Current understanding of physiological characteristics of different populations and responses to environmental stress and exercise is primarily derived from research using male participants. Therefore, the physiological responses to exercise testing, prescription, and training in females should be further characterized and explored, as does knowledge on female-specific health and recovery from exercise. Additional female-focused research is thus required to develop and enhance our understanding of women’s exercise physiology.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide greater breadth and depth of knowledge regarding female exercise physiology and therefore contribute to central underpinnings that enhance the physical performance, optimize recovery, and improve the health of females. To achieve this goal, this current Research Topic will spotlight research that focuses on female participants and provide insight into female-specific physiological responses and mechanisms related to physical exercise, such as the hormonal fluctuations arising from the menstrual cycle.
The following topics can be addressed in the form of original work, review articles, meta-analyses, and opinion pieces, dealing with both athletes and recreationally trained females:
• Acute and/or chronic physiological and recovery responses to different types of physical exercise during the menstrual cycle phases
• Long-term physiological, performance, and training development of female athletes
• Health and/or low energy availability among physically active women
• Menstrual cycle dysfunction disorders and fertility issues of physically active women
• Prevalence, side-effects, and influence of hormonal contraceptive use on adaptations to exercise training in physically active women
• New technologies for measuring and tracking the menstrual cycle, health, performance and recovery in physically active women
• Specific applications on performance analysis in female sports
• Guidelines/guidance on best practices for testing female athletes.
Current understanding of physiological characteristics of different populations and responses to environmental stress and exercise is primarily derived from research using male participants. Therefore, the physiological responses to exercise testing, prescription, and training in females should be further characterized and explored, as does knowledge on female-specific health and recovery from exercise. Additional female-focused research is thus required to develop and enhance our understanding of women’s exercise physiology.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide greater breadth and depth of knowledge regarding female exercise physiology and therefore contribute to central underpinnings that enhance the physical performance, optimize recovery, and improve the health of females. To achieve this goal, this current Research Topic will spotlight research that focuses on female participants and provide insight into female-specific physiological responses and mechanisms related to physical exercise, such as the hormonal fluctuations arising from the menstrual cycle.
The following topics can be addressed in the form of original work, review articles, meta-analyses, and opinion pieces, dealing with both athletes and recreationally trained females:
• Acute and/or chronic physiological and recovery responses to different types of physical exercise during the menstrual cycle phases
• Long-term physiological, performance, and training development of female athletes
• Health and/or low energy availability among physically active women
• Menstrual cycle dysfunction disorders and fertility issues of physically active women
• Prevalence, side-effects, and influence of hormonal contraceptive use on adaptations to exercise training in physically active women
• New technologies for measuring and tracking the menstrual cycle, health, performance and recovery in physically active women
• Specific applications on performance analysis in female sports
• Guidelines/guidance on best practices for testing female athletes.