Foundations of Exercise Science Flashcards

Which principle of training states that adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and mode of exercise performed?

Answer: SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands)

The SAID principle dictates that the body adapts specifically to the demands placed on it, so training must mimic the sport or performance goal.

The primary function of the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is to:

Answer: Sense tension within the tendon and inhibit excessive muscle force

GTOs are mechanoreceptors at the musculotendinous junction that monitor muscle tension and trigger autogenic inhibition to protect against excessive force.

What does the term 'ventilatory threshold 2' (VT2) physiologically correspond to?

Answer: The intensity where ventilation increases disproportionately due to excess CO2 buffering of bicarbonate

VT2 (also called the respiratory compensation point) occurs when hyperventilation accelerates to buffer rising H+ via bicarbonate, producing a second steep rise in VE/VCO2.

Which of the following is a primary chronic cardiovascular adaptation to endurance training?

Answer: Cardiac hypertrophy (eccentric) with increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume

Endurance training induces eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy, increasing chamber volume and stroke volume, which contributes to athlete's bradycardia.

In biomechanics, the 'stretch-shortening cycle' (SSC) refers to:

Answer: The sequential eccentric loading followed by rapid concentric contraction that enhances power output

The SSC involves a rapid eccentric pre-stretch that stores elastic energy and potentiates muscle activation, enhancing subsequent concentric force and power production.

Which of the following statements about muscle hypertrophy is most accurate?

Answer: Hypertrophy results from a net positive protein balance where synthesis exceeds degradation over time

Muscle hypertrophy occurs when cumulative net protein balance is positive — i.e., synthesis consistently exceeds breakdown over repeated training bouts and recovery.

The term 'detraining' refers to:

Answer: Partial or complete loss of training-induced adaptations due to cessation of exercise

Detraining describes the reversal of physiological adaptations when training is reduced or stopped, consistent with the reversibility principle.