Physiological Adaptations to Exercise

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to physiological adaptations to exercise, crucial for understanding how the body responds and adapts to physical activity.

VO2max

The maximal amount of oxygen delivered to the working tissues and utilized in aerobic metabolism.

Respiratory Response to Exercise

The adjustments in breathing rate and depth to meet the increased oxygen demands during exercise.

Cardiac output (Q)

The amount of blood pumped by the heart in one minute, calculated as heart rate (HR) times stroke volume (SV).

Minute Ventilation (VE)

The total amount of air inhaled or exhaled from the lungs per minute.

Fick equation

A formula used to calculate VO2max as the product of cardiac output (Q) and the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood (a-vO2 difference).

Tidal Volume (VT)

The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath.

a-v O2 difference

The difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood, reflecting how much oxygen is extracted by the tissues.

Ventilatory threshold (VT)

The point during exercise at which ventilation increases disproportionately to VO2.

Heart Rate (HR)

The number of heart beats per minute, which increases during exercise to meet oxygen demands.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat.

Adaptations to O2 transport

Physiological changes that occur in the body to improve delivery and utilization of oxygen during exercise.

Maximal oxygen uptake norms

Standards used to classify individuals' VO2max levels based on age and fitness.

Graded Exercise Test

An assessment used to evaluate aerobic fitness by progressively increasing exercise intensity.

Peripheral adaptations

Changes in muscle and blood flow in response to high-intensity training to enhance oxygen utilization.

Central adaptations

Changes in the cardiovascular system's efficiency and blood flow responses to exercise.

Detraining

The rapid decline in fitness levels following the cessation of a training program.