Applied Physiology and High-Performance Sport: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2022) | Viewed by 32732

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP, UK
Interests: sports science; exercise science; sport physiology; exercise performance; strength and conditioning; athletic performance; exercise testing; exercise physiology; resistance training

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Guest Editor
Sport & Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
Interests: sleep; recovery; sports performance; sports physiology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S10 2BP, UK
Interests: sports science; exercise science; sport physiology; exercise performance; strength and conditioning; athletic performance; exercise testing; exercise physiology; resistance training

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Interests: sports science; exercise science; sport physiology; exercise performance; strength and conditioning; athletic performance; exercise testing; exercise physiology; resistance training
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The physiology of sport and exercise is the study of how the body responds and adapts to exercise. Traditionally, scientific support programmes apply fundamental studies to change practice. In the last 20 years, our knowledge of high-performance sports physiology has improved considerably; however, practitioners still face challenges translating fundamental scientific concepts to applied practice, and vice versa, whereby applied practice influences basic research. Nevertheless, physiologists have solved specific challenges by creating novel frameworks, scientific methods, and innovative practices to enhance performance. This Special Issue aims to consolidate the knowledge, understanding, and experiences of applied physiologists working with high-performance athletes to form a platform for the next 20 years of applied physiological research and scientific support.

Therefore, the objectives of this Special Issue are to publish original research manuscripts and reviews that highlight challenges faced by applied physiologists in high-performance sport, propose solutions to specific physiological challenges in high-performance sport, and consider future directions to enhance the scientific support process from a physiological perspective.

Dr. Alan Ruddock
Prof. Dr. Matthew Driller
Dr. David Rogerson
Dr. Lachlan James
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • sports science
  • elite athletes
  • physiological testing
  • scientific support
  • physiology of exercise
  • integration

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 699 KiB  
Article
Effect of Post-Activation Potentiation on Sprint Performance after Combined Electromyostimulation and Back Squats
by Cengizhan Sari, Mitat Koz, Vaclav Salcman, Tomasz Gabrys and Raci Karayigit
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1481; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031481 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3586
Abstract
Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon which can improve force performance executed after a previous conditioning activity. PAP is usually evoked through heavy resistance, but many new methods are being suggested that acutely improve performance in post-activation potentiation protocols. The purpose of this [...] Read more.
Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon which can improve force performance executed after a previous conditioning activity. PAP is usually evoked through heavy resistance, but many new methods are being suggested that acutely improve performance in post-activation potentiation protocols. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of simultaneous application of Smith machine back squats (BS) with electromyostimulation (EMS) on sprint performance. Sixteen male (age = 22.9 ± 2.3 years, body mass = 79.9 ± 13.8 kg, BS one-repetition maximum (1 RM) = 120.5 ± 17.3) amateur football and rugby players volunteered for this study. Participants randomly performed PAP protocols (CON = no load, BS = 3 × 85% of 1 RM BS, EMS = 3 × weightless squat with electric current and BS + EMS = 3 × 85% 1 RM BS with electric current) on four different days with at least 48 h intervals. Participants rested passively for 7 min after preloads and performed the 30 m sprint test. Sprint times for 10 and 30 m were recorded for each condition. As a result, no significant difference was found in the 10 m (p = 0.13) and 30 m (p = 0.10) sprint performance between the preload protocols. The effect size was found to be trivial (ηp2: 0.13 for 10 m; ηp2: 0.11 for 30 m). In individual results, the 10 m sprint performance of five participants and 30 m sprint performance of two participants decreased in BS, EMS, or BS + EMS conditions compared with CON. No PAP effect in other participants was observed. In conclusion, preloads did not affect 10 m and 30 m sprint performance of football and rugby players. It can be said that the applied PAP protocols or physical exertion alone may cause fatigue in some individuals. Full article
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9 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Global Position Analysis during Official Elite Female Beach Volleyball Competition: A Pilot Study
by Paulo Vicente João, Alexandre Medeiros, Henrique Ortigão, Mike Lee and Maria Paula Mota
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9382; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11209382 - 09 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1787
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantify the physical demands of female beach volleyball competition with reference to player position, set, and match outcome. Twelve professional players were equipped with a 10 Hz GPS device (Minimax S4, Catapult Sports, Australia). Data collection [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to quantify the physical demands of female beach volleyball competition with reference to player position, set, and match outcome. Twelve professional players were equipped with a 10 Hz GPS device (Minimax S4, Catapult Sports, Australia). Data collection occurred over 30 official matches, with a total of 50 sets. GPS output variables were related to position (e.g., Defenders and Blockers). Differences between players’ positions were found in Peak Player Load, the distance covered at different intensities, and acceleration and deceleration. Variations during the match were more pronounced for Defenders than for Blockers, with the former increasing the intensity of acceleration and deceleration, and decreasing the velocity of displacements and lower jumps. For Blockers, main variations occurred between the first and second set, with a reduction in velocity displacements and an increase in the intensity of jumps. Defender variables that contributed to victory were high deceleration, velocity, acceleration, and Peak Player Load. The characteristics of Blockers that contributed to victory were maximum velocity and high jumps. Female beach volleyball players seem to have different physiological requirements according to their position. The analysis of these variations throughout the game suggests that a specific player’s position output may be determined by proper and/or opponent tactical schemes. Full article

