42.2% of students consumed some sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Students reporting suboptimal (‘fair’ or ‘poor’) physical and mental health were more likely to report food insecurity (p < 0.001, p = 0.010), poor sleep quality (p = 0.012, p < 0.001), and elevated stress (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). In addition, fast-food consumption (p < 0.001), breakfast consumption (p = 0.031), and food insecurity (p = 0.004) showed changes over three years. Conclusions: These findings call for targeted wellness initiatives addressing nutrition, food insecurity, stress management, sleep improvement, and physical activity among students and in university health programs. The FRESH Study emphasizes the need for continued longitudinal research to track health behaviors and inform future interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

12 pages, 1156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determining the Levels of Cortisol, Testosterone, Lactic Acid and Anaerobic Performance in Athletes Using Various Forms of Coffee

by Melda Gür, Vedat Çınar, Taner Akbulut, Kenan Bozbay, Polat Yücedal, Mehdi Aslan, Gökçe Avcu, Johnny Padulo, Luca Russo, Joanna Rog and Gian Mario Migliaccio

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193228 - 24 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 13145

Abstract

Background: Coffee is considered one of the most preferred and consumed beverage types in the world, and caffeine is known to increase physical performance due to its ergogenic properties. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of coffee consumption in different forms on cortisol, testosterone, lactic acid and anaerobic performance levels. Methods: A total of 15 licensed male football players participated in the research voluntarily. The research was implemented in a single-blind, counterbalanced, randomized and crossover study design. Participants were given caffeinated coffee (CK), decaffeinated coffee (placebo) (DK), powdered caffeine (in a gelatin capsule) (PC) and powdered placebo (maltodextrin in a capsule) (PM) on different days, and the Wingate test protocol was performed after the warm-up protocol. Blood samples were collected post-test. Cortisol, testosterone and lactic acid levels in the serum samples taken were determined by the ELISA method. Results: As a result, it was revealed that caffeinated coffee given to participants who exercise increased anaerobic power. However, it was observed that lactic acid levels were higher in placebo and decaffeinated coffee. The highest level of cortisol was found in caffeinated coffee and powdered caffeine compared to the placebo. Testosterone values were observed to be highest in caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee compared to a placebo. Conclusions: The study suggests that the type of caffeine is a factor that affects absorption rate, which impacts performance and hormone levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being)

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Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	19.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Brain Sciences brainsci	2.8	5.6	2011	16.2 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology jfmk	2.5	3.7	2016	26.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	5.0	9.1	2009	12.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Sports sports	2.9	4.1	2013	18.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit

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Exercise and Nutrition for Physical Performance, Mental Health and General Well-Being

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