Professional Documents
Culture Documents
READING #1
INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE
Hierarchy in Science
Full appreciation of science requires
understanding its structure and three levels of
conceptualization (see figure 1):
Finding facts
Developing laws
Establishing theories
Figure 4. Foundations of science: facts, laws and theories.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 2
Fact Finding
The most fundamental level of scientific inquiry requires the systematic observation of measurable
(empirical) phenomena. Often referred to as fact-finding, this process requires standardized procedures and
levels of agreement about what constitutes acceptable observation, measurement, and data recording
procedures. In essence, fact-finding involves recording information (data) about the behavior of objects.
While facts provide the “building blocks” of science, the uncovering of facts represents only the first level in
the hierarchy of scientific inquiry.
Fact gathering occurs in many ways. We usually observe phenomena through visual, auditory, and tactile
sensory input. Regardless of the observation method, to establish something as fact demands that different
researchers reproduce observations under identical conditions on different occasions. For example, the
healthy human heart’s four chambers and the average sea level barometric pressure of 760 mm Hg represent
indisputable, easily verifiable “facts.” Facts usually take the form of objective statements about the
observation such as: “Jesse’s body mass measured on a balance scale equals 70 kg (154 lb.), or “Jesse’s heart
rate upon rising following eight hours of sleep averages 63 beats per minute.”
Interpreting Facts
Fact-finding evaluates the observed object, occurrence, or phenomenon along a continuum, either
imagined or real that represents its underlying measurable “dimension.” The term variable identifies this
measurable characteristic. Frequently, quantification of the variable results from assigning numbers to objects
or events to describe their properties. For example, consider the variable percent body fat with numerical
values ranging from 3 to 60% of total body mass. Other examples include the weight of an object along a
“heaviness” continuum, order of team finish in the NFL's American Conference, or heart rate from rest to
maximal exercise.
Some variables like 50-m swim time or blood cholesterol level distribute in a continuous nature; they can
take on any numerical value, depending on the precision of the measuring instrument. Continuous variables
can further categorize into ordinal, interval, and ratio numerical data. Ordinal variables have rank-ordered
values (e.g., small, medium, large bone frame size; first through tenth place finish in a race; standings in
league competition) according to some property about each person, group, object, or event compared to
others studied. In ordered ranking, no inference exists of equal differences between specific ranks (e.g., race
time difference between first and second place finish equals difference between ninth and tenth place).
Interval variables exhibit similar properties as ordinal variables, except the distance between successive
values on an unbroken scale from low to high represents the same amount of change. For example, in
marathon running, the temporal 20-minute difference between a finish time of 2 hr: 10 min and 2 hr: 30 min
equals that of 3 hr: 50 min and 4 hr: 10 min. The ratio scale possesses properties of interval and ordinal
scoring, but also contains an absolute zero point. Thus, a variable scored on a ratio basis with a value of 4
represents twice as much characteristic as a value of 2; this does not occur with interval-scored variables like
temperature where 30°F is not twice as “hot” as 15°F.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 3
In addition to continuous variables, some variables possess discrete properties. Scores for discrete
variables fall only at certain points along a scale, like scores in most sporting events - “almost in” does not
count in golf, soccer, basketball, or lacrosse. Discrete variables occur when the score’s value simply reflects
some characteristic of the object (e.g., male or female, hit or miss, win or lose, or true or false).
oxygen uptake) represents the quality predicted. In some cases, an independent variable becomes the
dependent variable, and vice versa. For example, body temperature represents the independent variable
when used to predict change in regional blood flow or sweating response; body temperature assumes a
dependent variable role when evaluating effectiveness of thermoregulation during heat stress.
ESTABLISHING CAUSALITY BETWEEN VARIABLES
Scientists attempt to establish cause and effect relationships between independent and dependent
variables by one of two methods:
Experimental studies
Field studies
NATURE OF EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
An experiment represents a set of operations to determine the underlying nature of the causal relationship
between independent and dependent variables. Systematically changing the value of the independent
variable and measuring the effect on the dependent variable characterizes experimentation. In some cases,
the experiment evaluates the effect of combinations of independent variables (e.g., anabolic steroid
administration plus resistance training; pre-exercise warm-up plus creatine supplementation) relative to one
or more dependent variables. Regardless of the number of variables studied, an experiment’s ultimate goal
attempts to systematically isolate the effect of at least one independent variable in relation to at least one
dependent variable. Only when this occurs can one decide which variable(s) really explains the phenomenon.
