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The Physiology of Endurance Training and Its Practical Application for Lifelong Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 3517

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Veronique Billat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Movement, Balance, Performance, and Health Laboratory (EA 4445), Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 65000 Tarbes, France
2. Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, 91000 Evry-Courcouronnes, France
Interests: training; performance; oxygen consumption; endurance modelling; oxygen kinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Endurance represents a cornerstone of physical fitness, underpinned by many physiological adaptations that facilitate sustained activity. Endurance exercise triggers a complex interplay of cardiopulmonary enhancements, skeletal muscle adaptations, and metabolic shifts, all of which collectively contribute to optimizing aerobic capacity and delaying the onset of fatigue.

Central to these adaptations is the enhancement of cardiopulmonary function, including improvements in cardiac output, stroke volume, and pulmonary ventilation. These changes, coupled with increased mitochondrial biogenesis and capillary density within skeletal muscles, enable more efficient oxygen delivery and utilization, which are crucial for supporting prolonged exertion. Furthermore, endurance training induces metabolic adaptations, such as a shift towards the greater utilization of fatty acids for energy production, thereby sparing glycogen stores and enhancing endurance performance.

However, the benefits of endurance training extend far beyond athletic performance, with profound implications for overall health and well-being across an individual’s lifespan. Regular engagement in endurance exercise has been shown to mitigate a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, endurance training exerts anti-inflammatory effects and bolsters immune function, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and infections.

In addition to its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, endurance training also exerts neuroprotective effects, promoting cognitive function and mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Studies have demonstrated that individuals who engage in regular aerobic exercise exhibit improved cognitive performance and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Thus, integrating endurance exercise into one’s daily routine is not only paramount for enhancing athletic performance, but also crucial for promoting longevity and overall quality of life. By harnessing the physiological adaptations induced by endurance training, individuals can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, preserve their cognitive function, and optimize their healthspan.

In conclusion, endurance training represents a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental well-being throughout life. By understanding the intricate physiological mechanisms underpinning endurance exercise and its broader health implications, individuals can make informed choices to prioritize regular aerobic activity.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on the current state of knowledge on the links between endurance training and human health. New research papers, reviews, case reports and conference papers are welcome, as are papers presenting new approaches to training for VO2max and enhancement. Other manuscript types accepted include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports, and commentaries.

We will accept manuscripts from disciplines including exposure assessment science, epidemiology, intervention studies, and risk and health impact assessment and management, including training  standards . The following are examples of topics that could be addressed in this Special Issue:

  1. The effect of endurance training on cardiovascular function, metabolic efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.
  2. The effect of endurance training on the risk of chronic diseases and mental health, and its importance in public health initiatives.
  3. Practical applications of endurance training, including personalized training programs, the monitoring of physiological markers, and interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and healthcare professionals.

Prof. Dr. Veronique Billat
Guest Editor

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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 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 2500 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

  • endurance training
  • physiology
  • aerobic capacity
  • metabolic adaptations
  • cardiovascular health
  • longevity
  • cognitive function
  • healthspan

