Exercise Science Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed for reviewing key concepts in Exercise Science, focusing on definitions, terminology, and important principles.

What is research?

A planned course of action designed to generate knowledge/information and expand understanding of a specific topic.

Hypothesis

An educated prediction about what is expected to happen in an experiment.

Null hypothesis (H0)

A statement suggesting there is no significant difference between groups or conditions being studied.

Experimental hypothesis

A statement indicating that a researcher manipulates independent variables while measuring effects on dependent variables.

Types of research

Includes applied, translational, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.

Experimental design

A structured approach for planning scientific experiments that includes descriptive, systemic reviews, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and more.

VO2 max

The maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense exercise, considered the gold standard for measuring aerobic fitness.

Muscle fiber types

Includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle fibers, each with distinct roles and characteristics.

Osteoporosis

A disease characterized by a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Cardiovascular system

Transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and drugs while removing waste products from the body.

Pulmonary system

Responsible for moving air into and out of the lungs and regulating acid-base balance.

Endocrine system

Regulates physiological functions and systems of the body, through hormones.

Exercise physiology

Study of the functional physiological responses and adaptations that occur during and after physical activity.

Acute responses

Body's immediate changes in response to a single bout of physical activity.

Chronic adaptations

Long-term changes in body systems resulting from repeated regular exercise.

Training specificity

Trains body systems that directly improve performance tasks through tailored exercises.

Overload principle

A training principle that states to enhance performance, the demands on the body must be progressively increased.

Reversibility

The concept that gains from training can be lost if training is stopped.

Hydration status

Refers to the body's fluid balance, which is crucial for optimal performance.

Ergogenic aids

Substances that enhance physical performance.

Clinical exercise physiology

Uses exercise to prevent or delay chronic disease and provides therapeutic benefits to those with disabilities.

Health screening

A pre-exercise assessment to determine an individual's health status before starting an exercise program.

Electromyography

A technique used to measure the electrical activity of muscles during contraction.

Concentric action

Muscle shortening while generating force, such as lifting a weight.

Eccentric action

Muscle lengthening while producing force, such as lowering a weight.

Isokinetic exercise

Muscle action performed at a constant speed through the range of motion.

Isometric exercise

The generation of muscular force without any movement of the joint.

Body composition assessment

Evaluates the proportions of fat and lean mass in the body.

Dietary recall

Method for tracking dietary intake over a specific period, typically over the past 24 hours.

Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA)

A method for estimating body composition by measuring the resistance of body tissues to electrical currents.

Functional capacity testing

Assessment of an individual's ability to perform physical tasks or activities.

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak)

An indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic performance.

Muscle biopsy

A procedure used to assess the type and metabolic characteristics of muscle fibers.

Hydrostatic weighing

Gold standard technique for measuring body fat percentage by water displacement method.

Skinfold calipers

An instrument used to measure subcutaneous fat at different body sites.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

A technique used to measure bone mineral density and body composition.

Physical activity recommendations

Guidelines for regular exercise to promote health and reduce disease risk.

Behavioral change theories

Frameworks that explain how individuals can progress through stages of change in health behaviors.

Self-efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Cognitive-behavioral strategies

Therapeutic approaches used to enhance motivation and adherence to exercise.

Transtheoretical model

Model that describes the process individuals go through to modify their behavior.

Attribution theory

Explains how individuals interpret causes of their successes and failures in sports and exercise.

Attention control

The ability to maintain focus on task-relevant cues while filtering out distractions.

Goal setting

Process of establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

Motor learning

The process of acquiring and refining motor skills through practice and experience.

Motor control

The study of how the brain and muscles work together to produce coordinated movements.

Qualitative analysis

Describes the quality of movement based on observable outcomes and biomechanics.

Quantitative analysis

Uses numerical data to assess physical performance and movement patterns.

Closed-loop control

System where feedback is used to adjust movements during performance.

Open-loop control

System that operates without feedback during execution; predetermined actions carried out.

Biomechanics

Study of the human body at rest and in motion applying principles of physics and engineering.

Kinematics

The study of motion patterns without regard to forces acting on the body.

Kinetics

The study of forces acting on the body that cause movement.

Clinical biomechanics

Focuses on improving movement and function in injured or disabled individuals.

Sport biomechanics

Application of mechanical principles to enhance sports performance and prevent injuries.

Motion analysis

Technique used to qualitatively or quantitatively assess human movement based on kinematic and kinetic data.

Ergonomics

The study of people's efficiency in their work environment, designed to improve comfort and reduce injury.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage.

Strength training

Physical activity designed to improve muscular strength and endurance.

Physical therapists

Licensed professionals who provide rehabilitation services to improve movement and manage pain.

Chiropractors

Healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.

Occupational therapists

Help individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities despite disabilities.

Dieticians/sports dietitians

Professionals who assess and advise on nutrition related to health and performance.

Exercise and sport psychologists

Professionals focused on enhancing athletic performance through psychological strategies.

Podiatrist

Medical professional specializing in foot and lower limb health.

Athletic trainers

Healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries.

Personal trainers

Fitness professionals who provide customized exercise programs and guidance.

Career opportunities in exercise science

Range from clinical roles to performance enhancement, including athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, and rehabilitation.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Fitness and wellness industry

Sector focused on promoting physical activity, healthy living, and disease prevention.

Resistance training

A form of exercise that improves muscle strength and endurance through resistance against a force.

Pharmacologic ergogenics

Use of drugs or supplements to enhance physical performance.

Anabolic environment

Physical condition that promotes muscle growth and recovery after exercise.

Biohacking

Intentional lifestyle changes to optimize body and mind functionality.