NATURE OF FIELD STUDIES
Field studies mostly investigate events as they occur in normal living. Under such “natural” conditions, it
becomes impossible to experimentally vary the independent variable, or exert full control over potential
interacting factors that might affect the relationships. In medical areas, field studies (termed epidemiological
research) investigate the characteristics of a group as they relate to the risks, prevalence, and severity of
specific diseases. To a large extent, “risk profiles” for coronary artery disease, various cancers, and AIDS have
emerged from associations generated from field studies. In exercise physiology, a field study might involve
collecting data during a “real world” test of a new piece of exercise equipment, as shown in Figure 2.
In this field experiment the subject wears a wristwatch that receives signals
from a chest strap transmitter that sends the heart's electrical signals to the
watch. The subject then pedals the “Surfbike” at different speeds to estimate
heart rate during different exercise durations. Prior to the aquatic experiments,
the subject’s heart rate and oxygen uptake were determined in the laboratory
while pedaling a bicycle ergometer at different speeds. A linear relationship
between laboratory determined heart rate and oxygen uptake allowed the
researcher to “predict” the subject's oxygen uptake from heart rate measured
during Surfbike exercise. An estimate of oxygen uptake permits calculation of
caloric expenditure. In this particular experiment, Surfbike exercise at a heart
rate of 178 beats per minute translated to 10.4 calories expended per minute.
While field studies provide objective insight about possible causes for
observed phenomena, the lack of full control inherent in such research limits
their ability to infer causality. Because neither active manipulation of the
independent variable by the experimenter nor control over potential
intervening factors occurs, no certainty exists that any observed variation in the
dependent variable will result from variations in the independent variable.
Figure 2. Field study in exercise to
estimate energy expenditure
individuals pedaling a “surfbike”.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 5
Establishing Laws
Fact gathering generally does not generate much controversy; after all, facts are facts! Interpretation of
facts, however, raises science to a level rife for debate. Interpreting facts leads to the second level of the
scientific process - creating statements that describe, integrate, or summarize facts and observations. Such
statements are known as laws. More precisely, a law represents a statement describing the relationships
among independent and dependent variables. Laws generate from inductive reasoning (moving from
specific facts to general principles). Many examples of laws exist in physiology. For example, blood flows
through the vascular circuit in general accord with the physical laws of hydrodynamics applied to rigid,
cylindrical vessels. Although true only in a qualitative sense when applied to the body, one law of
hydrodynamics, termed Poiseuille's law, describes the interacting relationships among a pressure gradient,
vessel radius, vessel length, and fluid viscosity on the force impeding blood flow.
Laws are purposely not very specific; thus, they remain powerful because they generalize to many
different situations. One variation of Hooke’s law of springs, made in 1678 by Robert Hooke (1635-1703), a
contemporary of sir Issac Newton, states that elongation of a spring relates in direct proportion to the force
needed to produce the elongation. Engineers apply this law to design springs for different kinds of
instruments via simple calculations in accordance with Hooke’s law.
A good (useful) law accounts for all of the facts among variables. Many laws have limits because they
apply to only certain situations. A limited law proves less useful in predicting new facts. A fundamental
aspect of science tests predictions generated from a particular law. If the prediction holds up, the law expands
to additional situations; if not, the law becomes restated in more restrictive terms. Developing new
technologies often permits testing laws in situations heretofore thought impossible; this allows for
development of a more comprehensive law.
Laws do not provide an explanation why variables behave the way they do; laws only provide a general
summary of the relationship among variables. Theories explain the how and whys about a laws.
Developing Theories
Theories attempt to explain the fundamental nature of laws. Theories offer abstract explanations of laws
and facts. They try to explain the “why” of laws. Theories involve a more complex understanding (and
explanation) of variables than do laws. Examples of theories include Darwin's theory of natural selection and
evolution, Einstein's theory of relativity, Canon's theory of emotions, Freud's theory of personality formation
and development, and Helmholtz's theories of color vision and hearing.
Theories consist of three aspects:
1. Hypothetical construct
Hypothetical constructs represent non-observable abstract entities, consciously invented and
generalized for use in theories. For example, the construct of “intelligence” emerged from
observations of presumably intelligent and non-intelligent behaviors. “Physical fitness”
represents another common construct in areas related to exercise physiology.
