Introduction to Exercise Physiology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential terminology from the lecture on Exercise Physiology.

Physiology

The study of the functions of cells, tissues, organs, and body systems.

Exercise Physiology

The study of how exercise influences the functions of cells, tissues, organs, and systems, including the impact of environmental factors and specific populations.

Physical Activity (PA)

Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle contraction that substantially increases caloric expenditure above resting levels.

Exercise

Planned, structured, and repetitive physical activity performed to improve or maintain physical fitness.

Physical Fitness

A set of attributes related to the ability to perform physical activity and daily tasks.

Cardiorespiratory Endurance

The ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity.

Body Composition

The relative proportions of muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues in the body.

Muscular Strength

The ability of a muscle or muscle group to exert force.

Muscular Endurance

The ability of a muscle or muscle group to continue to perform without fatigue.

Flexibility

The range of motion available at a joint.

Agility

The ability to change body position rapidly with speed and accuracy.

Coordination

The ability to perform smooth, accurate, and purposeful movements.

Balance

The maintenance of equilibrium while stationary or moving.

Power

The rate of performing work; a combination of strength and speed.

Reaction Time

The time elapsed between stimulus presentation and the initiation of a movement response.

Health-Related Components of Fitness

Cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.

Skill-Related Components of Fitness

Agility, coordination, balance, power, reaction time, and speed.

ACSM

American College of Sports Medicine; provides evidence-based physical activity guidelines.

Dose-Response Relationship (PA)

The correlation in which greater amounts of physical activity generally yield greater health benefits, up to a point.

Moderate-Intensity Aerobic PA

Activity requiring ~3.0–5.9 METs (e.g., brisk walking) performed ≥30 min, 5 days/week for adults.

Vigorous-Intensity Aerobic PA

Activity ≥6.0 METs (e.g., running) performed ≥20 min, 3 days/week for adults.

MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task)

A unit expressing energy cost; 1 MET equals resting oxygen uptake of 3.5 ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹.

Very Light/Light Activity

Physical activity <3 METs.

Direct Calorimetry

Measurement of heat production to determine metabolic rate.

Indirect Calorimetry

Estimation of energy expenditure from oxygen consumption or calculated work performed.

Oxygen Consumption (VO₂)

The volume of oxygen used per minute; calculated as VO₂ inspired minus VO₂ expired.

1 MET Value

3.5 ml O₂ · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹, equivalent to resting metabolic rate.

Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

A subjective 6–20 (or 0–10) scale rating how hard an activity feels physiologically.

Heart Rate (HR)

The number of heart beats per minute.

Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax)

An age-predicted value (≈220 − age) indicating the highest heart rate attainable during maximal effort.

Karvonen Formula (HRR)

Target HR = [(HRmax − HRrest) × intensity %] + HRrest; uses heart-rate reserve to set exercise intensity.

Work

Force multiplied by distance (W = F × d); expressed in joules (J).

Power (Physics)

Work performed per unit time (P = W⁄t); expressed in watts (W).

Joule (J)

SI unit of work or energy; 1 J = 1 N · m.

Watt (W)

SI unit of power; 1 W = 1 J · s⁻¹.

SI Units

International System units used for scientific measurement (e.g., kilogram, meter, second).

Energy Expenditure per O₂

Approximately 5 kcal (21 kJ) are expended for every liter of oxygen consumed.

Sphygmomanometer

Device (cuff, gauge, bulb) used to measure blood pressure.

Systolic Blood Pressure

Arterial pressure during ventricular contraction; first Korotkoff sound.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation; disappearance of Korotkoff sounds.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A BP drop ≥20 mm Hg systolic or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic upon standing, often causing dizziness.

Tachycardia

Resting heart rate greater than 100 beats · min⁻¹.

Bradycardia

Resting heart rate lower than 60 beats · min⁻¹.

Tachypnea

Respiratory rate above 20 breaths · min⁻¹ in adults.

Bradypnea

Respiratory rate below 12 breaths · min⁻¹ in adults.

Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Pulse Oximetry

Non-invasive optical method measuring hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

Percentage of hemoglobin binding sites occupied by oxygen; normal range 95–100 %.

Normal Body Temperature

Typical core range: 36–37.5 °C (98.6–99.5 °F).

Normal Adult Respiration Rate

12–20 breaths · min⁻¹ at rest.