Exercise Science and Physiology Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and information pertinent to Exercise Science and Physiology, preparing students for their exam.

Research

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

Types of Research

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

Hypothesis

An educated prediction about the outcome of an experiment based on prior knowledge or observation.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

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

Experimental Hypothesis

A hypothesis where a researcher manipulates independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables.

VO2 max

The gold standard for measuring aerobic fitness, indicating the maximum amount of oxygen consumed per minute per kg of body weight.

Osteoporosis

A disease characterized by loss of bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Somatosensory Deafferentation

A condition where afferent nerves do not function properly, resulting in loss of sensory feedback.

Energy Balance Equation

Energy intake equals energy expenditure for stable body weight; imbalance leads to weight gain or loss.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

The use of physical activity to prevent chronic disease and provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with health conditions.

Acute Responses

Changes occurring in the body systems in response to a single bout of physical activity.

Chronic Adaptations

Long-term changes in body systems due to repeated regular physical activity.

Training Specificity

Tailoring training to meet the requirements of a specific performance or task.

Overload Principle

The need to progressively increase the demand on the body for continued improvement.

Reversibility Principle

The loss of performance gains if stimuli are not maintained.

Exercise Testing

Evaluation used to assess an individual's capacity for physical activity and to develop exercise prescriptions.

Pulmonary System Functions

Moving air into/out of lungs and regulating acid-base balance.

Cardiovascular Disease

A leading cause of death associated with disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Muscle Types

Includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Factors Affecting Strength Development

Includes exercise frequency, duration of training, type of exercise, and individual characteristics.

Physical Activity Patterns

Influences on energy expenditure and intake in an individual's lifestyle.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

the variable that is measured and observed for changes in response to the independent variable

Principle of individualization 

Training programs should be designed to meet the specific needs and abilities of each person due to genetic differences and varying responses to exercise 

Cardiorespiratory Endurance 

The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to working muscles during prolonged physical activity; a key component of physical fitness

Muscular strength

The maximum force a muscle or muscle group can exert in a sing, maximal effort

Flexibility

The range of motion available at a joint or group of joints, essential for overall physical performance and injury prevention.

Body composition

The relative proportions of fat mass and fat free mass (muscle, bone, water) in the body, often expressed as a percentage of body fat

Cardiac output 

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as the product of heart rate and stroke volume

Isotonic contraction

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle changes length while generating force; includes concentric ( shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) phases

Isometric contraction

A type of muscle contraction where the muscle generates force without changing length, such as pushing against an immovable object