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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2024) | Viewed by 16020

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Dr. Daniel Collado Mateo

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Centre for Sport Studies, Faculty of Juridical and Social Sciences, Physical Education Area, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid 28943, Spain
Interests: physical exercise; chronic diseases; pain; health; exergames; quality of life; older adults
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Dear Colleagues,

Physical exercise is one of the most important factors contributing to overall wellbeing. Regular physical exercise has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased muscle strength and flexibility, better mental health, improved sleep or reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Despite the benefits of physical exercise, adherence to exercise can be challenging for many individuals. While adherence to exercise can be challenging, there are strategies that can be employed to help individuals stay motivated and engaged in physical activity over the long term.

The current Special Issue is focused on studies that evaluate the effects of physical exercise on wellbeing and explore strategies and variables that are crucial to engage people in physical exercise programs.

Both original research and review studies are welcome in this Special Issue. If preparing for submitting a systematic review paper, be sure to follow the PRISMA guidelines.

Dr. Daniel Collado Mateo
Guest Editor

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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.

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Keywords

physical exercise
public health
wellbeing
quality of life
healthy lifestyle
adherence

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Shaking Exercise on Functional Recovery in Patients with Chronic Post-Stroke Upper Limb Impairment: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

by Takuya Hada, Toyohiro Hamaguchi and Masahiro Abo

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146295 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1678

Abstract

Stroke causes disability and significantly affects patient quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation of upper limb function is crucial, as it affects daily activities and individual autonomy. Traditional rehabilitation methods often require frequent visits to specialized centers, which can be costly and challenging. This study investigated the effectiveness of a home-based self-training device, “Kenko Yusuri”, in improving upper limb function in patients with chronic stroke. This multicenter prospective intervention study used a quasi-randomized controlled trial design. Ninety-three outpatients from five hospitals in Japan were enrolled and assigned to either the intervention group which used the “Kenko Yusuri” device or the control group which underwent conventional rehabilitation. All patients received botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections to treat upper limb spasticity. The primary outcome measure was the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) of upper-extremity motor function. Secondary outcomes included the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score, range of motion (ROM), and chronic pain assessments. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FMA total scores than the control group. Patients with moderate impairment experienced the greatest benefits from the intervention. There were no significant between-group differences in MAS scores or ROM measurements. Pain and wrist ROM showed improvement in the intervention group. Home-based training with a shaking device significantly improved upper limb function in patients with moderate chronic post-stroke paralysis. This approach aligns with the principles of use-dependent plasticity and offers a feasible and cost-effective alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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9 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuromuscular Control during the Bench Press Exercise Performed with Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading

by Artur Gołaś, Przemysław Pietraszewski, Robert Roczniok, Paulina Królikowska, Kajetan Ornowski, Tomasz Jabłoński, Szymon Kuliś and Adam Zając

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093782 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1121

Abstract

The main objective of the research was to determine neuromuscular control for different external loads, from 75% to 100% 1 RM (One Rep Max), during the flat bench press (BP) exercise performed with free weights and pneumatic loading. Despite extensive research on the internal structure of the BP exercise, few studies have examined the differences between muscular activity during the flat bench press movement between Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading. For this purpose, 10 male, trained subjects performed the BP exercise under two conditions with three different external loads (70%, 85%, and 100% 1RM), alternately with free weights and pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading was performed on the Keiser Power Rack, where the pneumatic load was transferred as the resistance of the cables attached to the ground. EMG activity was recorded during the lifts for the following muscles: PM (Pectoralis Major), AD (Anterior Deltoid), Tblat, and TBlong (Triceps Brachii). The EMG signals were sampled at a rate of 1000 Hz. Signals were band-pass filtered with a cutoff frequency of 8 Hz and 450 Hz, after which the root-mean-square (RMS) was calculated. After completion of all the tests in a single day, 2–3 s evaluations of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) of the prime movers in the bench press movement (AD, PM, and TBlong) were performed according to SENIAM procedures. The results of the present study indicate that pneumatic loading provides a significantly different muscle activation pattern compared to a standard bar during a heavy-loaded BP exercise. The pneumatic load was superior in activating the AD and TB muscles compared to the standard bar during the BP exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

