GLOSSARY Flashcards
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body
Abrasion
A scraping away of a portion of the skin or mucous membrane
Absolute Strength
The maximal amount of weight an individual can lift at one time
Absoprtion
The uptake of nutrients across a tissue or membrane by the gastrointestinal tract
Acclimatize
To physiologically adapt to an unfamiliar environment and achieve a new steady state. For example, the body an adjust to a high altitude or a hot climate and gain an increased capacity to work in those conditions
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A syndrome of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (type HIV-1 or HIV-2) and characterized by opportunistic infection and disease
Actin
Thin contractile protein in a myofibril
Action
The stage of the transtheoretical model of behavior change during which the individual started a new behavior less than six months ago
Activities of daily living (ADL)
Activities normally performed for hygiene, bathing, household chores, walking, shopping, and similar activities
Acute
Descriptive of a condition that usually has a rapid onset and a relatively short and severe course; opposite of chronic
Acute coronary syndrome
A sudden, severe coronary event that mimics a heart attack, such as unstable angina
Adduction
Movement toward the midline of the body
Adenosine
A naturally occurring enzyme that forms the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
A high-energy phosphate molecule required to provide energy for cellular function. Produced both aerobically and anaerobically and stored in the body
Adherence
The extent to which people stick to their plans or treatment recommendations. Exercise adherence is the extent to which people follow, or stick to, an exercise program
Adipose
Fat cells stored in adipose tissue
Adipose tissue
Fatty tissue; connective tissue made up of fat cells
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that affects various important bodily functions; controls the secretion in the adrenal gland of hormones that influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium; also controls the rate at which substances are exchanged between the blood and tissues
Aerobic
In the presence of oxygen
Aerobic power
See VO2max
Agonist
The muscle directly responsible for observed movement; also called the prime mover
Agreement to participate
Signed document that indicates that the client is aware of inherent risks and potential injuries that can occur from participation
Air displacement plethysmography (ADP)
A body-composition assessment technique based on the same body volume measurement principle as hydrostatic weighing; uses air instead of water
Alexander Technique
Teaches the transformation of neuromuscular habits by helping an individual focus on sensory experiences. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, and coordination, and corrects unconscious habits of posture and movement, which may be precursors to injuries
Allergen
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction by stimulating type-1 hypersensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals
Alveoli
Spherical extensions of the respiratory bronchioles and the primary sites of gas exchange between the lungs and the blood
Alzheimer’s disease
An age-related, progressive disease characterized by death of nerve cells in the brain leading to a loss of cognitive function; the cause of the nerve cell death is unknown
Ambient temperature
The temperature of the surrounding air; room temperature
American Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers (ASCAP)
One of two performing rights societies in the United States that represent music publishers in negotiating and collecting fees for the non-dramatic performance of music
Amortization phase
The transition period between the eccentric and concentric actions during plyometrics; a crucial part of the stretch-shortening cycle that contributes to power development
Anabolic
Muscle-building effects
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS)
Synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone; used for their muscle-building characteristics
Anaerobic
Without the presence of oxygen
Anaerobic capacity
the sustainability of power output for brief periods of time
Anaerobic glycolysis
The metabolic pathway that uses glucose for energy production without requiring oxygen. Sometimes referred to as the lactic acid system or anaerobic glucose system, it produces lactic acid as a by-product
Anaerobic threshold
The point during high-intensity activity when the body can no longer meet its demand for oxygen and anaerobic metabolism predominates. Also called the lactate threshold
Android
Adipose tissue or body fat distributed in the abdominal area (apple-shaped individuals)
Androstenedione
A steroid produced by the adrenal glands that is a precursor to testosterone and other androgens; has been used as a supplement to increase muscle strength
Anemia/Anemic
A reduction in the number of red blood cells and/or quantity of hemoglobin per volume of blood below normal values
Aneurysm
A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel; associated with a stroke when the aneurysm bursts
Angina
A common symptom of coronary artery disease characterized by chest pain, tightness, or radiating pain resulting from a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle
Angina pectoris
Chest pain caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen and decreased blood flow to the heart muscle; an early sign of coronary artery disease. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure or burning, numbness, aching, and tingling in the chest, back, neck, throat, jaw, or arms; also called angina
Angioplasty
A surgical procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a blocked coronary artery. A narrow balloon is then inflated inside the artery, to widen the artery. Also called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Inflammatory arthritis of the spine, resembling rheumatoid arthritis, that may progress to bony ankylosis with slipping of vertebral margins; the disease is more common in males.
Anorexia nervosa/ anorexia
An eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain body weigh of at least 85% of expected weight; intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat; body-image disturbances, including a disproportionate influence of body weight on self-evaluation; and, in women, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual periods
Antagonist
The muscle that acts in opposition to the contraction produced by an agonist (prime mover) muscle
Antecedents
Variables or factors that precede and influence a client’s exercise participation, including the decision to not exercise as planned
Anterior
Anatomical term meaning toward the front. Same as ventral; opposite of posterior.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
A primary stabilizing ligament of the knee that travels from the medial border of the lateral femoral condyle to its point of insertion anterolaterally to the medial tibial spine
Anterior shin splints
Pain in the anterior compartment muscles of the lower leg, fascia, and periosteal lining. Often induced by exertional or sudden changes in activity.
