Human Movement & Exercise Science Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy, kinesiology, training principles, and injury terms from the lecture notes.

Longitudinal System

Subsystem of the human movement system; muscles run parallel to the spine (e.g., erector spinae) to stabilize and move the trunk.

Torque

Rotational force at a joint, calculated as force multiplied by the distance from the axis of rotation.

Sprain

Ligament injury caused by overstretching or tearing of tissue connecting bone to bone.

Duodenum of Small Intestine

First section of the small intestine where partially digested food mixes with enzymes and bile for nutrient breakdown.

Concentric (Muscle Action)

Muscle shortens while producing force, e.g., lifting phase of a biceps curl.

Knee Varus

Bow-leg alignment in which knees angle outward away from the body’s midline.

Knee Valgus

Inward collapse of the knees toward the midline.

Lower Crossed Syndrome (NASM)

Postural distortion marked by anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis; overactive hip flexors/lumbar extensors, underactive gluteus maximus/abdominals.

Upper Crossed Syndrome (NASM)

Posture with forward head and rounded shoulders; overactive upper traps, levator scapulae, pectorals; underactive deep cervical flexors, lower traps, serratus anterior.

Bracing

Simultaneous contraction of abdominals, low-back muscles, and glutes to stabilize the trunk during movement.

SMR (Self-Myofascial Release)

Self-massage technique such as foam rolling used to reduce fascial and muscular tension.

Mechanical Specificity

Matching movement type and load to the desired training adaptation (e.g., heavy load for strength, light load for endurance).

Tubing

Elastic resistance bands or tubes utilized for strength training exercises.

Subscapularis

Rotator cuff muscle on the underside of the scapula responsible for internal rotation of the humerus.

Autogenic Inhibition

Relaxation of a muscle due to activation of its Golgi tendon organ under high tension.

Reciprocal Inhibition

Relaxation of a muscle that occurs when its antagonist contracts.

Eccentric Phase

Portion of a movement in which the muscle lengthens under tension, e.g., lowering a weight.

Concentric Phase

Portion of a movement in which the muscle shortens under tension, e.g., lifting a weight.

Sternocleidomastoid

Neck muscle responsible for head rotation and flexion.

Backside Mechanics

Sprint technique alignment of the rear leg: ankle plantarflexion, knee extension, hip extension, neutral pelvis.

Frontside Mechanics

Sprint technique alignment of the lead leg: ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, hip flexion, neutral pelvis.

Osteoporosis

Condition in which bones become brittle and fragile due to loss of bone tissue.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Measure of mineral content per volume of bone; indicator of bone strength.

Proprioceptive

Pertaining to the body’s ability to sense movement, position, and balance.

Undulating (Periodization)

Training model that frequently varies volume and intensity, often daily or weekly.

Hypertensive

Having high blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg.

Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) System

Circuit style alternating upper- and lower-body exercises to improve circulation and cardiorespiratory efficiency.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Narrowing of peripheral arteries, commonly in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow and pain.

Dynamic Stretching

Controlled, movement-based stretching performed before exercise to prepare the body.

Static Stretching

Holding a stretch for 20–30 seconds to improve flexibility.

SAID Principle

Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands; the body adapts specifically to the stresses it experiences.

Overtraining Syndrome

State of chronic fatigue, performance decline, and mood disturbance from excessive training without adequate recovery.

DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

Muscle soreness peaking 24–72 hours after unfamiliar or intense exercise.

Motor Learning

Process of enhancing motor skills through practice and feedback.

Altered Reciprocal Inhibition

Reduced neural drive to a muscle’s antagonist caused by tightness in the opposing muscle.