13 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Fear of Movement and Fatigue on Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia

by Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez, Daniel Collado-Mateo, Alexander Gil Arias, Lorena Gutiérrez, Carmen Écija, Patricia Catalá and Cecilia Peñacoba

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051834 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 984

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Self-efficacy is considered an antecedent for physical activity levels in fibromyalgia patients. However, the influence of the fear of movement and fatigue on the self-efficacy to reduce physical inactivity is still not clear and could be critical in improving the biopsychosocial benefits of therapeutic exercise. In this way, the present study aims to assess the relationship between self-efficacy, fatigue, fibromyalgia impact, the fear of movement, and physical activity. Additionally, it aims to explore differences among patients based on self-reported physical activity levels. Material and methods: A sample of 115 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were evaluated in this prospective study. The variables were the impact of fibromyalgia, the fear of movement, fatigue, self-efficacy, and physical activity levels. Results: Patients with high and moderate physical activity levels had higher self-efficacy for physical function (p < 0.05), which is in line with the previously known model. Furthermore, a model was developed where the significant relationship between the fear of movement and self-efficacy for physical activity was significantly mediated by general fatigue and the impact of fibromyalgia on physical function. Conclusions: The fear of movement may influence self-efficacy, affecting physical activity levels; therapeutic exercises targeting the fear of movement can enhance self-efficacy and activity levels, while fatigue and fibromyalgia may mediate this relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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11 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stretching and Eccentric Exercises Normalize Gait Parameters in Gastrocnemius Tightness Subjects

by Amine Hamza, Lucas Martinez, Riccardo Sacco, Thomas Amouyel, Eric Held, Julien Beldame, Fabien Billuart and Matthieu Lalevée

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12494; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212494 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1388

Abstract

Background: Isolated gastrocnemius tightness (IGT) is a prevalent condition linked to various foot pathologies. In a previous quantitative gait analysis study, we identified an increase in knee flexion during the midstance phase in IGT patients compared with controls. Although stretching and eccentric exercises (the Stanish protocol) are commonly used for IGT management, their impact on gait parameters remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the influence of a Stanish protocol on gait parameters in bilateral IGT subjects. Methods: We enrolled 10 asymptomatic bilateral IGT subjects and 10 controls. Quantitative gait analysis and dynamic baropodometry were carried out on each subject. A Stanish protocol was applied for 4 weeks (five sessions/week) by the IGT group, followed by a similar gait analysis. The ankle and knee range of motion and foot pressure distribution were assessed during the midstance phase of the gait. Results: An increase in knee flexion was initially present in the IGT group compared with controls (8.9 +/− 4.6 vs. 3.4 +/− 2.3 degrees, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the ankle range of motion and foot pressures between the groups at that time. Significant reductions in knee flexion during gait were observed in the IGT subjects after the Stanish protocol (8.9 +/− 4.6 to 3.7 +/− 2.3 degrees, p < 0.001) with a normalization of this parameter (3.4 +/− 2.3 in controls vs. 3.7 +/− 2.3 degrees in IGT, p = 0.72). There was no change in ankle range of motion and foot pressure after the Stanish protocol. Conclusions: Our findings support the effectiveness of the Stanish protocol in reducing knee flexion and normalizing gait in IGT subjects. This protocol not only offers a noninvasive approach for IGT-related issues management but could also enable prophylactic care in asymptomatic cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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11 pages, 1202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Drop Jump Height on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement at Different Ambient Temperatures