2. Associations among constructs
Scientific inquiry often requires defining relationships among constructs. For example, the
construct “physical ability” becomes clarified by its association to the construct “physical
fitness,” which itself becomes operationally defined (see below) by numerous specific “fitness”
tests. In essence, the meaning of one construct becomes understood through its relationship to
other more clearly defined constructs.
3. Operational definitions
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 6
The scientific process requires refinement of constructs into observable characteristics for
objective quantification and recording. Operational definitions assign meaning to a construct by
clearly outlining the set of operations (like an instruction manual) to measure the quantity of
that construct or to manipulate it. For example, the construct intelligence only becomes
understood when operationally defined (score on a specific IQ test).
Figure 3. Research continuum in science.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 7
to theory building. Scientists at the opposite end of the continuum collect facts and make observations with
little regard for building theory. The influential psychologist B.F. Skinner exemplifies the proponent of the
empirical research (experience related) approach. His discoveries about reinforcement - a reward for
successful behavior increases the probability of success in subsequent trials - were uncovered by “accident.”
Skinnerian empiricists argue that theoretical scientists often do not uncover meaningful relationships because
they become too “locked into” theoretical formulations and abstract models.
Basic-applied research represents another continuum. Applied research incorporates scientific endeavors
to solve specific problems, the solution of which directly applies to medicine, business, the military, sports
performance, or society’s general well being. Applied research in exercise physiology might focus on methods
for improving training responsiveness, facilitating fluid replenishment and temperature regulation in
exercise, enhancing endurance performance, blunting the effects of fatigue by-products, and countering the
deterioration of physiologic function during prolonged exposure to a weightless environment.
Basic research lies at the other end of this continuum; no concern exists for immediate practical application
of research findings. Instead, the researcher pursues a line of inquire purely for the sake of discovering new
knowledge. Often times, uncovering facts that initially seem of little value fill a theoretical void – and like
magic, a wonderful new practical solution (or product) emerges. Nowhere has this taken place with more
regularity than with research related to the space program. Facts uncovered in a weightless environment
about fundamental biological and chemical processes have contributed to practical outcomes that benefit
humans. Experiments on how certain chemicals react in zero gravity, for example, have resulted in the
discovery of at least 25 new medicines. Manned space missions have provided fresh insights into almost
every facet of medicine and physiology, from the affects of weightlessness on bone dynamics, blood pressure,
and cardiac, respiratory, hormonal, neural, and muscular function, to growth of genetically engineered plants
and a new generation of polymers. Each new insight and observation spawns numerous new ideas and
additional facts that help to create products with practical applications.
Research can be generally classified into one of four categories depicted by the quadrants in Figure 6.
Basic-empirical research in Quadrant 1 has no immediate practical outcomes and little to do with theory.
Research without immediate practical implications, but motivated by theory (establishing laws and
conducting experiments that bear on theory), falls into Quadrant 2. Quadrant 3 contains theoretical-applied
research primarily focused on problem solving within the framework of an existing theoretical model, while
Quadrant 4 classifies empirical-applied research (not theory based), but aimed at solving problems. Often,
lines of demarcation are not as clear-cut as in the figure, and a particular research effort might qualify for
inclusion in multiple quadrants.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 8
1. Applied research
2. Basic research
3. Casual relationships
4. Causal relationships
5. Continuous variables
6. Dependent variables
7. Laws
8. Disciplines
9. Discrete variables
11. Theories
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 9
18. Profession
19. Science
STUDY QUESTIONS
2. 4.
Hierarchy in Science
List the three levels of a science.
1.
2.
3.
Fact Finding
Give two ways to “find facts”.
1.
2.
Interpreting Facts
Describe an independent variable.
2.
Establishing Laws
Explain a law.
Developing Theories
List the three aspects of a theory and give one fact about each.
1. 3.
2.
READING #2
ORIGINS OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction
Discussion of the origins of exercise physiology begins with acknowledgment of the early, but
tremendously influential Greek physicians of antiquity; along the way, we highlight some milestones
including many contributions from scholars in the United States and Nordic countries that fostered the
scientific assessment of sport and exercise as a respectable field of study.