Anteversion
Pelvic position characterized by the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) being forward of the pubic symphysis
Anxiety
A state of uneasiness and apprehension; occurs in some mental disorders
Apnea/Apneic
A temporary absence or cessation of breathing; when this condition occurs during sleep it is called sleep apnea
Arrhythmia
A disturbance in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. Some can be symptoms of serious heart disease; may not be of medical significance until symptoms appear.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint; a state characterized by the inflammation of joints
Arthrokinematics
The general term for the specific movements of joint surfaces, such as rolling or gliding
Asana
A posture or manner of sitting, as in the practice of yoga
Assisted training
The act of a partner offering assistance during resistance training to allow the exerciser to complete repetitions with correct form even though the exerciser may be fatigued
Associative stage of learning
The second stage of learning a motor skill, when performers have mastered the fundamentals and can concentrate on skill refinement
Asthma
A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects genetically susceptible individuals in response to various environmental triggers such as allergens, viral infection, exercise, cold, and stress
Ataxia
Failure of muscular coordination; irregularity of muscular action
Atherogenesis
Formation of atheromatous deposits, especially on the innermost layer of arterial walls
Atherogenic dyslipidemia
Formation of atheromatous deposits, especially on the innermost layer of arterial walls due to an abnormal concentration of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood
Atherosclerosis
A specific form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the accumulation of fatty material on the inner walls of the arteries, causing them to harden, thicken, and lose elasticity
Atherosclerotic heart disease
The end result of the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries that supply the muscle of the heart with oxygen and nutrients
Athletic trainer
A healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians and specializes in providing immediate intervention when injuries occur and helping athletes and clients in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving injury, impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities
Atrophy
A reduction in muscle size (muscle wasting) due to inactivity or immobilization
Auscultation
The technical term for listening to the internal sounds of the body (such as the heartbeat), usually using a stethoscope
Autogenic inhibition
An automatic reflex relaxation caused by stimulation of the Golgi tendon organ (GTO)
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
A portable electronic device used to restore normal heart rhythms in victims of sudden cardiac arrest
Autonomic neuropathy
A disease of the nonvoluntary, nonsensory nervous system (i.e., the autonomic nervous system) affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs
Autonomous stage of learning
The third stage of learning a motor skill, when the skill has become habitual or automatic for the performer
Avulsion
A wound involving forcible separation or tearing of tissue from the body
Axial skeleton
The bones of the head, neck, and trunk
Axis of rotation
The imaginary line or point about which an object, such as a joint, rotates
Balance
The ability to maintain the body’s position over its base of support within stability limits, both statically and dynamically
Ballistic stretching
Dynamic stretching characterized by rhythmic bobbing or bouncing motions representing relatively high-force, short-duration movements
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
The energy required to complete the sum total of life-sustaining processes, including ion transport (40% BMR), protein synthesis (20% BMR), and daily functioning such as breathing circulation, and nutrient processing (40% BMR)
Base of support (BOS)
The ares of contact between the feet and their supporting surface and the area between the feet
Basic activities of daily living
Any daily activity performed for self-care, including personal hygiene, dressing and undressing, eating, transferring from bed to chair and back, voluntarily controlling urinary and fecal discharge, elimination, and moving around (as opposed to being bedridden)
Behavior chain
A sequence of events in which variable preceding and following a target behavior help to explain and reinforce the target behavior, such as participation in an exercise session
Benign
A non-cancerous growth or tumor; mild disease or condition that is not life threatening
B-alanine
A naturally occurring amino acid formed within the body
Beta blockers
Medications that “block” or limit sympathetic nervous system stimulation. The act to slow the heart rate and decrease maximum heart rate and are used for cardiovascular and other medical conditions
Beta cell
Endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas responsible for synthesizing and secreting the hormone insulin, which lowers the glucose levels in the blood
Binge eating disorder
An eating disorder characterized by frequent binge eating (without purging) and feelings of being out of control when eating
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
A body-composition assessment technique that measures the amount of impedance, or resistance, to electric current flow as it passes through the body. Impedance is greatest in fat tissue, while fat-free mass, which contains 70-75% water, allows the electrical current to pass much more easily
Biomechanics
The mechanics of biological and muscular activity
Blood pressure (BP)
The pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries; measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with a sphygmomanometer
Body composition
The makeup of the body in terms of the relative percentage of fat-free mass and body fat
Body density (BD)
A measurement that expresses total body mass or weight relative to body volume or the amount of space or area that the body occupies
Body fat
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A component of the body, the primary role of which is to store energy for later use
Body mass index (BMI)
A relative measure of body height to body weight used to determine levels of weight, from underweight to extreme obesity
Bone formation
The processes resulting in the formation of normal, healthy bone tissue, including remodeling and resorption
Bone mineral density (BMD)
A measure of the amount of minerals (mainly calcium) contained in a certain volume of bone
Bone resorption
The breaking down of bone by osteoclasts
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
Essential amino acids that inhibit muscle protein breakdown and aid in muscle glycogen storage. The BCAAs are valine, leucine, and isoleucine
Breakdown training
A method of resistance training wherein the exerciser lifts as many repetitions as possible until muscle fatigue sets in, then decreases the weight load and continues to lift as many repetitions as possible of the same exercise
anaerobic power
the maximal amount of power the body can generate; involves a single repetition or event
broadcast music inc. (BMI)
one of two performing rights societies in the US that represents music publishers in negotiating and collecting fees for nondramatic performance of music
bronchitis
acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes
bronchodilators
medications inhaled to dilate (enlarge) and relax the constricted bronchial smooth muscle
bronchospasm
abnormal conrction of the smooth muscle fo the bronchi, resulting in acute narrowing and obstruction of the respiratory airway.
