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Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition
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Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Physiologia (ISSN 2673-9488). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6598

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Michael Koutsilieris

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: molecular endocrinology; endocrine oncology; exercise physiology; molecular physiology; medical education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anastassios Philippou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology; exercise physiology; clinical exercise physiology; molecular exercise physiology; mechanotransduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that most people in industrialized societies are engaged in far less physical activity than the human body requires. Regular exercise puts physical and metabolic stress on the body, increases the amount of energy that it burns while exercising, boosts the resting energy expenditure and affects more physiological systems than any other everyday activity.

In particular, the biochemistry of exercise is not only a primary concern of athletes and exercise physiologists, but also has important implications for those who engage in moderate exercise only, as well as sedentary individuals. Exercise also has profound beneficial effects on the biochemistry of people with diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders, while the recent COVID-19 outbreak has revealed that exercise and physical activity provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease and comorbidities such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases, that belong to the most important factors affecting mortality after SARS-CoV2 infection.

Herein, we set up a Special Issue to incorporate papers focusing on exercise physiology and biochemistry, i.e., the study of acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise. It will include, but is not limited to, the following topics: physical or motor activity and biomechanics, exercise training, exercise metabolism, thermoregulation, systemic physiological responses (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, etc.), and clinical exercise physiology and biochemistry.

This Special Issue aims to present advances and new insights into the molecular, cellular and systemic mechanisms that mediate acute and adaptive responses to exercise in health and disease.

Prof. Dr. Michael Koutsilieris
Dr. Anastassios Philippou
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. Physiologia is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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 physiology
  • exercise biochemistry
  • exercise metabolism
  • clinical exercise physiology
  • strength training
  • aerobic exercise
  • high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • skeletal muscle physiology

