Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics Flashcards

What is the main function of exercise physiology?

Answer: Study body responses to exercise

Exercise physiology is a scientific discipline focused on understanding how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity. It examines the acute (immediate) and chronic (long-term) effects of exercise on various physiological systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems. This field provides the foundational knowledge for designing effective training programs and optimizing athletic performance.

What role do biomechanics play in sports conditioning?

Answer: Analyze movement patterns for performance and injury prevention

Biomechanics in sports conditioning involves the application of mechanical principles to study human movement during exercise and sport. It helps analyze technique, identify inefficiencies, and understand the forces acting on the body. This analysis is crucial for optimizing athletic performance, improving movement efficiency, and identifying potential risk factors for injury, allowing for corrective interventions.

What is VO2 max?

Answer: Maximum oxygen uptake

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic endurance, reflecting the body's ability to transport and use oxygen efficiently. A higher VO2 max generally correlates with superior aerobic athletic performance.

How does resistance training impact biomechanics?

Answer: Improves strength, stability, and coordination

Resistance training significantly impacts biomechanics by strengthening muscles, which in turn enhances joint stability and overall body control. By challenging the musculoskeletal system, it improves neuromuscular coordination and the ability to produce force efficiently. This leads to better movement patterns, increased power, and a reduced risk of injury during athletic activities.

What does anaerobic training improve?

Answer: Short-duration, high-intensity performance

Anaerobic training focuses on activities that are performed at a high intensity for short durations, where the body's demand for oxygen exceeds its supply. This type of training primarily improves the body's ability to produce energy without oxygen, enhancing power, speed, and muscular endurance for activities like sprinting, weightlifting, and jumping. It is distinct from aerobic training, which focuses on longer, lower-intensity efforts.

What is the principle of progressive overload?

Answer: Increasing intensity to improve performance

The principle of progressive overload dictates that for continuous improvement, the body must be subjected to gradually increasing demands over time. This means consistently challenging muscles and physiological systems with greater resistance, volume, or intensity than they are accustomed to. Without progressive overload, the body adapts to the current stimulus, and further gains in strength, endurance, or size will plateau.

What does proprioception refer to in biomechanics?

Answer: Awareness of body position and movement

Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its own position, movement, and orientation in space, independent of vision. It relies on sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints that send information to the brain. This 'sixth sense' is crucial for balance, coordination, and executing complex movements, and it plays a vital role in injury prevention and rehabilitation in sports.

How does biomechanics relate to injury prevention?

Answer: Analyze and correct risk factors for injury

Biomechanics is directly related to injury prevention by allowing for the detailed analysis of movement patterns and forces acting on the body. By identifying improper techniques, muscle imbalances, or excessive stresses on joints, biomechanical assessments can pinpoint risk factors for injury. This information then guides the implementation of corrective exercises, technique modifications, and appropriate training loads to minimize injury likelihood.

What is a key benefit of aerobic conditioning?

Answer: Improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance

Aerobic conditioning involves sustained physical activity that elevates heart rate and breathing, improving the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Its primary benefit is enhancing the body's ability to deliver oxygen to working muscles, thereby increasing endurance and stamina for prolonged activities. This leads to better overall health and improved performance in endurance-based sports.