Introduction

Question 1

Movement & physiology

Answer 1

Movement - basis of physical activity

Physiology - body of knowledge which deals with biological processes (mechanisms) and sensations which help us move and control our exercise behaviour.

Question 2

Movement and physiological control

Answer 2

• Movement requires the action of (skeletal) muscle on bones, and there is conscious control of these muscle actions which involve our brain and peripheral (motor and sensory) nerves (subconscious)
• Movement is controlled by interactions between the nervous system and skeletal muscles, and these interactions can be related to the concept of ‘neuromuscular control’
• The ‘output’ of these interactions, which can be measured, is sometimes referred to as the ‘motor output’

Question 3

Physiological support for neuromuscular effort

Answer 3

• Brain, nerves and muscles consume fuel (O2, foodstuff) and generate enormous amounts of heat and waste (CO2)
• They need fuel supply lines and a heat/waste-removal system to keep them functioning - support service
• The functions of these support services must be controlled and coordinated with the neuromuscular effort.
• These support services include the cardiovascular, respiratory and thermoregulatory systems.

Question 4

Essential physiology of movement

- Brain & Muscles

Answer 4

• The brain controls muscles and our movement and this involves feedback from muscles, tendons and joints (neuromuscular).
• The O2 and fuel requirements of the brain and muscles are supported by breathing (respiratory and the circulation (cardiovascular)
• The heat generated by muscles must be lost to avoid heat-related injury and death (thermoregulation)
• Remember that muscles need energy released from the metabolism of foodstuff, and this supply of foodstuff and its metabolism are controlled mainly by the liver, adipose tissue and GI tract, as well as the muscles themselves.

Question 5

Physiological responses

Answer 5

Study: 60% intensity (cycling)

• Temperature: Increases
• Ventilation: Increases
• Mean Arterial Pressure: decreases

Question 6

Why measure physiological responses

Answer 6

• Provide insight into exercise performance and limitation, as well as physiological control
• Clinically - To understand signs and symptoms of disease, particularly those related to exertion (breathlessness, fatigue, angina)
• Assess impact of exercise, nutritional and pharmacological interventions
• Assess effect of environment on performance, health and well-being