chapter 5: exercise physiology

Exercise Physiology

The study of how body structure and function are altered by exposure to acute and chronic bouts of exercise.

Response to Exercise

An acute or short-term change in the body that is associated with exercise; for example, an increase in heart rate during jogging.

Adaptation to Exercise

A long-term change in the body due to exercise training; for example, a decrease in resting heart rate (bradycardia) in conditioned runners.

Cardiovascular System (in Exercise Physiology)

A major area of study in exercise physiology focusing on the responses and adaptations of the heart and blood vessels to exercise.

Nervous System (in Exercise Physiology)

The study of how the nervous system controls muscle activation during exercise and adapts to training.

Skeletal Muscle Metabolism (in Exercise Physiology)

The investigation of the biochemical changes that occur in skeletal muscle during and after exercise.

Bioenergetics and Metabolism (in Exercise Physiology)

The study of the whole-body metabolic response to exercise.

Endocrine System (in Exercise Physiology)

The examination of how hormones are affected by exercise.

Ergogenic Aid

Any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance capacity, such as creatine supplementation or carbohydrate loading.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A program focused on designing, implementing, and monitoring exercise programs for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

Body Composition (in Exercise Physiology)

The assessment of the proportion of fat mass and fat-free mass in the body.

Electromyography (EMG)

A technology used to measure and record the electrical activity of muscles.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

A technology used to study the biochemical changes that occur in skeletal muscle during and after exercise.

Muscle Biopsy

A procedure involving the removal of a small piece of muscle tissue to study substrate utilization, metabolite accumulation, and muscle fiber type percentages.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

A professional organization that provides certifications requiring mastery of topics in exercise physiology.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

A professional organization that provides certifications related to exercise physiology, such as the Certified Personal Trainer certification.