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Plyometric and Resistance Training: A Dual Approach to Enhance Physical Fitness in 12–15-Year-Old Girls
by Tanja Petrušič
Physiologia 2024, 4(4), 373-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4040023 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week combined plyometric and resistance training program on the physical fitness (PF) of adolescent girls aged 12 to 15 years. The objective was to determine whether combined training (CT) would yield greater improvements [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week combined plyometric and resistance training program on the physical fitness (PF) of adolescent girls aged 12 to 15 years. The objective was to determine whether combined training (CT) would yield greater improvements in performance measures compared to resistance training (RT) alone. Methods: Forty-seven adolescent girls were randomly assigned to either the CT group or the RT group. Performance measures such as the 20 m sprint, squat jump, vertical jump, handgrip strength, and flexibility (sit and reach test) were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention. Changes in these measures were analyzed to compare the effects of the two training approaches. Results: The CT group showed a significant reduction in sprint time (−6.5%) compared to the RT group (−4.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Squat jump height improved significantly by 5.6% in the CT group compared to 1.1% in the RT group (p < 0.05). Similarly, vertical jump height increased by 6.7% in the CT group and by 2.4% in the RT group (p < 0.05). Handgrip strength improved by 7.5% in the CT group and 4.6% in the RT group, with no significant differences between the groups. Flexibility showed slight, non-significant improvements in both groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a combined plyometric and RT program is more effective in enhancing explosive power, specifically squat and vertical jump performance, in adolescent girls compared to RT alone. These results highlight the potential of CT programs for improving overall physical performance in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
10 pages, 519 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Post-Exercise Warm Water Immersion on Anaerobic Power Performance in College Students
by Chloe E. Newlands, Michele Aquino, Kevin Z. Young, Soniya T. Gupta, John Petrizzo, John W. Wygand and Robert M. Otto
Physiologia 2024, 4(4), 363-372; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4040022 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a short-term passive post-exercise heat acclimation (HA) protocol on anaerobic performance in college students. Methods: In total, 28 participants (age 22.3 ± 2.1 years, height 168 ± 9.1 cm, mass 71.5 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a short-term passive post-exercise heat acclimation (HA) protocol on anaerobic performance in college students. Methods: In total, 28 participants (age 22.3 ± 2.1 years, height 168 ± 9.1 cm, mass 71.5 ± 16.6 kg) volunteered and were randomly divided into either an intervention (INT) or control (CON) group. Both groups followed a consecutive two-day protocol, consisting of a 25 min submaximal cycle @ 50–60% heart rate reserve (HRR), followed by a 25 min hot water immersion (INT) or nothing (CON). All participants performed a 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on four separate occasions—familiarization, pre-intervention, acutely post-intervention, and 24 h post intervention. The WAnT measured their peak power (W), relative peak power (W/kg), mean power (W), fatigue index (%), and total work (kJ). Results: From the results of the Factorial ANOVA, it was found that there were no significant differences, with no main effect for group (INT vs. CON) or time (Trials 1–4) and no significant interaction across all measured variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A two-day post-exercise passive HA protocol utilizing hot water immersion had no significant effect on the measurement of anaerobic performance in college students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1521 KiB  
Article
Physiological Key Determinants of Elite Open-Water Swimmers
by Robin Pla, Yannis Raineteau, Xavier Barbier and Anaël Aubry
Physiologia 2024, 4(3), 305-316; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4030018 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 957
Abstract
This study describes the relationships between different physiological measurements and combinations of critical velocity and performance in elite open-water swimmers. A total of 15 international male open-water swimmers performed a 5 × 200 m front crawl incremental test to estimate maximal aerobic speed [...] Read more.
This study describes the relationships between different physiological measurements and combinations of critical velocity and performance in elite open-water swimmers. A total of 15 international male open-water swimmers performed a 5 × 200 m front crawl incremental test to estimate maximal aerobic speed (MAS), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the first lactate threshold (VLT1), the second lactate threshold (VLT2), the speed corresponding to 2 mmol/L (V2mmol/L) and to 4 mmol/L (V4mmol/L), and the lactate threshold (VDmax). A 10 km pool trial was also performed to assess swimming performance. Official competition performances in 200, 400, 800, and 1500 m events were collected and were also used to calculate critical velocity (CV) with various combinations of distances. Personal best performances in 1500 m events were 941.76 ± 20.28 s. For the 10 km trial, performance was strongly correlated to VLT1 and moderately to V2mmol/L (r = 0.73 and 0.67, respectively). For the 400, 800, and 1500 m events, strong correlations were observed for V2mmol/L and V4mmol/L. Moderate correlations with these events were also observed for VLT1 and for VDmax (400 and 800 m only). For long-distance swimmers, assessment with a fixed blood lactate value seems to be a good option to estimate swimming performance in distance events. In addition, 10 km performance seems to be more related to the aerobic threshold than the anaerobic threshold. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Blood Flow Characteristics in Young Healthy Males between High-Intensity Interval and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise
by Brett R. Baughman and Brandon J. Sawyer
Physiologia 2024, 4(3), 253-265; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4030015 - 18 Jul 2024
Viewed by 865
Abstract
Researchers have hypothesized that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MOD) lead to different patterns of shear stress in the brachial artery. These differing patterns of shear stress are thought to partially explain the differing chronic adaptations to these two types [...] Read more.
Researchers have hypothesized that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MOD) lead to different patterns of shear stress in the brachial artery. These differing patterns of shear stress are thought to partially explain the differing chronic adaptations to these two types of exercise. No study has directly compared blood flow characteristics during HIIE and MOD. Sixteen healthy males (Age: 23 ± 3 years) completed two randomly assigned exercise visits: HIIE (10 × 1 min intervals at 90–95% of HRmax with 1 min of recovery between) or MOD (30 min at 70% of HRmax) on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Brachial artery blood flow velocity and diameter were measured for a total of 12 min during each of the exercise sessions. Both anterograde blood flow (MOD: 191.3 ± 80.3 mL/min, HIIE: 153.9 ± 67.5 mL/min, p = 0.03) and shear rate (MOD: 203.5 ± 78.1 s−1, HIIE: 170.8 ± 55.5 s−1, p = 0.04) were higher during MOD compared to HIIE. Both retrograde blood flow (MOD: −48.7 ± 21.3 mL/min, HIIE: −63.9 ± 23.3 cm/s, p < 0.01) and shear rate (MOD: −51.5 ± 19.8 s−1, HIIE: −73.8 ± 28.4 s−1, p < 0.01) were of greater magnitude during HIIE compared to MOD. During exercise, brachial artery diameter (p = 0.34) did not differ between HIIE and MOD. Continuous moderate cycling exercise leads to higher brachial artery anterograde shear rate and blood flow, but lower retrograde shear rate and blood flow when compared to high-intensity interval exercise. These differences during exercise in blood flow characteristics could shed light on the differing chronic adaptations to these two types of exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Citrulline Malate Fails to Improve Repeated 300 m Swimming Times in Highly Trained Swimmers
by Josh W. Newbury, Matthew Cole, Stephen J. Bailey, Adam L. Kelly and Lewis A. Gough
Physiologia 2024, 4(2), 243-252; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4020014 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Citrulline malate (CM) has been touted as a nutritional ergogenic aid for sports performance, with purported mechanisms of increased muscle blood flow, ammonia clearance, and adenosine triphosphate resynthesis. Combined, these physiological benefits may be best applied to whole-body endurance exercises, such as swimming, [...] Read more.
Citrulline malate (CM) has been touted as a nutritional ergogenic aid for sports performance, with purported mechanisms of increased muscle blood flow, ammonia clearance, and adenosine triphosphate resynthesis. Combined, these physiological benefits may be best applied to whole-body endurance exercises, such as swimming, though this postulate has not yet been explored. In a double-blind, randomised, and crossover design, 11 national-level swimmers (age: 17 ± 3 years, height: 1.71 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 60.6 ± 8.3 kg) from a high-performance swimming club ingested either 15 g CM or a placebo (PLA) 60 min before six × 300 m freestyle bouts (at 4.5 min intervals). Blood lactate, blood pressure, and ratings of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, 60 min post-ingestion, and immediately post-exercise. Neither mean 300 m swimming time (CM: 212.0 ± 9.6 vs. PLA: 212.8 ± 7.7 s, p = 0.683, g = 0.09) nor any individual swimming bouts (p = 0.679, Pŋ2 = 0.02) were improved with CM ingestion. Moreover, no differences in any physiological or subjective measures were identified between conditions (all p > 0.05). Whether the proposed CM mechanisms were active was unclear as more direct physiological measures (i.e., plasma NO, ammonia) may have been required. Resultantly, these observations do not support an ergogenic effect of acute CM ingestion in highly trained swimmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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12 pages, 579 KiB  
Review
The Role of Exogenous Ketones in Road Cycling: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Performance Claims
by Sebastian Sitko
Physiologia 2024, 4(4), 433-444; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4040029 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 348
Abstract
Background: Ketone body supplementation has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid in cycling. Exogenous ketones, primarily in the form of beta-hydroxybutyrate, offer an alternative fuel source, bypassing the need for strict ketogenic diets. However, the science surrounding their efficacy remains complex, with [...] Read more.
Background: Ketone body supplementation has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid in cycling. Exogenous ketones, primarily in the form of beta-hydroxybutyrate, offer an alternative fuel source, bypassing the need for strict ketogenic diets. However, the science surrounding their efficacy remains complex, with mixed field findings and unexplored mechanisms. Methods: A narrative review of the current literature was conducted, synthesizing studies on the metabolic and cognitive effects of ketone bodies in cycling. The review included an examination of human and mechanistic studies, along with emerging hypotheses on ketone bodies and their role in modulating red blood cell production and recovery processes. Results: Ketone body supplementation can theoretically spare glycogen, reduce muscle protein breakdown, enhance fat oxidation, and improve recovery by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, ketone bodies may support cognitive function, reducing perceived mental fatigue. Preliminary evidence also suggests a potential role in modulating erythropoietin levels through histone acetylation, though further research is needed to establish its impact on oxygen delivery. Despite the theoretical potential, the practical assessment of field studies shows disappointing effects on performance from ketone body supplementation. Conclusions: While ketone bodies offer several potential benefits for cyclists, the variability in individual responses, lack of long-term data, and inconsistent findings in performance studies highlight the need for further research. Optimizing dosage, timing, and understanding the broader implications of ketone body supplementation will be crucial for their practical application in cycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 281 KiB  
Review
Physiology of Marathon: A Narrative Review of Runners’ Profile and Predictors of Performance
by Pantelis T. Nikolaidis and Beat Knechtle
Physiologia 2024, 4(3), 317-326; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4030019 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1329
Abstract
Marathon sports events and those who participate in them have grown over the last years, reflecting notably an augmentation of women and master runners’ participation. The aim of the present narrative review was to briefly present the results of studies on anthropometric, physiological, [...] Read more.
Marathon sports events and those who participate in them have grown over the last years, reflecting notably an augmentation of women and master runners’ participation. The aim of the present narrative review was to briefly present the results of studies on anthropometric, physiological, and training characteristics, as well as predictors of performance, in marathon runners. It was observed that performance was better in runners with a small body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and rate of endomorphy. Regarding physiology, an increased maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, and improved running economy could result in a faster race time. The training variables that could predict performance involved weekly training volume (distance) and intensity (running speed), as well as history of training (years). A combination of these three broad categories of characteristics may offer an approximate estimation of the race speed considering that other aspects (e.g., nutrition, biomechanics, and motivation) influence race performance, too. In summary, the findings of the present study provided an overview of the anthropometric, physiological, and training characteristics associated with marathon race times; thus, optimization of any of these characteristics would be expected to improve the race time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)

