Advances in exercise physiology and pathophysiology

Over the past two decades, technology and innovation have advanced the field of sport and exercise physiology. Noninvasive imaging techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, MRI, impedance cardiography and optoelectronic plethysmography have deepened our understanding of exercise physiology, benefiting athletic populations to optimise performance and recovery, as well as clinical populations to understand mechanisms of limitation and develop novel therapeutic targets. The rapid acceleration in wearable technology development has enhanced the ability to monitor a range of human physiological parameters in a continuous, real-time and nonintrusive manner across health and disease. Wearable technology aids athletes in monitoring training load and recovery to enhance performance, supports health management in the general population, and offers personalised medicine opportunities for those with long-term conditions including chronic respiratory disease. Despite this, extensive clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the validity, reliability and clinical relevance of digital biomarkers in chronic respiratory disease for regulatory and clinical endorsement.