Cardiorespiratory Health Benefits from Physical Activity and Exercise

What are some physiological benefits of physical activity for cardiopulmonary health?

Lower resting heart rate, greater stroke volume, increased VO2max, increased ventilatory fatigue, increased arteriovenous oxygen difference, lower submaximal blood pressure, increased lactate threshold, improved autonomic nervous system functioning, improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, increased total energy expenditure, increase in oxidative and anaerobic enzymes, improved glucose homeostasis, reduced body fat, increased muscular strength, endurance, lower total and triglyceride cholesterol levels, increased HDL cholesterol.

What is the significance of increased VO2max?

Increased VO2max indicates improved aerobic capacity and overall cardiovascular fitness.

What does improved endothelial function contribute to?

Improved endothelial function contributes to better vascular health and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

How does physical activity affect body fat and waist girth?

Physical activity reduces body fat and waist girth.

What are behavioral benefits of exercise related to mental health?

Increased self-confidence, improved self-efficacy, decreased depression and anxiety, improved stress management, and better sleep patterns.

How does aging affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk?

Advancing age increases CVD risk due to changes in vascular health, such as vascular stiffening.

What is the relationship between sex and cardiovascular disease risk?

Men are at higher risk for CVD at a younger age, while women's risk increases significantly post-menopause.

What percentage of CVD risk variability can be attributed to genetics?

Genetics can account for 20 to 50% or more of variability in CVD risk.

Why do certain ethnicities have different rates of cardiovascular disease?

Some groups have higher rates of CVD due to factors including socioeconomic status and stress.

What effect does physical activity have on cholesterol levels?

Physical activity can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Define the term 'aerobic enzymes'.

Aerobic enzymes are proteins that facilitate the biochemical processes involved in energy production during aerobic exercise.

What is increased motor skill associated with physical activity?

Improved motor skills involve better coordination, which enhances physical performance.

How does oxidative stress relate to inflammation?

Reduced inflammation due to oxidative stress results from regular physical activity.

What is the result of improved glucose homeostasis?

Improved glucose homeostasis helps in better management of blood sugar levels, crucial for preventing diabetes.

What role does physical activity play in stress management?

Physical activity can improve stress management by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

How does exercise influence muscular strength?

Regular exercise leads to increased muscular strength through resistance training and muscle adaptation.

What is the lactate threshold?

The lactate threshold is the point during exercise at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the muscles.

What is the impact of physical activity on self-efficacy?

Physical activity can enhance self-efficacy, leading to increased confidence in one's ability to engage in exercise.

What changes occur to the autonomic nervous system with regular exercise?

Regular exercise improves the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, supporting a balanced response to stress.

What does it mean to improve proprioception?

Improving proprioception enhances the body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location, aiding coordination and balance.