Figure 1. The early Greek influence of Galen’s famous essay, “Exercise With the Small Ball”; a
treatise about the many uses of exercise for preventive and therapeutic medical and health
benefit. Galen advocated muscle strengthening with rope climbing because it did not pose health
problems. He firmly believed in walking and climbing mountains.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 13
development, the beneficial effects of exercise and deleterious consequences of sedentary living, and diverse
diseases and their treatment. One of the first laboratory-oriented physiologists, Galen conducted original
experiments in physiology, comparative anatomy, and medicine; he dissected animals (e.g., goats, pigs, cows,
horses, and elephants). As physician to the gladiators (probably the first in Sports Medicine), Galen treated
torn tendons and muscles using surgical procedures he invented, and recommended rehabilitation therapies
and exercise regimens. Galen followed the Hippocratic School of medicine that believed in logical science
grounded in observation and experimentation, not superstition or deity dictates.
Galen wrote detailed descriptions about the forms, kinds, and varieties of “swift,” vigorous exercises,
including their proper quantity and duration. Galen’s essays about exercise and its effects might be
considered the first formal “How To” manuals about such topics that remained influential for the next 15
centuries.
The beginnings of more “modern day” exercise physiology include the periods of Renaissance,
Enlightenment, and Scientific Discovery in Europe. During this time, Galen’s ideas impacted the writings of
the early physiologists, doctors, and teachers of hygiene and health. For example, in Venice in 1539, the Italian
physician Hieronymus Mercurialis (1530-1606) published De arte Gymnastica apud ancientes (The Art of
Gymnastics Among the Ancients). This text, heavily influenced by Galen and other Greek and Latin authors,
profoundly affected subsequent writings about gymnastics (physical training and exercise) and health
(hygiene), in Europe and 19th century America. The panel in Figure 1, redrawn from De arte Gymnastica,
acknowledges the early Greek influence of one of Galen’s famous essays, Exercise with the Small Ball, showing
his regimen of specific strength exercises that included discus throwing rope climbing.
Figure 2. Austin Flint
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 14
physicians contributed in significant ways to medical practice and development of exercise physiology as we
know it today.
By the middle 19th century, fledgling medical schools began to graduate their own students, many of
whom assumed positions of leadership in academia and allied medical sciences. Interestingly, physicians
either taught in medical school and conducted research (and wrote textbooks) or affiliated with departments
of physical education and hygiene.
$1,000 - a position he held almost continuously to 1911. Hitchcock’s professorship became the second such
appointment in physical education in an American college. The first, to John D. Hooker a year earlier at
Amherst College in 1860, was short lived due to Hooker’s poor health. Hooker resigned in 1861 with
Hitchcock appointed in his place.
William Augustus Stearns, D.D., the fourth President of Amherst College had proposed the original idea
of a Department of Physical Education with a professorship in 1854. Stearns considered physical education
instruction essential for the health of students and useful to prepare them physically, spiritually, and
intellectually. In 1860, the Barrett Gymnasium at Amherst College, was completed and served as the training
facility where all students were required to perform systematic exercises for 30 minutes daily, four days a
week A unique feature of the gymnasium included Dr. Hitchcock’s scientific laboratory that included
strength and anthropometric equipment, and a spirometer to measure lung function, which he used to
measure the vital statistics of all Amherst students. Dr. Hitchcock was first to statistically record basic data on
a large group of subjects on a yearly basis. These measurements provided Dr. Hitchcock with solid
information for his counseling duties concerning health, hygiene, and exercise training.
In 1860, the Hitchcock’s co-authored an anatomy and physiology textbook geared to college physical
education (Hitchcock, E., and Hitchcock, E., Jr.: Elementary Anatomy and Physiology for Colleges, Academies, and
Other Schools. New York, Ivison, Phinney & Co., 1860); 29 years earlier, the father had published a science-
oriented hygiene textbook. Interestingly, the anatomy and physiology book predated Flint’s similar text by
six years, illustrating that an American-trained physician, with strong allegiance to the implementation of
health and hygiene in the curriculum, helped set the stage for the study of exercise and training well before
the medical establishment focused on this aspect of the discipline. A pedagogical aspect of the Hitchcocks'
text included questions at the bottom of each page about topics under consideration. In essence, the textbook
also served as a “study guide” or “workbook.”
courses, Professor Fitz established an exercise physiology laboratory [Reference: Harvard University
Catalog: Lawrence Scientific School. Description of Course of Study. 1891-1892, page 222.]
