Final exam for exercise physiology Flashcards
Definition of Physiology
The study of the function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
Definition of exercise physiology
A branch of physiology studying how acute and chronic exercise impacts the function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. This includes environmental effects like heat or altitude and specific population responses (e.g., young, elderly, or diseased individuals).
What is non-experimental
Descriptive, case, and correlational studies.
What is experimental
Involves manipulation of independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables.
What is laboratories
Allow controlled conditions and invasive protocols; however, they may lack real-world applicability.
What is field settings
Enable data collection in natural environments, but can face challenges with controlling external variables.
What is basic research
Fundamental study to advance knowledge (e.g., investigating molecular muscle adaptation to exercise).
What is applied reseach
Practical problem-solving (e.g., exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation).
What is evidence-based practice
Using research evidence from well-designed studies to inform decisions.
what are the applications of evidence-based practice
In medicine, evidence-based practice improves treatments like cardiac rehabilitation. In exercise science, it guides training and nutrition programs.
Steps for research literature search process
Define the research topic.
Select a search engine (e.g., PubMed).
Use keywords and Boolean operators (“AND,” “OR,” “NOT”) to refine searches.
Review abstracts and retrieve relevant studies.
Boolean operators enhance precision by combining or excluding terms.
Sections of a scientific research process
abstract: Overview of the study.Introduction: Background and rationale.Methods: Research design and protocols.Results: Data and analysis.Discussion: Interpretation of findings.References: Cited sources.
What is homeostasis
Maintenance of a constant and “normal” internal environment (e.g., stable heart rate or blood pressure).
Steady state
A condition where a physiological variable is unchanging but not necessarily at a “normal” resting value (e.g., heart rate during submaximal exercise).
whats the difference
Homeostasis refers to a true resting equilibrium, while steady state occurs during activity where the system stabilizes at a new constant level.
Regulation of body temperature
Thermal receptors send signals to the brain’s temperature control center.
Effectors (e.g., sweat glands and blood vessels) adjust temperature by promoting heat dissipation or retention.
Receptor (Sensor)
Detects changes in the environment (e.g., thermal receptors sensing temperature).
Integrating Center
Processes the input and initiates a response (e.g., brain).
Effector
Executes the response to restore homeostasis (e.g., sweat glands or muscles).
Negative Feedback
A mechanism that reverses a change to maintain homeostasis.
Negative Feedback example
Regulation of blood glucose levels:
High glucose → Pancreas releases insulin → Glucose uptake by cells → Glucose levels normalize.
Gain in Biological Control Systems
The ability of a control system to maintain homeostasis. Systems with higher gain (e.g., pulmonary and cardiovascular systems) are more efficient in regulation.
Hormesis
A process where a low-to-moderate dose of stress leads to beneficial adaptive responses (e.g., exercise-induced cellular adaptation).
Hormesis Example
Moderate exercise improves cellular resilience, while excessive exercise may cause overtraining and harm.
Cell Signaling
Communication between cells using chemical messengers to coordinate activities.
mechanisms
intracrine: Signals act within the same cell. Juxtacrine: Signals between adjacent connected cells.Autocrine: A cell targets itself.Paracrine: Signals affect nearby cells.Endocrine: Hormones are transported via blood to distant target cells.
Steps in Exercise-Induced Protein Synthesis
Exercise triggers the activation of cell signaling pathways.
Activates transcriptional activators.
Transcriptional activators bind to gene promoter regions.
DNA transcribes into mRNA.
mRNA exits the nucleus and attaches to ribosomes.
mRNA is translated into specific proteins.
