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Life
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Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance
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Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 19 November 2024 | Viewed by 22326

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Laikang Yu

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Strength and Conditioning Assessment and Monitoring, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
Interests: exercise physiology; neuroscience; Alzheimer’s disease; strength and conditioning training; health promotion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue titled “Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance”. Exercise physiology and sports performance explore the intricate relationship between physical activity, the body's physiological responses, and athletic performance. The study of how the body functions during exercise is central to this field.

Exercise physiology examines the physiological changes that occur in the muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems as the body responds to the demands of physical activity. This understanding enables us to design effective training programs aimed at specific physiological adaptations, leading to improved performance and reduced risk of injury. However, sports performance focuses on the practical application of these physiological principles in real-world sports settings. It involves the study of techniques, strategies, and training methods that can help athletes reach their peak performance. This includes the analysis of athlete's biomechanics, the use of technological advancements in performance monitoring, and the development of recovery and nutrition plans that support optimal training and competition.

The goal of this Special Issue is to bring together the latest research that underlines how the body adapts to exercise and provides insights into how training can enhance performance and optimize athlete's capabilities. We invite researchers and experts in related fields to submit their work and contribute to this Special Issue. Submissions of original research articles and review articles are invited.

Dr. Laikang Yu
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. Life 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 2600 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
  • physical activity
  • nutrition
  • exercise physiology
  • sports performance

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1423 KiB  
Article
Impact of Stiffness of Quadriceps on the Pedaling Rate of Maximal Cycling
by Loi Ieong, Xindi Ni, Huisong Xie and Ye Liu
Life 2024, 14(8), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080956 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 250
Abstract
Propulsive power is one of the factors that determine the performance of sprint cycling. Pedaling rate is related to power output, and stiffness is associated with improving performance in athletic tasks. Purpose: to investigate the relationship between musculoarticular stiffness and pedaling rate. Methods: [...] Read more.
Propulsive power is one of the factors that determine the performance of sprint cycling. Pedaling rate is related to power output, and stiffness is associated with improving performance in athletic tasks. Purpose: to investigate the relationship between musculoarticular stiffness and pedaling rate. Methods: twenty-two healthy, untrained male volunteers (19 ± 2 years, 175 ± 6 cm, 74 ± 16 kg) were divided into two groups after their musculoarticular (MA) stiffness was tested, and these groups were the stiffness group (SG) and compliant group (CG). A 6-s maximal cycling test was conducted in four cycling modes, which were levels 5 and 10 air-resistance, and levels 3 and 7 magnetic-resistance. Peak and average cadence, peak power output (POpeak), crank force (CFpeak), peak rate of crank force development (RCFD), and the angle of peak crank force were collected. The significance of differences between the two groups for these variables was assessed using an independent samples t-test. Pearson product–moment correlations were calculated to analyze the relationship between MA stiffness and each performance variable. Results: the SG had significantly higher peak cadence and average cadence at level 3 magnetic-resistance, peak crank force, and peak power output at level 10 air-resistance, peak rate of crank force development at levels 5 air-resistance, 10 air-resistance, and 3 magnetic-resistance (p < 0.05). MA stiffness was significantly correlated with average cadence at levels 5 and 10 air-resistance, peak crank force in all 4 modes, and RCFD and peak power output at level 10 air-resistance. There were no significant relationships between MA stiffness and the angle of peak crank force in each cycling mode. Conclusion: results indicate that participants with relatively higher MA stiffness seemed to have a higher pedaling rate during a 6-s sprint cycling in these conditions. They also performed a superior crank force and rate of crank force development, producing greater power output when sprint cycling. Optimizing cycling resistance or gear ratio to enhance both RCFD and musculotendinous stiffness may be crucial for improving sprint cycling performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance)
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24 pages, 12476 KiB  
Article
Construction and Analysis of the Physical Fitness Evaluation Index System for Elite Male Singles Badminton Players: Based on Delphi and AHP Methods
by Binyong Ye, Houwei Zhu, Zhen Yang, Zhanyang He, Gongju Liu, Huiju Pan and Haiying Guo
Life 2024, 14(8), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080944 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Objective: To construct and validate a physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players. Methods: Utilizing the Delphi method to establish a comprehensive evaluation system, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to calculate the influence weights of various indicators. [...] Read more.
Objective: To construct and validate a physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players. Methods: Utilizing the Delphi method to establish a comprehensive evaluation system, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to calculate the influence weights of various indicators. The validity of the comprehensive evaluation system was verified using testing methods. Results: After three rounds of expert selection, the physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players includes three primary indicators, nine secondary indicators, and twenty-one tertiary indicators. Among the primary indicators, specialized physical fitness holds a significant weight in the evaluation with a value of 0.651, whereas body morphology has a smaller weight of 0.077. Among the secondary indicators, specialized agility, strength, and endurance have higher weights of 0.223, 0.217, and 0.210, respectively. Among the tertiary indicators, four-corner ball touch, 400 m × 5 shuttle run, smash-and-rush, and vertical jump height hold higher weights of 0.119, 0.114, 0.104, and 0.096, respectively. The results after randomly selecting ten elite male singles badminton players and applying the evaluation index system demonstrated that this system has high feasibility and validity. It can not only comprehensively assess the physical fitness of athletes but also provide significant practical guidance for enhancing their competitive performance. Conclusions: The evaluation system and weight assignments constructed in this study can scientifically and comprehensively reflect the physical fitness status of athletes. It can guide coaches in formulating targeted training plans and optimizing training outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance)
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15 pages, 2223 KiB  
Article
Acute Effects of Breath-Hold Conditions on Aerobic Fitness in Elite Rugby Players
by Wendi Wang, Dongzhe Wu, Hao Wang, Zhiqiang Zhang, Xuming Jiang, Shufeng Li, Yongjin Shi and Xiaolin Gao
Life 2024, 14(8), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080917 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 350
Abstract
The effects of face immersion and concurrent exercise on the diving reflex evoked by breath-hold (BH) differ, yet little is known about the combined effects of different BH conditions on aerobic fitness in elite athletes. This study aimed to assess the acute effects [...] Read more.
The effects of face immersion and concurrent exercise on the diving reflex evoked by breath-hold (BH) differ, yet little is known about the combined effects of different BH conditions on aerobic fitness in elite athletes. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of various BH conditions on 18 male elite rugby players (age: 23.5 ± 1.8 years; height: 183.3 ± 3.4 cm; body mass: 84.8 ± 8.5 kg) and identify the BH condition eliciting the greatest aerobic fitness activation. Participants underwent five warm-up conditions: baseline regular breathing, dynamic dry BH (DD), static dry BH (SD), wet dynamic BH (WD), and wet static BH (WS). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in red blood cells (RBCs), red blood cell volume (RGB), and hematocrit (HCT) pre- and post-warm-up. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and relative oxygen uptake (VO2/kgpeak) varied significantly across conditions, with BH groups showing notably higher values than the regular breathing group (p < 0.05). Interaction effects of facial immersion and movement conditions were significant for VO2peak, VO2/kgpeak, and the cardiopulmonary optimal point (p < 0.05). Specifically, VO2peak and peak stroke volume (SVpeak) were significantly higher in the DD group compared to that in other conditions. Increases in VO2peak were strongly correlated with changes in RBCs and HCT induced by DD warm-up (r∆RBC = 0.84, r∆HCT = 0.77, p < 0.01). In conclusion, DD BH warm-up appears to optimize subsequent aerobic performance in elite athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance)
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10 pages, 776 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Birth Season and Sex on Motor Skills in 2-Year-Old Children: A Study in Jinhua, Eastern China
by Yuanye Zhu, Shuying Wang, Yongdong Qian, Jiahui Hu, Huiling Zhou, Mallikarjuna Korivi, Weibing Ye and Rong Zhu
Life 2024, 14(7), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070836 - 30 Jun 2024
Viewed by 19816
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the effects of birth season and sex on the development of gross and fine motor skills in 2-year-old children in Jinhua, Eastern China. Methods: Conducted in Jinhua, a city in central Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, this research involved 225 [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigates the effects of birth season and sex on the development of gross and fine motor skills in 2-year-old children in Jinhua, Eastern China. Methods: Conducted in Jinhua, a city in central Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, this research involved 225 children, assessing their gross and fine motor skills using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition. Scores were adjusted for age in months to avoid the relative age effect. Statistical analyses included MANOVA to evaluate the impacts of season and sex. Results: Sex had no significant impact on overall motor development scores (p > 0.05). However, the season of birth significantly affected fine motor quotient (FMQ) and total motor quotient (TMQ) (p < 0.05). Boys’ motor skills were generally unaffected by season, whereas girls born in winter exhibited superior fine motor skills compared to those born in summer. Conclusions: Seasonal environmental factors significantly influence early motor development, particularly fine motor skills in girls. These findings highlight the importance of considering seasonal variations in early childhood interventions aimed at enhancing exercise physiology and sports performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance)
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Review

