Came across a fascinating paper recently published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance titled “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Essential Papers in Sports and Exercise Physiology” (de Koning & Foster, 2024).

The authors gathered input from 52 experts in the field (including former ACSM presidents, journal editors, etc.) to compile a list of the 100 most essential publications that have shaped sports and exercise physiology. The goal was to highlight both foundational and modern literature that continues to inform practice and research today.

🔍 Method

• In phase 1, each expert nominated ~25 papers, with at least 25% published before 1973.
• In phase 2, 396 articles were reviewed and scored, resulting in a final list of 100 "must-reads" based on over 4,700 cumulative votes.

📊 Key Takeaways

• 37 papers were published more than 50 years ago and are still highly relevant today :O
• 63 papers from post-1973 to 2018 → more contemporary work that complements the classics
• The list spans core areas: VO₂ kinetics, periodization, tapering, lactate threshold, critical power, and more

💭 Why this matters for physios

• Great resource for building a deep foundational understanding, especially for those of us working in rehab, performance, or both
• Could be useful as a framework for guided reading or journal clubs
• Offers a longitudinal view of how key concepts (like fatigue, adaptation, recovery) have evolved over time

🧠 Discussion

• Anyone here already familiar with some of the articles on this list?
• Would it be helpful to break down the top 10 or 20 most-voted papers into themed discussion posts (e.g., training load, muscle physiology, return to sport)?

Keen to dig into any of these papers? Drop a comment and I’ll share the link here if you’re interested!

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Essential Papers in Sports and Exercise Physiology in: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Volume 19 Issue 8 (2024)