Exercise Science Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real NSCA CSCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Exercise Science Principles flashcards as text
The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) enhances force and power output primarily through:
Answer: Storage and reutilization of elastic energy in tendons and potentiation of contractile elements
The SSC enhances concentric force and power by pre-loading elastic structures (particularly tendons) and potentiating the contractile apparatus through the stretch reflex.
Arterial blood pressure is determined by which two primary factors?
Answer: Cardiac output and total peripheral resistance
Mean arterial pressure = cardiac output × total peripheral resistance, reflecting the two primary determinants of systemic blood pressure.
Which of the following physiological variables shows the greatest improvement with endurance training?
Answer: Lactate threshold (as a percentage of VO2max)
Endurance training dramatically shifts lactate threshold to a higher percentage of VO2max, allowing athletes to sustain higher intensities aerobically.
The concept of 'specificity of training' (SAID principle) most directly implies that:
Answer: Physiological adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and pattern of exercise performed
The SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) principle states that the body adapts specifically to the nature of the training stress applied.
Venous return to the heart during exercise is enhanced by all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Increased arterial vasoconstriction in active muscles
Arterial vasoconstriction in active muscles would impede blood flow delivery, not enhance venous return; the other three mechanisms actively promote blood return to the heart.
A force-velocity curve for skeletal muscle demonstrates that:
Answer: As contraction velocity increases, force production decreases (for concentric contractions)
The force-velocity relationship shows an inverse relationship during concentric contractions — as shortening velocity increases, fewer cross-bridges can form, reducing force.
Testosterone's primary anabolic effect on skeletal muscle is mediated through:
Answer: Binding to androgen receptors, increasing muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell activation
Testosterone binds intracellular androgen receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and upregulates genes responsible for muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.