Other

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10 pages, 2005 KiB  
Systematic Review
Impact of High-Intensity Exercise on BDNF Levels and Its Implications in High-Performance Sport
by Fernando Moreno-Infantes, Gema Díaz-Quesada, Krizia Radesca-Fabiano, Guilermo Muñoz-Andradas and Diego Domínguez-Balmaseda
Physiologia 2024, 4(4), 414-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4040027 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 236
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial protein in the development of the cognitive system. It regulates the growth of neurons and glial cells, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. Background/Objectives: It has been suggested that high-intensity exercise could modulate the mechanisms of BDNF [...] Read more.
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial protein in the development of the cognitive system. It regulates the growth of neurons and glial cells, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. Background/Objectives: It has been suggested that high-intensity exercise could modulate the mechanisms of BDNF release, with potentially significant implications in the professional sports world. However, this is not yet fully proven, and the underlying physiological alterations are unknown. Methods: This paper reviews the current scientific literature to clarify the uncertainties about how high-intensity physical exercise influences BDNF release and its relationship with high-performance sports. Results: Strenuous exercise appears to increase BDNF synthesis through the action of lactate and the PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway. Additionally, cognitive function has been described as an element to consider for maximizing sports performance. Conclusions: In this regard, this review provides a solid starting point for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms that promote BDNF expression mediated by exercise, as well as for seeking a direct correlation between the role of cognitive development and athletic performance in high-performance athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry: 2nd Edition)
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