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22 pages, 7585 KiB  
Review
Comparing the Effect of Isoinertial Flywheel Training and Traditional Resistance Training on Maximal Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Zhongzhong Hu, Yuhang Liu, Keke Huang, Hao Huang, Feng Li and Xiaoyi Yuan
Life 2024, 14(7), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070908 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze whether isoinertial flywheel training (FWT) is superior to traditional resistance training (TRT) in enhancing maximal strength and muscle power in healthy individuals. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane [...] Read more.
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze whether isoinertial flywheel training (FWT) is superior to traditional resistance training (TRT) in enhancing maximal strength and muscle power in healthy individuals. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus databases up to 21 April 2024. Outcomes were analyzed as continuous variables using either a random or fixed effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of sixteen articles, involving 341 subjects, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the statistical analyses. The pooled results indicate no statistically significant differences between FWT and TRT in developing maximal strength in healthy individuals (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI [−0.26, 0.74], p = 0.35). Additionally, the pooled outcomes showed a small-sized effect in muscle power with FWT (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI [0.10, 0.84]), which was significantly higher than that with TRT (p = 0.01) in healthy individuals. Subgroup analysis revealed that when the total number of FWT sessions is between 12 and 18 (1–3 times per week), it significantly improves muscle power (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI [0.12, 1.09]). Significant effects favoring FWT for muscle power were observed in both well-trained (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI [0.04, 1.13]) and untrained individuals (SMD = 1.40, 95% CI [0.23, 2.57]). In terms of exercise, performing flywheel training with squat and lunge exercises significantly enhances muscle power (SMD = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.02–0.84, and p = 0.04). Interestingly, FWT was superior to weight stack resistance training (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI [0.21, 1.00]) in enhancing muscle power, while no significant differences were found compared to barbell free weights training (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI [−0.22, 0.94]). Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirms the superiority of FWT compared to TRT in promoting muscle power in both healthy untrained and well-trained individuals. Squats and lunges for FWT are more suitable for improving lower limb explosive power. It is recommended that coaches and trainers implement FWT for six weeks, 2–3 times per week, with at least a 48 h interval between each session. Although FWT is not superior to free weights training, it is advisable to include FWT in sport periodization to diversify the training stimuli for healthy individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance)
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