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Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human 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".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 12912

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Physiology and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil
Interests: sports performance; vascular occlusion and performance; blood flow; sport placebo; exercise physiology; sports science; muscle physiology

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Guest Editor
Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-180, Brazil
Interests: ergogenic aids; performance; recovery; prevention; health; soccer; team sports; blood flow; fitness
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exercise is the main key to maximizing performance and human health. In this context, a broad range of methods or strategies to enhance performance and health have been tested by sports sciences researchers. However, wrong interventions could potentiate injury risk and/or reduce or stall performance.

While it could be easily discovered in scientific studies aiming to understand the health parameters or improvements in performance, the relation between these two parameters remains underinvestigated.

This Special Issue aims to present scientific outcomes of well-controlled studies that show the efficacy of (or refute) strategies to enhance health and/or performance (e.g., hypoxia or hyperoxia, ischemic conditioning, myofascial release, compression garments, supplements, grounding, placebo interventions). Our proposal is to analyze different strategies to enhance performance and health and whether there are influence relationships between improved performance and reduced health.

Prof. Dr. Moacir Marocolo
Dr. Gustavo R Mota
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • exercise performance
  • exercise health
  • sports performance

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 3773 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Resistance Exercise on the Cardiorespiratory Tissue of Rats with Parkinson’s Disease
by Graziele Mayra Santos Moreira, Laila Cristina Moreira Damázio, Silvana Venâncio da Silva, Augusto Targino Silveira, Isabella Giordano Mesquita, Luana Aparecida de Sousa Silva, Luan Alves Pereira, Ana Clara Silva Costa, Ismael Augusto Lima Santos, Maria Eduarda Paiva Campos, Luna Sara Campos Vaz, Zenaide Alves Cardoso, José Victor Ribeiro Silva Gomes, Paulo Henrique Almeida Campos Júnior and Liliam Midori Ide
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042925 - 8 Feb 2023
Viewed by 2038
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects the cardiorespiratory system, causing an increase in the left ventricular mass in the heart and respiratory muscle weakness in relation to healthy individuals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive resistive physical exercise on [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects the cardiorespiratory system, causing an increase in the left ventricular mass in the heart and respiratory muscle weakness in relation to healthy individuals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive resistive physical exercise on the vertical ladder on the histomorphometry of cardiac tissue and respiratory muscles in rats with PD. Seventy male Wistar rats, aged 40 days old, were divided into Parkinson’s (PD) and Sham (SH) groups; they were also subdivided into groups that performed progressive resistive physical exercise on the vertical ladder Before Surgery (ExBS), After Surgery (ExAS), and Before and After Surgery (ExBAS). The physical training was carried out before and/or after PD induction. Exercise was performed five times a week for 25 min/day for four or eight weeks. PD induction was conducted via electrolytic stimulation of the Substantia nigra of the animals’ brains, adopting the following stereotaxic table coordinates: −4.9; lateral medium equal to 1.7, and dorsoventral equal to 8.1. For the morphometric analysis of the heart, the following variables were calculated: relative weight and diameter and thickness of the left ventricle. The diaphragm and the myocardial, intercostal, and abdominal muscles were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). The histomorphometric analysis was performed using the ImageJ software to assess the cross-sectional area of muscles and the number of muscle fibers. Progressive resistance exercise promoted the hypertrophy of respiratory muscles and the left ventricle in animals with PD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human Health)
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11 pages, 2327 KiB  
Article
Association between the Timing of Pre-Workout Macronutrient Intake and Rated Appetite among Resistance-Trained Adults in Jbeil, Lebanon
by Lea Nasr, Yonna Sacre, Randa Attieh and Haider Mannan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032399 - 29 Jan 2023
Viewed by 2285
Abstract
Macronutrients play an important role in appetite regulation. In addition, adequate nutrient and energy intake, which may be altered by exercise-induced appetite fluctuations, is required to ensure important training outcomes. However, findings regarding appetite responses to macronutrient consumption before training and to different [...] Read more.
Macronutrients play an important role in appetite regulation. In addition, adequate nutrient and energy intake, which may be altered by exercise-induced appetite fluctuations, is required to ensure important training outcomes. However, findings regarding appetite responses to macronutrient consumption before training and to different resistance training intensities remain inconclusive. This study investigated the association of three types of macronutrient intake before different intensities of resistance training with appetite. A purposive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 280 resistance-trained individuals (mean age 26.4 ± 5.8 years) representing five gyms located in Jbeil, Lebanon, and who completed an online questionnaire. Data collected included socio-demographics, nutritional strategies followed by each respondent, training characteristics, and appetite rating before, during and after exercise using a validated visual analogue scale (VAS). A short-term suppression of appetite was reported during resistance-training, with no significant difference in exercise intensities (p > 0.05). In addition, low-fiber carbohydrate and protein food/beverage content consumed 30–60 min before training had an advantage in appetite suppression. In summary, these findings suggest that resistance training combined with pre-workout consumption of a whole meal was associated with appetite suppression, at least during the short period of exercise. From the perspective of appetite control and energy balance, the critical factor is the quantity and quality of macronutrient food sources, in addition to the timing surrounding training of nutrients ingested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human Health)
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12 pages, 332 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Body Composition and Specific Motor Abilities According to Position in Elite Female Soccer Players
by Mima Stanković, Ilma Čaprić, Dušan Đorđević, Stefan Đorđević, Adem Preljević, Admira Koničanin, Džejla Maljanović, Hamza Nailović, Iso Muković, Igor Jelaska and Goran Sporiš
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021327 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2446
Abstract
Contemporary top-division soccer is characterized by high-intensity activity throughout the entire match, which also requires high levels of a wide range of the players’ functional and motor abilities. Furthermore, motor and functional requirements vary in relation to the players’ position on the pitch. [...] Read more.
Contemporary top-division soccer is characterized by high-intensity activity throughout the entire match, which also requires high levels of a wide range of the players’ functional and motor abilities. Furthermore, motor and functional requirements vary in relation to the players’ position on the pitch. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to determine any differences in body composition and specific motor abilities in relation to position. Twenty elite female soccer players (age: 20.90 ± 3.70 years; height: 166.95 ± 5.83 cm; weight: 58.97 ± 7.50 kg; training experience: 9.50 ± 4.11 years) were recruited for the purpose of this study. Based on their position within the team, the players were divided into three groups: defenders (N-7), midfielders (N-6), and forwards (N-7). The instruments used included the InBody770 (for body composition assessment), Optojump and Polar for the assessment of specific motor abilities. The results obtained indicate a strong link between the parameters body composition and specific motor abilities; however, the level of significance varies, as do the variables concerning specific motor abilities and body composition in relation to the players’ position on the pitch. In accordance with these results, coaches and others working in the soccer industry should be apprised of the necessity of a tailored approach when it comes to planning the development of specific motor abilities, as well of with the importance of balanced body composition as prerequisites for achieving top results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human Health)
9 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
Aerobic Capacity and Restitution Efficiency Level in Relation to the Training Experience and Weekly Training Volume of Male and Female Judo National Team Members in the Cadet Age Group (U18) during the Preparatory Period
by Adam Prokopczyk and Marek Sokołowski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191711142 - 5 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1897
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of aerobic capacity and post-exercise restitution during the preparation period, with training experience and weekly training volume. All (12) athletes (six women; six men) participating in the training camp of the Polish national [...] Read more.
This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of aerobic capacity and post-exercise restitution during the preparation period, with training experience and weekly training volume. All (12) athletes (six women; six men) participating in the training camp of the Polish national judo team in the cadet age group were tested. The Maximal Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test was used to investigate the level of aerobic capacity, and the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution (COR) 3 min after exercise (COR 3′) and 5 min after exercise (COR 5′) was used to determine the level of post-exercise restitution efficiency. The results showed that higher training experience significantly affected the deterioration of COR 3′ in female athletes and improved the results in the capacity test of male athletes. Female and male athletes with a higher weekly training volume had a higher HR at the end of the performance test. Considering the demonstrated correlations, special attention should be paid to matching the loads in training programs to the age of the athletes, introducing into training programs the teaching of body management during fatigue. Failing to adjust this may make participation impossible in competitions at the international level for older age groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human Health)