Course of Study: Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Training, Lawrence Scientific
School, Harvard University, 1893.
First Year Second Year Third Year (at Harvard Medical) Fourth Year
Experimental Comparative Anatomy of Anatomy and Dissection Psychology
Physics Vertebrates General Physiology Anthropometry
Elementary Zoology Geology Histology Applied Anatomy and
Morphology of Physical Geography and Hygiene Animal Mechanics
Animals Meteorology Foods and Cooking (Kinesiology)
Morphology of Experimental Physics Medical Chemistry Physiology of Exercise
Plants General Descriptive Auscultation and Percussion Remedial Exercise
Elementary Physics Gymnastics and Athletics History of Physical
Physiology and Qualitative Analysis Education
Hygiene English Composition Forensics
General Chemistry Gymnastics and Athletics Gymnastics and
Rhetoric and English Athletics
Composition
Elementary German
Gymnastics and
Athletics
Nine men graduated with B.S. degrees from the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical
Training, before it’s dismantling in 1900. The aim of the major was to prepare students to become directors
of gymnasia or instructors in physical training, to provide students with the necessary knowledge about
the science of exercise, and to offer suitable training for entrance to medical school. The stated purpose of
the new exercise physiology research laboratory was as follows:
A large and well-equipped laboratory has been organized for the experimental study of the
physiology of exercise. The object of this work is to exemplify the hygiene of the muscles, the
conditions under which they act, the relation of their action to the body as a whole affecting
blood supply and general hygienic conditions, and the effects of various exercises upon
muscular growth and general health.
Coinciding with Fitz’s untimely departure from Harvard in 1899 (no one is quite sure why Fits left
Harvard), the department changed its curricular emphasis (the term physical training was dropped from the
department title), thus terminating at least temporarily this unique experiment in higher education, and
depriving the next generation of students in exercise physiology of a visionary to propel the field forward.
One of the legacies of the Fitz-directed “Harvard experience” between 1891 and 1899 was the mentoring it
provided specialists who began their careers with a strong scientific basis in exercise and training and its
relationship to health. They were taught that experimentation and discovery of new knowledge about
exercise and training played a crucial role in furthering development of a science based curriculum.
Unfortunately, it would take another six decades before the next generation of science-oriented physical
educators (led by physiologists like A.V. Hill and D.B. Dill, not educators) would once again exert strong
influence on physical education and propel exercise physiology to the forefront of scientific investigation.
By 1927, 135 institutions in the U.S. offered bachelors degree programs in Physical Education with
coursework in the basic sciences; this included four masters degree programs and two doctoral programs
(Teachers College-Columbia University and New York University). Since then, programs of study [with
emphasis in exercise physiology] have proliferated. Currently, about 172 programs in the United States and
19 in Canada offer the masters or doctoral degrees with specialization in some aspect of exercise physiology.
Danish Influence
In 1909, the University of Copenhagen
endowed the equivalent of a Chair in Anatomy,
Physiology, and Theory of Gymnastics. The
first Docent, Johannes Lindhard, M.D. (1870-
1947), later teamed with August Krogh, Ph.D.
(1874-1949), an eminent scientist specializing in
physiological chemistry and research
instrument design and construction, to conduct
many of the classic experiments in exercise
physiology.
Figure 6. The “three musketeers”; Dr. Erling Assmusen (left), Erik
By 1910, Krogh and his physician-wife Marie
HohwuChristensed (center), and Marius Nielson (right), 1988.
had proven through a series of ingenious,
experiments that diffusion governed pulmonary gas exchange during exercise and altitude exposure, not
oxygen secretion from lung tissue into the blood as postulated by British physiologists Sir John Scott Haldane
and James Priestley. Krogh won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920 for discovering the
mechanism for capillary control of blood flow in resting and exercising muscle. To honor Krogh’s
achievements the institute for physiological research in Copenhagen bears his name (August Krogh Institute).
Three other Danish researchers - physiologists Erling Asmussen (1907-1991; ACSM Citation Award, 1976
and ACSM Honor Award, 1979), Erik Hohwü-Christensen (b. 1904-1996; ACSM Honor Award, 1981), and
Marius Nielsen (b. 1903) - conducted significant exercise physiology studies (Figure 6, above). These “three
musketeers,” as Krogh called them, published voluminously during the 1930s to 1970s.
