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Open research questions in Exercise and Physiological Responses

213 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 853 Exercise and Physiological Responses papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The challenge of measuring PFAS levels in human serum. The need to control for dietary impact on glucose homeostasis. The challenge of recruiting sedentary females with low physical activity levels.

    High-intensity circuit training as a potential modulator of serum PFAS levels in women · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the effects of chronic exercise on PFAS levels, - Examine the relationship between PFAS profiles and metabolic markers, - Explore the impact of exercise on PFAS levels in different populations

    High-intensity circuit training as a potential modulator of serum PFAS levels in women · 2026 · DOI

  • The study was conducted in a rat model, - The sample size was limited to 32 rats, - The study did not investigate the long-term effects of the formulation, - The study did not compare the formulation to existing treatments for DOMS

    Evaluation of a four-herb Chinese medicine formula at different concentrations on muscle damage and inflammation in a rat model of DOMS · 2026 · DOI

  • Clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the formulation in humans, - Further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of action of the formulation, - The formulation could be tested in combination with other treatments for DOMS, - The long-term effects of the formulation should be investigated

    Evaluation of a four-herb Chinese medicine formula at different concentrations on muscle damage and inflammation in a rat model of DOMS · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies the challenge of limited evidence supporting the efficacy of percussive massage treatment compared to traditional methods. The study also identifies the challenge of determining the optimal duration and frequency of percussive massage treatment for improving recovery from DOMS.

    The effect of percussion massage therapy on the recovery of delayed onset muscle soreness in physically active young men—a randomized controlled trial · 2025 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of PMT on DOMS recovery in different populations, - Studies should be conducted to determine the optimal duration and frequency of PMT for DOMS recovery, - Research is needed to explore the mechanisms by which PMT affects DOMS recovery

    The effect of percussion massage therapy on the recovery of delayed onset muscle soreness in physically active young men—a randomized controlled trial · 2025 · DOI

  • Investigate the long-term effects of EEP supplementation. Explore the mechanisms of EEP's anti-fatigue effects in humans. Examine the effects of EEP on other types of fatigue.

    Ethanol extract of propolis relieves exercise-induced fatigue via modulating the metabolites and gut microbiota in mice · 2025 · DOI

  • The need for large-scale research clinical trials to validate causality and optimized delivery systems. The lack of population-specific guidelines to address herb-drug interactions. The need for further research on long-term safety data and inter-individual variability.

    Plant-based supplements in enhancing exercise performance and recovery · 2025 · DOI

  • Preoperative inspiratory strength training (IST) has been shown to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major cardiothoracic surgery, but whether these benefits extend to shorter procedures such as TJA, where hospital stays are already brief, remains unknown.

    Inspiratory Muscle Training Before Total Joint Arthroplasty to Improve Postoperative Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial · 2026 · DOI

  • While plasma-based proteomics has substantially advanced our understanding of exercise-associated molecular changes, the proteomic responses of mucosal biofluids, including tear fluid and nasal secretions, remain poorly characterized.

    Exploratory multi-biofluid proteomic profiling of acute exercise responses in plasma, tear fluid, and nasal secretions · 2026 · DOI

  • Chronic high-dose antioxidant use may attenuate adaptive signaling pathways, - The complexity of plant compositions necessitates comprehensive testing, - Limited long-term safety data, - Inter-individual variability is not well understood

    Plant-based supplements in enhancing exercise performance and recovery · 2025 · DOI

  • However, it remains unclear how athletes prioritize and allocate energy resources between immune system function and high-performance physical activity.

    A systems immunology approach to the immune system’s competition for energy with acute physical exercise in elite athletes 2904 · 2025 · DOI

  • However, the influence of microbial metabolites on skeletal muscle homeostasis under heat stress (HS) remains unclear.

    Sodium Butyrate Alleviates Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress and Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis Disruption by Promoting Autophagy in Mice · 2025 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on longer exposures of LEA and sex-specific comparisons (including the menstrual cycle) on LEA symptoms.

    Effects of Short-Term Low Energy Availability on Metabolism and Performance-Related Parameters in Physically Active Adults · 2025 · DOI

  • However, the efficacy of commercially available MIPS is largely dependent on the ingredient profile, and new formulations should be investigated to determine their effectiveness.

    A single dose multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement enhances upper body resistance exercise performance · 2024 · DOI

  • Physiological challenges posed by Ramadan fasting. Environmental stress, including heat and humidity. Limited access to structured monitoring and nutritional support for amateur athletes.