by Weiliang Wu, Zhizhou Chen, Chaoqun Chen, Dengpan Xue, Yuanyuan Lv and Laikang Yu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10346; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810346 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether drop jump height will affect the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect at room temperature (RT) and low temperature (LT) conditions. Twelve male strength-trained males participated in this study. Prior to warm-up, subjects underwent a 30 min period of environmental adaptation. Different warm-up protocols were used at different ambient temperatures to help subjects achieve a level of muscle activity and body temperature similar to their daily training. After the pre-test, each subject participated in six experimental sessions at either RT or LT conditions, respectively, which were separated by at least 72 h and conducted at the same time of day to control for circadian influences on metabolism. After the conditioning activities, vertical jump (VJ) performance was re-tested at 4 min, 8 min, and 12 min of passive recovery to assess transient potentiation effects. Under RT conditions, 60 cm and 90 cm drop jumps could induce PAPE, with the PAPE effect being most significant at 4 min (p < 0.01) and 8 min (p < 0.01), respectively, while a 30 cm drop jump could not induce PAPE. Under LT conditions, 30 cm and 90 cm drop jumps could not induce PAPE, and VJ performance gradually declined over time (p < 0.01). However, although a 60 cm drop jump could not induce PAPE, VJ performance was not affected by LT at 8 min and declined at 12 min (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 60 cm and 90 cm drop jumps can be used to induce PAPE at RT conditions. LT can impair PAPE induction, while a 60 cm drop jump can be utilized for warm-up at LT conditions to counteract the effects of LT on athletic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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18 pages, 1758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practical Approach to Designing and Implementing a Recommendation System for Healthy Challenges

by Juan Lopez-Barreiro, Jose Luis Garcia-Soidan, Luis Alvarez-Sabucedo and Juan M. Santos-Gago

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9782; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179782 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1179

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. It is crucial to promote proper training and healthy habits for all to prevent physical and cognitive decline. This should be a priority in health and education initiatives to reduce deaths and noncommunicable diseases. Guidelines for nutrition, physical activity, and sleep emphasize the importance of healthy habits. The goal is to develop a recommendation tool with a diverse range of challenges to positively impact users’ health. Methods: The process involves thoroughly obtaining precise user profiles through widely used questionnaires such as the Short-Form Health survey, the short Healthy Eating Index, and the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire, and characterizing the challenges. Then, an algorithm will be developed to identify and prioritize the most suitable challenges for each user, ensuring personalized recommendations. Results: A pool of 30 health challenges was created based on reputable recommendations and experts. The system underwent validation by external experts and received positive user feedback, confirming its effectiveness. The panel of experts and users validated the personalized and reliable recommendations. Conclusions: Simple lifestyle interventions have shown promise for primary prevention in developed countries. A prototype system has been created to evaluate the individual weakness of users and suggest evidence-based lifestyle challenges. The system conducts a thorough health assessment and ensures feasibility for preventive purposes. Validation has proven the system’s effectiveness in recommending health-enhancing challenges with no adverse effects. The design of the model supports the seamless addition of new challenges by eventual third parties, ensuring interoperability and scalability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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19 pages, 1865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Sports Performance and Kinanthropometric Profiles of Elite Female Basketball and Volleyball Players over the Course of a Competitive Season

by Álvaro Miguel-Ortega, Julio Calleja-González and Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8267; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148267 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1953

