Key terms: norsk

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions in the body.

Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

A process of generating ATP by transferring a phosphate group from a substrate directly to ADP.

Oxidation & Reduction

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation refers to loss and reduction refers to gain of electrons.

NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

A coenzyme that plays a crucial role in redox reactions and energy metabolism.

FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide)

A coenzyme involved in redox reactions, similar to NAD, and important for energy production.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, where ATP production occurs through aerobic respiration.

Coenzyme

A non-protein compound that is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes in the mitochondria that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a proton gradient for ATP synthesis.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process of ATP production that occurs in the mitochondria, driven by the electron transport chain and the proton gradient.

Beta-oxidation

The metabolic process of breaking down fatty acids to generate acetyl-CoA for energy production.

Immediate Energy System

The energy system that provides ATP quickly for short bursts of activity, primarily using stored ATP and creatine phosphate.

Short-term Energy System

The energy system that generates ATP through anaerobic glycolysis for activities lasting from about 10 seconds to 2 minutes.

Long-term Energy System

The energy system that relies on aerobic metabolism to produce ATP for prolonged activities lasting longer than 2 minutes.

Energy Spectrum of Exercise

The range of energy systems utilized during different intensities and durations of physical activity.

Work (W)

The amount of energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance.

Power (P)

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, often measured in watts.

Oxygen Deficit

The difference between the oxygen required for a given exercise intensity and the actual oxygen consumption at the onset of exercise.

Supramaximal Exercise

Exercise performed at intensities above the maximal aerobic capacity, often leading to rapid fatigue.

Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)

The increased rate of oxygen intake following strenuous activity to restore the body to its resting state.

Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS)

The exercise intensity at which lactate production equals lactate clearance, allowing for sustained performance.

Lactate Thresholds

The exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood, indicating a shift to anaerobic metabolism.

Direct Calorimetry

A method of measuring energy expenditure by assessing heat production in a controlled environment.

Indirect Calorimetry

A method of estimating energy expenditure by measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

Spirometry

A technique used to measure lung function and respiratory volumes.

Fick equation

A formula that relates oxygen consumption to cardiac output and the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood.

Oxygen Consumption (VO2)

The amount of oxygen used by the body during physical activity, an indicator of aerobic fitness.

Carbon Dioxide Production (VCO2)

The amount of carbon dioxide produced by the body during metabolism, often measured alongside VO2.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max)

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during intense exercise, reflecting aerobic capacity.

Respiratory Quotient (RQ)

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed, used to determine substrate utilization.

Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed at the level of the lungs, similar to RQ but measured during exercise.

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

The rate of energy expenditure at rest, reflecting the energy required for basic physiological functions.

Caloric Cost

The amount of energy expended during physical activity, often expressed in calories.

Metabolic Equivalent (MET)

A unit that estimates the amount of oxygen used by the body during physical activity, with 1 MET equal to the resting metabolic rate.

Economy of movement

The efficiency with which a person uses energy during physical activity, often related to technique and biomechanics.

Efficiency of movement

The ratio of useful work output to the total energy expended during movement, indicating how effectively energy is used.