Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 4326

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Barbara Gilic

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Interests: sports performance; stress biomarkers; muscle oxygenation; sports climbing; combat sports; physical literacy; health literacy; lifestyle medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Andrea Fusco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
Interests: sport; physical activity; sport statistics; training monitoring; testing; exercise prescription; rate of perceived exertion; fatigue; sport biomechanics; human balance; proprioception; postural control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current research shows a positive association between sports participation and people’s health status. All types of physically demanding sport, competitive or not, offer measurable health gains for men and women of all ages. However, competitive sports demand numerous sacrifices from athletes to achieve an optimal performance, which comes at a high price: injuries, recurrent fatigue, and mental issues such as anxiety and frustration. Also, retired athletes have numerous health issues following stressful competitions and training. Therefore, both health and performance should be seen as foundations in the development of a healthy and high-performing athlete. These studies collectively underscore the significant role of sports participation in promoting both physical and mental health. Also, to reach optimal performance and attain health benefits of sports participation, coaches and athletes have to possess high levels of health and physical literacy. In other words, knowing about the positive health benefits of sports and physical activity and how to achieve them have gained interest. Therefore, we invite researchers to submit papers related to performance and health in sports.

Dr. Barbara Gilic
Dr. Andrea Fusco
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

sports performance
performance indicators
well-being
healthy lifestyle
health literacy
physical literacy
lifestyle medicine

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Related Special Issue

Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise in Applied Sciences (17 articles)

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

13 pages, 1109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Cognitive–Motor Performance in Table Tennis: Validity and Reliability of the Reactive Table Tennis Test

by Alessandro Guarnieri, Fabiana Laurenti, Salvatore Mazzei, Valentina Presta and Giancarlo Condello

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10163; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810163 - 18 Sep 2025

Viewed by 351

Abstract

Table tennis (TT) is a high-speed sport requiring integrated cognitive and motor skills. However, the existing assessment tools have failed to replicate its sport-specific demands. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Reactive Table Tennis test designed to assess cognitive–motor performance in TT. Sixty athletes were recruited from TT, combat sports (CS), team sports (TS), and track and field (TF). Participants were required to react to 10 visual stimuli randomly emitted from three devices placed 3 m frontally by performing 1.5 m lateral or frontal displacements. Athletes passed through a timing gate using either both hands (B) or only one hand (O) under two conditions: with consecutive stimulus presentation (C) and with a 0.8 s delay between stimuli (D), simulating the typical inter-shot time observed during the rallies. Each participant completed three trials per condition on three non-consecutive days. Results showed the highest reliability under the delayed conditions (ICC_BD = 0.969; ICC_OD = 0.961), along with lower coefficients of variation than for the consecutive conditions. TT players performed significantly faster (p < 0.05) than other athletes under BD, OD, and BC but not under OC conditions. The mean of three trials is recommended for more accurate assessments. The proposed test proved to be a valid and reliable tool, especially under the both hand-delay condition, and is suitable for large-scale use in TT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 458 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Experimental ‘Grappler Quest’ Training on the Structural Profile of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes—A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Wojciech Wąsacz, Łukasz Rydzik, Łukasz Kryst, Michał Spieszny, Janusz Jaworski and Tadeusz Ambroży

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10048; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810048 - 14 Sep 2025

Viewed by 517

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of innovative training interventions has not yet been adequately tested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Grappler Quest (GQ) training program on the structural profile of BJJ athletes and to examine the relationship between training experience and outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 44 BJJ athletes was conducted to assess the effects of an 8-week training program. The experimental group (EXP; n = 22) followed the GQ program (training stations) while the control group (CON; n = 22) followed a standard training cycle. The structural profile was assessed before and after the intervention, and the relationship between training experience and GQ effects was analyzed. Results: In the EXP group, significant improvements were observed across all structural variables (p < 0.05), with the largest increases in chest mobility (+1.03 cm), thigh circumference (+1.5 cm), and the muscularity of the upper arm (+1.48), lower leg (+1.33), and thigh (+2.60). The greatest reductions occurred in fat tissue (FM% −1.76; FM kg −1.55; sum of three skinfolds −1.21 mm; p < 0.001), with favorable somatotype changes. In the EXP group, training experience significantly correlated with outcomes: positively with fat tissue (r_s = 0.49–0.64) and negatively with muscle mass (r_s = −0.44–0.81). Conclusions: GQ improved the structural profile of BJJ athletes, with its effectiveness showing a stronger correlation with the progress of athletes with shorter training experience. The GQ strategy is recommended as an effective addition to BJJ training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 885 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Frequency Domain Accelerations During Prolonged Running on Different Surfaces

by Ignacio Catalá-Vilaplana, Alberto Encarnación-Martínez and Pedro Pérez-Soriano