Swedish Influence
Modern exercise physiology in Sweden can be traced to Per Henrik Ling (1776-
1839), who in 1813 became the first director of Stockholm’s Royal Central Institute of
Gymnastics. Ling, a specialist in fencing, developed a system (incorporating his
studies of anatomy and physiology) of “medical gymnastics,” which became part of
Sweden’s school curriculum in 1820. Ling’s son, Hjalmar, published a book on the
kinesiology of body movements in 1866. As a result of the Lings’ philosophy and
influence, physical education graduates from the Stockholm Central Institute were
well schooled in the basic biological sciences, in addition to proficiency in sports
Figure 7. PerOlof
and games. Currently, the College of Physical Education (Gymnastik-Och Idrotts-
Astrand, Stockholm,
Sweden. skolan) and the Department of Physiology in the Karolinska Institute Medical
School in Stockholm continue to sponsor studies in exercise physiology.
Per-Olof Åstrand, M.D., Ph.D. (b. 1922) is the most famous graduate of the College of Physical Education
(1946); in 1952 he presented his doctoral thesis at the Karolinska Institute Medical School (Figure 7) Åstrand
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 20
taught in the Department of Physiology in the College of Physical Education from 1946-1977; it then became a
department at the Karolinska Institute where he served as professor and department head from 1977 to 1987.
Christensen, Åstrand’s mentor, supervised his thesis, which evaluated physical working capacity of men and
women aged 4 to 33 years. This important study, among others, established a line of research that propelled
Åstrand to the forefront of experimental exercise physiology for which he achieved worldwide fame. Four of
his papers, published in 1960 with Christensen as co-author, stimulated further studies on the physiological
responses to intermittent exercise. Åstrand has mentored an impressive group of exercise physiologists,
including “superstar” Bengt Saltin.
James Fitzgerald was named the first director. Dr. George A. May, hired in 1901 to teach classes served as
director of the gym from 1910 to 1942. “Doc” May was a well-known personality on campus and was
instrumental in convincing the university senate to offer physical education instruction on a required bases to
all students (men and women) to “counteract the strain placed on students by extensive study”. Women were
permitted to use Waterman gym, “on occasion during mornings”. University President Dr. James Angell
supported coeducational instruction, including use of the gym, and authorized the building of Barbour
Gymnasium (Regent Levi Barbour offered the land adjacent to Waterman Gym valued at $25,000) in 1894 (full
use occurred in 1896.) President Angell, seeing the need for a women’s physical education program hired Dr.
Eliza M. Mosher, a UM medical student in the early ‘70s and a practicing physician in New York, to become
the first Professor of Hygiene and Women’s Dean of the Department of Literature, Science and Arts
(becoming the first women to head Physical Education for women.)
In 1894 men’ and women’s physical education began as electives, but four years later the Regents passed a
resolution making the classes compulsory for all freshman (in the hope that the students would continue to
take systematic exercise on a regular basis thereafter). By this time Physical Education was an integral part of
campus life, but a professional four-year program to train teachers in physical education, leading to a B.S.
degree would not be started until the early 1920s.
In March, 1920, University President Marion L. Burton brought before the UM Regents message from the
Michigan State Department of Public Instruction on the growing need for physical education teachers. The
following February, the Regents took the following action:
Ed.D. was established in 1938, and first two doctoral degrees were awarded in 1940. By the end of the 1930s,
undergraduate enrollment in Physical Education stood at about 75 men and 50 women.
In 1941, the Physical Education Departments (men’s and women’s) were reorganized and renamed
Physical Education and Athletics, and by 1942 all academic titles (professor, associate professor, assistant
professor) were taken away and changed to director, associate supervisor, assistant supervisor. The
departments were removed from education and stood as a solitary unit on campus, yet were permitted to
continue to grant university degrees and offer required physical training classes.
In 1949 Paul Hunsicker, a recent graduate of T.K. Cureton’s Illinois program in Physical Education
(emphasis in Exercise Physiology) came to Michigan and established the first experimental exercise
physiology laboratory (housed in the old Physical Education Building – now the Athletic Ticket Office on
South State Street). Dr. Hunsicker established the laboratory with a primary interest in physical fitness testing
of youth throughout the country.
