Therapeutic Exercise

Exercise Physiology

the study of the acute and chronic response of the body to movement

Biomechanics

the mechanical response a body has during movement

Exercise Physiology (Overall Effect)

focuses on the overall physiological impact of movement on the body

Focus of Exercise Physiology

training and detraining and how physical activity participation improves health and lowers disease risk

Environmental Effects on Performance

timing, venue, weather, altitude/elevation, comfort, and air quality influence exercise outcomes

ACSM Adult Exercise Recommendation (Moderate)

minimum of 30 minutes of moderate

ACSM Adult Exercise Recommendation (Vigorous)

minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous

Muscular Strength/Endurance Recommendation

adults should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance at least 2 days per week

WHO on Physical Activity

regular physical activity helps prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several cancers

Functional and Structural Body Changes

include metabolism, responsiveness, movement, reproduction, growth, differentiation, respiration, digestion, and excretion

Biomechanical Changes With Aging

metabolism decreases, fertility decreases, sleep needed decreases, healing/recovery rates decrease

Exercise Physiology Career: University Professors

teach courses, conduct research, write grant proposals

Exercise Physiology Career: Researchers

work in military, NASA, government agencies, and scientific research roles

Clinical Exercise Physiologists

work in clinics, hospitals, wellness centers, research labs, and cardiac rehab; conduct exercise testing and supervise patient programs

Corporate Exercise Instructors/Trainers

conduct exercise testing and design physical activity programs for employees or clients

Strength and Conditioning Coaches

conduct testing and develop specific training plans based on client goals or needs

Research Method: Lab Work

controlled testing environments for detailed physiological measurements

Ergometers

devices that measure exertion of muscles or track exercise volume

Oxygen Uptake (VO₂)

milliliters of oxygen consumed per minute per kilogram of body weight

Body Composition Methods

underwater weighing, skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance (BIA), Bod Pod

Biochemical Methods

blood samples (RBC count, fat %, cholesterol) and muscle biopsies used primarily for disease diagnosis

Field Work in Exercise Physiology

research conducted outside the lab with less control of physiological responses, environment, and intensity

Minimizing Field Work Challenges

using simple, fast, low

Pedometers

devices that count steps to measure daily movement

Accelerometers

devices that measure movement intensity and quantity more accurately than pedometers