    Post-match changes in biomarkers and fatigue-related physical performance parameters in adult amateur soccer players: the effects of fasting · 2026 · DOI

  • This study has several limitations that should be acknowl- edged. First, the absence of a non-fasting control group limits the ability to isolate the specific effects of Ramadan fasting from seasonal or training-related influences. Sec- ond, the relatively small sample size restricts the gener- alizability of the findings beyond the studied population. In addition, the monitoring period was confined to Ramadan and the immediate post-fasting phase, which may have precluded the detection of delayed or cumu- lative physiological adaptations. The unique hot and arid climate of Illizi may also have amplified dehydra- tion-related responses, thereby limiting extrapolation of the results to athletes training in more temperate environments. Furthermore, muscle damage and inflammatory responses were assessed indirectly through biochemical markers such as creatine kinase and C-reactive protein, which do not fully capture neuromuscular, structural, or immune system dynamics during fasting. The test battery was also limited, as external load monitoring (e.g., GPS- based match-performance metrics) and direct neuro- muscular assessments were not included. Future research should therefore adopt multicenter designs with larger cohorts and, where feasible, include appropriate control groups. Extending monitoring beyond Ramadan would allow evaluation of delayed recovery or cumulative effects. The integration of micro- technology tools (e.g., GPS tracking), comprehensive strength and power assessments, and advanced diagnos- tic techniques (e.g., electromyography, tensiomyography, and ultrasound imaging) would provide a more complete characterization of muscle function, injury risk, and recovery during fasting. Moreover, future studies would benefit from expanded biomarker panels incorporating immunological, hor- monal, and neuroendocrine indicators (e.g., cortisol, serotonin, dopamine), as well as acid–base balance mark- ers (e.g., blood pH), to better elucidate the physiological and psychological mechanisms underlying fasting-related adaptations. Finally, examining older or master ath- lete populations, as well as athletes competing at differ- ent performance levels, may offer additional insight into long-term adaptive responses to Ramadan fasting.

    Post-match changes in biomarkers and fatigue-related physical performance parameters in adult amateur soccer players: the effects of fasting · 2026 · DOI

  • ME/CFS is a complex disorder with unclear etiology. The development of effective treatments for ME/CFS is challenging. The study of ME/CFS is hindered by the lack of a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

    Preventive Effects of Probiotic Formula on Metabolic Stress Associated Physical Fatigue in Forced Swimming and LPS-Induced Mouse Models · 2026 · DOI

  • The etiology of ME/CFS remains unclear. There is a lack of effective treatments for ME/CFS. The study aims to address the gap in knowledge by investigating the preventive effects of a probiotic formula on metabolic stress associated with physical fatigue.

    Preventive Effects of Probiotic Formula on Metabolic Stress Associated Physical Fatigue in Forced Swimming and LPS-Induced Mouse Models · 2026 · DOI

  • further studies on ultra-endurance competitions of exceptional duration, - investigation of the effects of ultra-endurance running on cognitive and sensory functions, - analysis of lipidomic profiles in ultramarathons in cold environments

    Oxy-Inflammatory Profile of Finishers and No-Finishers in an Extreme Ultra-Endurance Trail Race: The 866 km Transpyrénéa · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of data regarding competitions, misperceptions, and hallucinatory experiences in ultra-trailer and high-altitude runners. Very few data can be found regarding lipidomic analysis in ultramarathons in cold environments.

    Oxy-Inflammatory Profile of Finishers and No-Finishers in an Extreme Ultra-Endurance Trail Race: The 866 km Transpyrénéa · 2026 · DOI

  • Small sample size of 24 participants. Limited to moderately active individuals. No control over participants' diet and lifestyle outside of the study.

    Astragalus membranaceus Modulates Inflammatory Markers Without Enhancing Muscle Function Following Intensified Resistance Training · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigation of the effects of Astragali radix supplementation on muscle function and recovery in different populations. Examination of the effects of Astragali radix supplementation on other markers of inflammation and muscle damage. Development of optimized resistance training protocols that incorporate Astragali radix supplementation.

    Astragalus membranaceus Modulates Inflammatory Markers Without Enhancing Muscle Function Following Intensified Resistance Training · 2026 · DOI

  • Small sample size of 15 participants, - Limited to healthy recreationally active men, - No comparison to other types of exercise or physical activity, - Limited to a single dose of 210 mg of anthocyanins

    Acute Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Blackcurrant Extract on Individual Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses During Supine Rest and Moderate-Intensity Walking in Healthy Men · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the effects of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract on other types of exercise or physical activity, - Examine the effects of different doses of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract, - Study the effects of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract in other populations, such as athletes or individuals with cardiovascular disease

    Acute Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Blackcurrant Extract on Individual Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses During Supine Rest and Moderate-Intensity Walking in Healthy Men · 2026 · DOI

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213 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 853 Exercise and Physiological Responses papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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