Abstract

In order to maximize sports performance of team sportswomen, knowledge of the player’s characteristics in terms of different aspects and at different times of the season is needed. While the anthropometric and physical characteristics of men’s sports teams have been extensively studied, research on women’s basketball and volleyball is scarce. (1) Purpose: This study aims to contribute data about the anthropometric and physical characteristics of female basketball and volleyball players from elite women’s teams (age: 24.3 ± 2.7 years; playing experience: 14.825 ± 2.8 years) (n = 23) with a two-fold objective: (1) to describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics of these two disciplines; and (2) to identify possible differences in various parameters of sports performance depending on the discipline. (2) Methods: The anthropometric profile includes the measurements recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry; the performance tests described aerobic and anaerobic power exercises. (3) Results: The overall somatotype of the players was moderate mesomorphic and low endomorphic (5.107–3.046–1.883). Statistical differences were found between the improvement of the physical performance level of female basketball players (77%) and female volleyball players (10%) from the first to the last measurement, with better results in most of the performance tests (p < 0.05). The sum of skinfolds was higher in female basketball players (p > 0.05). The percentage of fat-free mass correlated with improvements in lower body strength. (4) Conclusion: Lean body mass is an important predictor of exercise performance intensity. Excess fat mass is detrimental to the development of strength and endurance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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12 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Listening to Self-Selected Music during Warm-Up Improves Anaerobic Performance through Enhancement of the Excitability of the Cerebral Cortex

by Shiyan Zhang, Juan Yang, Xifeng Tao, Liwen Du, Xiang Li, Yuanyuan Lv, Xiao Hou and Laikang Yu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7180; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127180 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1800

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of listening to self-selected music during a warm-up on brain wave synchronization/desynchronization and Wingate test performance. Seventeen healthy young men were required to complete a 10 min warm-up session with or without music intervention, followed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) or Wingate test, respectively. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) were recorded immediately after the Wingate test. Compared with no music intervention, listening to self-selected music during a warm-up significantly increased peak power and mean power in the Wingate test (p < 0.05), upregulated the α energy percentage in the F3, C3, P3, O1, T3, F4, and Fp2 regions (p < 0.05) and β energy percentage in the F3, O1, and T5 regions (p < 0.05), while it downregulated the δ energy percentage in the F3, P3, O1, F4, and F8 regions (p < 0.05), θ/β in the F3 and O1 regions (p < 0.05), and (θ+α)/(α+β) in the F3 region (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the minimum power and fatigue index in the Wingate test between the music intervention and no music intervention, or in RPE and HR after the Wingate test (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that listening to self-selected music during a warm-up enhances cortical excitability by upregulating the α and β energy percentages and downregulating the δ energy percentage, which may represent a potential mechanism by which listening to self-selected music during a warm-up improves anaerobic performance in healthy young men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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12 pages, 2314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short vs. Long Bouts of All-Out Rope Skipping: Effects on Metabolic and Perceptual Responses

by Gary Chi-Ching Chow, Fenghua Sun, Kevin Wai-Keung Kam, Yu-Hin Kong and Borui Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7072; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127072 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3862

Abstract

Rope skipping has been well documented for eliciting positive effects on various health outcomes and contributing to overall physical activity levels. However, the specific health benefits may depend on the duration and intensity of the exercise bouts. This study aimed to compare the (1) metabolic and (2) perceptual responses between short (30 s) and long (3 min) bouts of all-out rope skipping, and to (3) evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly invented electronic rope (E-rope). A total of 23 young adults (13 males and 10 females; aged 23.23 ± 2.62 y) repeated short and long skipping bouts on two testing days. The oxygen consumption (

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O₂), peak respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and post-exercise muscle soreness were assessed during each trial. Longer skipping bouts (148.33 skips·min⁻¹) resulted in significantly greater metabolic responses (p < 0.01, d = 1.00–3.27), higher rates of perceived exertion (p < 0.01, d = 2.28), and more post-exercise muscle soreness (p < 0.01, d = 0.66–1.49) compared to shorter bouts (165.83 skips·min⁻¹). The E-rope demonstrated sufficient concurrent validity (r > 0.9) and between-day reliability (ICC_3,1 = 0.89–0.95) but slightly overestimated the number of skips. Both long and short all-out skipping bouts were considered moderate-to-vigorous exercise, but longer bouts resulted in higher metabolic and perceptual demands. These findings may be useful for practitioners to strategically apply different skipping bouts to improve physical activity levels and facilitate training adaptation. The E-rope could serve as a self-monitoring and self-evaluating tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Exercise and Wellbeing)

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