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 897 KiB  
Article
Comparison Between Water Aerobics and Deep-Water Running on Middle-Aged Adults’ Anthropometric, Hemodynamic and Functional Outcomes
by Larissa dos Santos Leonel, Angelica Danielevicz and Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010106 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Background: Head-out aquatic training, using modalities such as water-aerobics/hydrogymnastics (HYD) and deep-water running (DWR), has been effective in improving the physical, metabolic and cognitive health of middle-aged adults. However, direct comparisons between these modalities are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Background: Head-out aquatic training, using modalities such as water-aerobics/hydrogymnastics (HYD) and deep-water running (DWR), has been effective in improving the physical, metabolic and cognitive health of middle-aged adults. However, direct comparisons between these modalities are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water aerobics and deep-water running on anthropometric, functional and hemodynamic outcomes in adults and older adults. Methods: An uncontrolled pragmatic trial (RBR-2txw8zy) was conducted with participants aged 30 to 80, allocated to HYD and DWR groups. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of progressive aerobic training with weekly undulating periodization (2× week), divided into three mesocycles (4, 5, and 3 weeks), each lasting 50 min. Intensity was prescribed using the Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE), ranging from RPE 11 to 17. Outcomes assessed included the 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, Timed-Up-and-Go usual (TUG-u) and maximum (TUG-m), 6 min walking test (6MWT), body mass, waist circumference, blood pressure and resting heart rate-HRrest. The analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations, with per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Results: The study included 104 participants (HYD: n = 63, mean age 59 years, 54 women; DWR: n = 41, mean age 53 years, 33 women). ITT analysis showed improvements in waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and TUG-m in the HYD group, and a reduction in HRrest in the DWR group. Both modalities showed significant improvements in the 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, 6MWT, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio in the PP analysis. Conclusions: Both modalities promoted functional improvements and favorable changes in anthropometric evaluations, with DWR showing a greater reduction in HRrest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Endurance Training and Its Practical Application for Lifelong Health)
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14 pages, 326 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Mat Pilates Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women with Single or Multiple Cardiometabolic Diseases
by Jaqueline Pontes Batista, Ana Luiza Amaral, Igor Moraes Mariano, Ludimila Ferreira Gonçalves, Julia Buiatte Tavares, Tállita Cristina Ferreira de Souza, Juliene Gonçalves Costa, Mateus de Lima Rodrigues, Jair Pereira da Cunha-Junior, Karine Canuto Loureiro de Araújo, Paula Aver Bretanha Ribeiro and Guilherme Morais Puga
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010056 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 455
Abstract
This study compared the effects of Mat Pilates training on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with single or multiple cardiometabolic conditions. Forty-four women were divided into single-condition (SINGLE; n = 20) and multiple-condition (MULTI; n = 24) groups. Both groups completed Mat [...] Read more.
This study compared the effects of Mat Pilates training on cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women with single or multiple cardiometabolic conditions. Forty-four women were divided into single-condition (SINGLE; n = 20) and multiple-condition (MULTI; n = 24) groups. Both groups completed Mat Pilates three times per week for 12 weeks. Measurements of resting blood pressure, body composition, dietary intake, and blood markers were taken before and after the intervention. A Generalized Estimating Equation was used for hypothesis testing. MULTI presented higher body mass, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference. Systolic blood pressure decreased more in SINGLE (−13 ± 15 mmHg) than in MULTI (−3 ± 16 mmHg, p interaction = 0.016 with diastolic reductions in both groups (SINGLE: −9 ± 12 mmHg; MULTI: −2 ± 11 mmHg, p interaction = 0.053). Triglycerides decreased only in SINGLE (−40 ± 98 mg/dL vs. +31 ± 70 mg/dL in MULTI, p interaction = 0.006), while no significant changes were observed in cholesterol levels. Adiponectin levels decreased in both groups (SINGLE: −1.5 ± 16.3; MULTI: −9.3 ± 12.4 vs. µg/dL, p time = 0.015). Glycated hemoglobin levels decreased over time in both groups (−0.3 ± 0.5% in SINGLE, −0.5 ± 0.6% in MULTI, p time < 0.001), with no significant changes in blood glucose. These findings suggest that Mat Pilates may be more effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors in women with a single condition compared to those with multiple conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Endurance Training and Its Practical Application for Lifelong Health)

Other

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12 pages, 1433 KiB  
Case Report
Brain, Metabolic, and RPE Responses during a Free-Pace Marathon: A Preliminary Study
by Florent Palacin, Luc Poinsard, Julien Mattei, Christian Berthomier and Véronique Billat
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081024 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2373
Abstract
The concept of the “central governor” in exercise physiology suggests the brain plays a key role in regulating exercise performance by continuously monitoring physiological and psychological factors. In this case report, we monitored, for the first time, a marathon runner using a metabolic [...] Read more.
The concept of the “central governor” in exercise physiology suggests the brain plays a key role in regulating exercise performance by continuously monitoring physiological and psychological factors. In this case report, we monitored, for the first time, a marathon runner using a metabolic portable system and an EEG wireless device during an entire marathon to understand the influence of brain activity on performance, particularly the phenomenon known as “hitting the wall”. The results showed significant early modification in brain activity between the 10th and 15th kilometers, while the RPE remained low and cardiorespiratory responses were in a steady state. Thereafter, EEG responses decreased after kilometer 15, increased briefly between kilometers 20 and 25, then continued at a slower pace. After kilometer 30, both speed and respiration values dropped, along with the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating a shift from carbohydrate to fat metabolism, reflecting glycogen depletion. The runner concluded the race with a lower speed, higher RPE (above 15/20 on the Borg RPE scale), and reduced brain activity, suggesting mental exhaustion. The findings suggest that training strategies focused on recognizing and responding to brain signals could allow runners to optimize performance and pacing strategies, preventing premature exhaustion and improving overall race outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Endurance Training and Its Practical Application for Lifelong Health)
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