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 9936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15189936 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 320

Abstract

Curved non-motorized treadmills (cNMTs) have been demonstrated to reduce impact accelerations in comparison with motorized treadmills (MTs). Most studies have analyzed impacts in the time domain, but analysis in the frequency domain can provide useful information associated with the increase in the running risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency components (low- and high-frequency bands) of impact accelerations, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and perceived comfort during a prolonged run on different surfaces: MT, cNMT, and overground (OVG). Twenty-one recreational runners completed three randomized prolonged running tests on cNMT, MT, and OVG for 30 min (80% of the individual maximal aerobic speed). Impact accelerations were registered at minutes 5 and 30 of the test, the countermovement jump test (CMJ) was performed before (PreTest) and after (PostTest) the test, and perceived comfort was determined at the end of each test. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (significance at p < 0.05) showed a reduction on cNMT in both low- and high-frequency bands of impact accelerations, such as head power (p < 0.001, ESd = 3.0) on the cNMT vs. the MT and tibia peak power (p = 0.001, ESd = 2.2) on the cNMT vs. OVG. However, cNMT was perceived as the least comfortable surface by runners. The prolonged running effect decreased impact accelerations during the treadmill running test (MT and cNMT) in the low-frequency band, while CMJ height decreased (p = 0.024, ESd = 1.4) during the PostTest vs. PreTest with the cNMT. Using a cNMT could be an interesting strategy for load reduction in long-distance runners or in return-to-play rehabilitation protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 680 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Characteristics and Somatotype of Young Slovenian Tennis Players

by Ales Germic, Tjasa Filipcic and Ales Filipcic

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8584; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158584 - 1 Aug 2025

Viewed by 687

Abstract

Tennis is a demanding sport that requires physical abilities and optimal body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and somatotype development of young Slovenian tennis players (754 boys and 514 girls aged 12 to 18 years) over the last two decades. Using standardised anthropometric measurements and the Heath-Carter method, somatotypes were calculated and analysed by age and gender. The results showed clear age- and gender-specific trends and differences in both somatotype profiles and detailed anthropometric characteristics. Significant differences were found in height, body mass, BMI, skinfolds, girths, and limb lengths, with gender differences becoming more pronounced in the older age groups. In boys, mesomorphy increased with age, reflecting an increase in musculature, while in girls, a shift from ectomorphic to endomorphic profiles was observed during adolescence, probably influenced by pubertal and hormonal changes. Significant sex-specific differences were observed in all three somatotype components in most age groups, especially in fat mass and muscle. The longitudinal design provides valuable data and insights into the evolving physical profiles of adolescent tennis players that support more effective talent identification and training. Despite the changes that have taken place in tennis over time, standardised measurement protocols ensured comparability, making the results relevant for practitioners working with adolescents in tennis development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1680 KB

Open AccessArticle

First-Serve Advantage and Emerging Tactical Limitations in Elite U-14 Boys’ Tennis: A Les Petits as Case Study

by Iván Prieto-Lage, Miguel Crespo, Rafael Martínez-Gallego, Xoana Reguera-López-de-la-Osa, Antonio José Silva-Pinto and Alfonso Gutiérrez-Santiago

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5341; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105341 - 10 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 883

Abstract

This study investigates the tactical patterns and effectiveness of serve strategies in elite U-14 international boys’ tennis. Using an observational methodology, we analyzed 971 points from the quarterfinals to the final of the Les Petits As 2023 tournament, a prestigious event for junior players. Data were collected using the OBSTENNIS-JUNIOR-S23 instrument with the LINCE PLUS recording tool and processed with SPSS 25 and THEME 6 Edu software. The findings reveal that the first serve is significantly more effective than the second serve, particularly in short rallies (0–4 shots), where serves directed to the T-zone achieved the highest success rates. U-14 players did not exhibit a dominant serving pattern compared to professional players, distributing their serves relatively evenly across different target areas. Additionally, most players remained in deep baseline positions rather than stepping forward, limiting their ability to capitalize on serve placement. Tactical inefficiencies were evident in the execution of the serve +1 shot, where errors often extended rallies unnecessarily. These findings highlight the need for targeted training interventions to improve serve placement, forward positioning, and decision-making. Implementing these improvements could facilitate a smoother transition to higher levels of play and optimize performance in junior tennis competitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Human Performance and Health in Sport and Exercise—2nd Edition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI