Innovative Research Award

The Innovative Research Award recognizes sustained scholarly contributions that advance evidence-based understanding in cardiovascular and health sciences. Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca, affiliated with the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, has developed an interdisciplinary research portfolio examining exercise physiology, cardiovascular responses, athlete well-being, and health promotion across diverse populations. Her publication record demonstrates engagement with clinically relevant topics at the intersection of cardiology, physical activity, and preventive medicine.[1]

Abstract

Fonseca’s research addresses the physiological and behavioral determinants of cardiovascular health, with particular emphasis on exercise responses, athlete health, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Her work integrates observational and applied methodologies to evaluate how physical activity, motivation, sleep, and substance use influence cardiovascular outcomes and performance indicators.[2]

Keywords

Cardiology; exercise physiology; cardiovascular medicine; athlete health; physical activity; preventive health; sleep quality; sports science.

Introduction

Contemporary cardiovascular research increasingly recognizes the importance of behavioral and environmental determinants of health. Fonseca’s investigations contribute to this perspective by examining how exercise intensity, perceived exertion, nutrition, and psychosocial variables affect cardiovascular adaptation and well-being across athletic and general populations.[3]

Research Profile

According to indexed author records, Fonseca has authored or co-authored 23 Scopus-indexed documents with 85 citations and an h-index of 5. Her scholarship spans cardiology, sports medicine, public health, and kinesiology, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular prevention and health promotion.[1]

Research Contributions

• Assessment of cardiovascular responses to exercise under varying behavioral conditions, including alcohol consumption.
• Investigation of sleep quality, motivation, and mental health among Paralympic athletes.
• Evaluation of caffeine-related effects on glycaemia and blood pressure in combat sports participants.
• Analysis of physical activity patterns and self-rated health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Publications

Selected publications include studies in Nutrients, Sports, Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, and O Mundo da Saúde. Notable recent works examine cardiovascular responses to exercise and alcohol interaction and predictive factors associated with athlete mental health during social isolation.[4]

Research Impact

The practical implications of Fonseca’s work extend to exercise prescription, athlete monitoring, and preventive cardiovascular care. By integrating physiological measures with behavioral indicators, her studies support more comprehensive approaches to health promotion and performance optimization.[5]

Award Suitability

Fonseca’s multidisciplinary output aligns with the objectives of the International Research Awards on Cardiology & Cardiovascular Medicine. Her emphasis on translational research, preventive health strategies, and evidence-informed interventions demonstrates relevance to current priorities in cardiovascular science and population health.[6]

Conclusion

Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca has established a coherent research agenda centered on exercise-related cardiovascular outcomes and health behavior. Her scholarly contributions provide meaningful insights for clinicians, researchers, and public health practitioners seeking to improve cardiovascular well-being through lifestyle-based interventions.

External Links

• ORCID Profile
• Scopus Author Profile
• Award Website

References

1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca, Author ID 57191525441. Scopus.
   https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57191525441
2. Fonseca, S. C. F., et al. (2026). Cardiovascular Response to Exercise with and Without Alcohol Consumption. Nutrients.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091407
3. Fonseca, S. C. F., et al. (2026). Predictive Factors of Mental Health in Athletes from the Paralympic Preparation Program During Social Isolation. Sports.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14040160
4. Fonseca, S. C. F., et al. (2025). Effects of caffeine on glycaemia and blood pressure in women practising Muay Thai. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.31459/turkjkin.1704368
5. Fonseca, S. C. F., et al. (2025). Physical activity practice and negative self-rated health among university students during COVID-19. O Mundo da Saúde.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.15343/0104-7809.202549e17082025I
6. Pencis. (n.d.). International Research Awards on Cardiology & Cardiovascular Medicine.
   cardiology-conferences.pencis.com