Review

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14 pages, 634 KiB  
Review
High-Intensity Conditioning for Combat Athletes: Practical Recommendations
by Alan Ruddock, Lachlan James, Duncan French, David Rogerson, Matthew Driller and David Hembrough
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10658; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112210658 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6632
Abstract
Combat sports have been practiced for millennia and today are predominant sports at the Olympic games, with international organizations that host world, continental and national championships at amateur standard. There are also an increasing number of professional combat sports with global audiences. The [...] Read more.
Combat sports have been practiced for millennia and today are predominant sports at the Olympic games, with international organizations that host world, continental and national championships at amateur standard. There are also an increasing number of professional combat sports with global audiences. The growing popularity of professional combat sports and their importance at the Olympic games have led to an increase in scientific studies that characterize the physical, physiological, nutritional, biomechanical and training strategies of combat sports athletes. These studies characterize combat sports as high-intensity sports which require training strategies to develop the high-intensity capabilities of athletes. Therefore, the aim of this article is to (i) summarize the physiological demands of combat sports; (ii) present the primary considerations required to program high-intensity conditioning for athletes; (iii) define and present key high-intensity conditioning methods; and (iv) provide guidance for scientists and coaches to help prepare athletes under common but differing circumstances. Full article
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20 pages, 352 KiB  
Review
The Wingate Anaerobic Test, a Narrative Review of the Protocol Variables That Affect the Results Obtained
by Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167417 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 13777
Abstract
The Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT) has been widely used since its creation in 1974. The WAT involves performing a 30 s “all-out” cycling test. The test is currently applied with some modifications, partly due to the evolution of the material used to perform [...] Read more.
The Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT) has been widely used since its creation in 1974. The WAT involves performing a 30 s “all-out” cycling test. The test is currently applied with some modifications, partly due to the evolution of the material used to perform it. The purpose of this text is to act as a guide for the correct use and application of the test, as well as to highlight the importance of controlling many of the variables that may influence its results. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PUBMED/MEDLINE and Web of Science with different combinations of keywords all related to the WAT to obtain a search of 113 papers. Results and discussion: It was observed that variables such as the duration of the test or the resistance used in the cycle ergometer must be adjusted according to the objective and the population evaluated, while others such as the warm-up or the supplementation of different substances can improve performance on the WAT. Conclusions: In order to apply the WAT correctly, variables such as duration, resistance used or warm-up time and intensity must be adjusted according to the evaluated subjects and the aim of the study. Other variables such as position on the bike or equipment used should also be controlled if we want to guarantee its replicability. Full article

Other

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12 pages, 414 KiB  
Systematic Review
30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test: A Systematic Review of Studies, Examining the VO2max Estimation and Training Programming
by Mima Stanković, Marko Gušić, Siniša Nikolić, Valentin Barišić, Ivan Krakan, Goran Sporiš, Ivan Mikulić and Nebojša Trajković
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11792; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411792 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5513
Abstract
This study presents an overview of current scientific articles that address the reliability and validity of the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT) as an assessment of aerobic capacity, as well as its use in terms of training programming. The search for and [...] Read more.
This study presents an overview of current scientific articles that address the reliability and validity of the 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30–15 IFT) as an assessment of aerobic capacity, as well as its use in terms of training programming. The search for and analysis of papers was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A database search was performed through PubMed, PMC, Med Line, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect, as well as directly from the author who first presented the IFT 30–15. Type of study: research was included in this paper on condition that (i) the original scientific paper was available in its entirety; (ii) the IFT 30–15 was used to evaluate or verify validity and reliability; and (iii) the IFT 30–15 was used for the purpose of evaluation of training programming. Of the 213 relevant studies identified, 21 were included in the quantitative analysis. All research was conducted on a sample of athletes who are exclusively engaged in team sports. As for the use of the subject test when it comes to programming individualized intermittent training to strengthen aerobic capacity, it seems that the IFT 30–15 test is appropriate and extremely useful for team sports. Regarding the reliability of tests identified in the reviewed literature, all studies indicate that the 30–15 IFT is a reliable test for assessment of aerobic capacity. Full article
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