Strength and Conditioning Principles

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to strength and conditioning principles.

Power

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred; calculated as force times velocity.

Strength

Maximal ability to exert force.

Detraining

The loss of strength or fitness that occurs when a person stops training.

Concentric contraction

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle shortens while generating force, such as in the upward phase of a bicep curl.

Eccentric contraction

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle lengthens while generating force, such as in the downward phase of a bicep curl.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Muscle pain and stiffness following unaccustomed exercise, often related to eccentric contractions.

Isotonics

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle shortens or lengthens while maintaining constant tension.

Isokinetics

A type of muscle contraction where the speed remains constant while the resistance varies.

Isometrics

A type of muscle contraction where there is no change in muscle length, such as holding a plank.

Macrocycle

A long-term training cycle that typically lasts about one year.

Mesocycle

A shorter training phase within a macrocycle, often aimed at specific goals.

Microcycle

The smallest training unit in periodization, often lasting about one week.

Plyometrics

Exercises that involve rapid stretching of muscles followed by quick contraction, exploiting the stretch reflex.

Neuromuscular adaptations

Changes in the nervous system that improve strength and athletic performance, especially in the early stages of resistance training.

Golgi tendon organ (GTO)

A proprioceptor that helps regulate muscle force to prevent injury.

Transient hypertrophy

Temporary increase in muscle size due to increased blood flow during workouts.

Chronic hypertrophy

Long-term increase in muscle size due to an increase in contractile proteins.

Rhabdomyolysis

A serious condition caused by muscle damage leading to the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream.

Heat exhaustion

A heat-related illness characterized by fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, typically with a core temperature below 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat stroke

A severe heat-related illness where the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and the body is no longer able to cool itself.

Cardiovascular drift

A gradual increase in heart rate during steady-state exercise due to decreased blood volume from sweating.

Fick equation

An equation that describes the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO2), cardiac output, and arteriovenous oxygen difference.

Overtraining syndrome

A condition resulting from excessive training leading to decreased performance, mood disturbance, and physiological changes.

Microgravity effects

The loss of muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function experienced in zero-gravity environments.