Review

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24 pages, 2595 KiB  
Review
Chronic Adaptations to Eccentric Cycling Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Renan Vieira Barreto, Leonardo Coelho Rabello de Lima, Fernando Klitzke Borszcz, Ricardo Dantas de Lucas and Benedito Sérgio Denadai
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042861 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3329
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of eccentric cycling (ECCCYC) training on performance, physiological, and morphological parameters in comparison to concentric cycling (CONCYC) training. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect. Studies comparing the effect of ECC [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of eccentric cycling (ECCCYC) training on performance, physiological, and morphological parameters in comparison to concentric cycling (CONCYC) training. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect. Studies comparing the effect of ECCCYC and CONCYC training regimens on performance, physiological, and/or morphological parameters were included. Bayesian multilevel meta-analysis models were used to estimate the population’s mean difference between chronic responses from ECCCYC and CONCYC training protocols. Group levels and meta-regression were used to evaluate the specific effects of subjects and study characteristics. Fourteen studies were included in this review. The meta-analyses showed that ECCCYC training was more effective in increasing knee extensor strength, vastus lateralis fiber cross-sectional area, and six-minute walking distance compared to CONCYC. Moreover, ECCCYC was as effective as CONCYC in decreasing body fat percentage. CONCYC was more effective in increasing V˙O2max and peak power output attained during concentric incremental tests. However, group-level analyses revealed that ECCCYC was more effective than CONCYC in improving V˙O2max in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. ECCCYC is a viable modality for exercise interventions aiming to improve parameters of muscle strength, hypertrophy, functional capacity, aerobic power, and body composition, with more advantages than CONCYC training in improving neuromuscular variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Strategies to Enhance Physical Performance and Human Health)
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