Journal of Applied Physiology

Scope & Guideline

Championing Excellence in Physiological Research.

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Applied Physiology information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of Applied Physiology, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN8750-7587
PublisherAMER PHYSIOLOGICAL SOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1948 to 1976, from 1985 to 2024
AbbreviationJ APPL PHYSIOL / J. Appl. Physiol.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address6120 Executive Blvd, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Applied Physiology focuses on the physiological responses to exercise and training across various populations, integrating both basic and applied research methodologies. It aims to enhance understanding of human physiology in relation to performance, health, and disease through cutting-edge research.
  1. Exercise Physiology and Performance:
    Research on the physiological adaptations to different forms of exercise, including strength, endurance, and high-intensity interval training. This includes studies on metabolic responses, muscle function, and cardiovascular adaptations.
  2. Health and Disease Management:
    Investigations into how exercise influences health markers and disease outcomes. This encompasses studies on chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and how physical activity can mitigate health risks.
  3. Neuromuscular Function and Fatigue:
    Exploration of the neural and muscular mechanisms underlying fatigue and performance, including studies on motor unit recruitment, muscle action potentials, and recovery strategies.
  4. Thermoregulation and Environmental Physiology:
    Research on how environmental factors (e.g., heat, altitude) affect physiological responses during exercise, including adaptations to heat acclimatization and the impact of hypoxia.
  5. Nutritional Interventions and Performance:
    Studies on the effects of dietary supplements, hydration strategies, and nutritional timing on exercise performance and recovery, including the role of macronutrients and micronutrients.
  6. Age and Sex Differences in Physiology:
    Research examining how aging and sex influence physiological responses to exercise, including differences in muscle function, cardiovascular adaptations, and recovery patterns.
Recent publications in the Journal of Applied Physiology reflect a dynamic shift toward emerging themes that highlight the complexity of human physiology in relation to exercise. This evolving focus underscores the journal's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and advancements in the field.
  1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
    There is a marked increase in research on HIIT, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health. Studies are exploring the physiological mechanisms behind HIIT adaptations and its application in various populations.
  2. Psychophysiological Responses to Exercise:
    An emerging trend is the investigation of how psychological factors, such as perceived exertion and mental fatigue, interact with physiological responses during exercise, highlighting the importance of the mind-body connection.
  3. Wearable Technology and Remote Monitoring:
    The integration of wearable technology in exercise physiology research is on the rise, with studies assessing its impact on monitoring training loads, recovery, and real-time physiological responses.
  4. Nutritional Strategies for Performance Enhancement:
    Research on the role of nutrition, including supplementation and dietary strategies, in enhancing exercise performance and recovery is becoming more prominent, reflecting a holistic approach to training.
  5. Climate and Environmental Physiology:
    There is an increasing focus on how environmental factors, such as heat and altitude, affect exercise performance and recovery, with implications for training and competition strategies.
  6. Muscle and Neuromuscular Function in Aging:
    Emerging studies are delving into the physiological adaptations of older adults to exercise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscle function and preventing frailty through targeted interventions.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Applied Physiology continues to explore a wide range of topics, certain themes appear to be receiving less emphasis in recent publications. This may reflect shifting priorities in research focus or advancements in the field that have rendered previous areas of interest less prominent.
  1. Traditional Endurance Training Studies:
    There seems to be a decline in studies focusing solely on traditional endurance training protocols, as newer methodologies such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) gain more attention for their efficiency and effectiveness.
  2. Basic Biochemical Mechanisms:
    Research that solely focuses on basic biochemical mechanisms without a clear application to exercise performance or health outcomes appears to be waning. The journal is increasingly favoring studies that translate basic science into practical applications.
  3. Static Stretching Effects:
    The exploration of static stretching on performance outcomes is decreasing, possibly due to the growing consensus that dynamic warm-ups and more functional movement patterns are more beneficial for performance.
  4. Overly Specialized Population Studies:
    There seems to be a reduction in studies that focus exclusively on very niche populations, such as elite athletes in specific sports, as the journal increasingly emphasizes broader applicability and relevance to general populations.

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