Key Concepts in Exercise Physiology

Flashcards about heart rate, oxygen uptake, haemoglobin level, stroke volume, cardiac output, muscle size, slow twitch fibres, fast twitch fibres, progressive overload, specificity, variety, aerobic thresholds, reversibility, warmup and cool down.

Resting heart rate

The number of times your heart beats per minute when you are not physically active.

Decreased resting heart rate

The heart works less due to improved efficiency of the cardiovascular system and stroke volume increases.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle during a contraction.

VO2max

The maximal amount of oxygen that muscles can absorb and utilise at a particular level of work.

Increased oxygen uptake and lung capacity

More oxygen delivered and used by muscles, enhancing ATP production.

Haemoglobin

The substance in blood that binds to O2 and transports it around the body.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Muscle hypertrophy

Muscle growth in size in response to resistance training.

Slow twitch fibre (red fibre)

Contract slowly and for long periods of time; recruited for endurance activities.

Increased capillary supply to slow twitch fibres

Enable more efficient energy production and leads to sustained prolonged activity.

Fast twitch fibres (white fibres)

Reach peak tension quickly and are recruited for power/explosive movements.

Progressive overload

The gradual increase of stress placed upon the body when an adaption occurs during exercise and training.

Specificity

Training that targets the specific muscles, energy system, and fitness components used in the sport or activity.

Variety

To ensure that the athlete is challenged and interest is maintained.

Aerobic thresholds

Are determined by work intensity, which is calculated by using your heart rate.

Reversibility

The process of losing fitness levels if training is stopped.

Warmup

Prepare the body physically and mentally for exercise by increasing blood flow, temperature, and flexibility.

Cooldown

Allows a gradual decrease in intensity & body temperature to return to pre-exercise state.