Upon the retirement of Dr. Mitchell in 1958, Dr. Hunsicker became head of the Men’s Department of
Physical Education. Dr. Esther French succeeded Margaret Bell as Chair of the Women’s Physical Education
Department in 1957. In 1967 the University reversed its stance of 25 years earlier and returned the professorial
titles to the men’s and women’s faculties, following an academic review.
In 1970 the Physical Education requirement was abolished. Thus, the 72-year tradition of required Physical
Education was ended; in its place, a coeducational elective program continued to offer students the
opportunity to acquire sports sills. This elective program has evolved into today’s Adult Lifestyle Program.
In 1971 the Men’s and Women’s Departments were merged, with Dr. Paul Hunsicker serving as Chair. At
the height of his career, in January, 1976, Paul Hunsicker died of a heart attack. Dr. D.W. Edington, a
professor from the University of Massachusetts was recruited as chair with the mandate to establish a first-
rate research department. During the mid ‘70s Physical Education severed ties with Athletics to become an
independent unit within the School of Education. The undergraduate and graduate programs focused on
research with little emphasis on teacher preparation. New faculty was recruited with emphasis in motor
control, biomechanics and exercise physiology and new laboratories were established.
On September 21, 1984 the UM Regents created an independent Division of Physical Education,
completely separated from Education. On July 20, 1990 the Michigan Board of Regents agreed that Physical
Education no longer accurately described the field of study and officially changed the name to the Division
of Kinesiology. Kinesiology is now one of the 17 schools and colleges within the university.
many of today's top exercise physiologists. These early graduates with an exercise physiology specialty soon
assumed leadership positions as professors of physical education with teaching and research responsibilities
in exercise physiology at numerous colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 24
2. August Krogh
4. D.W. Edington
6. Eliza M. Mosher
7. Fielding Yost
8. Galen
11. Hippocrates
STUDY QUESTIONS
From Ancient Greece to the United States, circa 1850
Earliest Development
Name of the Greek physician-athlete who many consider the “father of preventive medicine.
List two “hot” topics of interest to medicine and exercise physiology in the early 19th century.
1.
2.
2.
2.
2.
List three objectives of Harvard’s new physical education major and exercise physiology research
laboratory.
1. 3.
2.
Danish Influence
Name one famous Danish exercise physiologist.
Swedish Influence
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 27
2.
3.
4.
Name four important people and briefly describe their contributions to shaping the history of the
Division of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan.
1. 3.
2. 4.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 28
READING #3
PROFESSIONAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction: The Exercise Physiologist
Many individuals view exercise physiology as representing an undergraduate or graduate academic major
(or concentration) completed at an accredited college or university. In this regard, only those who complete
this academic major have the “right” to be called “exercise physiologist.” However, many individuals
complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in related fields with considerable coursework and practical
experience in exercise physiology (or related areas). Consequently, the title exercise physiologist could also
apply so long as their academic preparation is adequate. Resolution of this dilemma becomes difficult
because no national consensus exists as to what constitutes an acceptable (or minimal) academic program of
course work in exercise physiology. In addition, there are no universal standards for hands-on laboratory
experiences (anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology), demonstrated level of
competency, and internship hours that would stand the test of national certification or licensure. Moreover,
with areas of concentration within the field are so broad, consensus certification testing indeed becomes
challenging.
No national accreditation or licensure exists to certify exercise physiologists. Only one state, Louisiana,
currently requires individuals to pass a state certification exam for the position of “clinical exercise
physiologist.” Many states are in various stages of similar legislation.
state/national
cardiology practice gist
teams
Sports
Teacher Occupational
Consultant nutrition
Instructor rehabilitation
programs
Health/fit-
Researcher ness club
instructor
Carefully prescribed exercise contributes to overall health and quality of life. In conjunction with sports
medicine professionals, the clinical exercise physiologist tests, treats, and rehabilitates individuals with
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 31
diverse diseases and disabilities. In addition, prescription of physical activity and athletic competition for the
physically challenged plays an important role in sports medicine and exercise physiology, providing unique
opportunities for research, clinical and professional advancement.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has emerged as the preeminent academic organization
offering comprehensive programs in areas related to the health-fitness profession. ACSM certifications
encompass cognitive and practical competencies that are evaluated by written and practical examinations.
The candidate must successfully complete each of these components (scored separately) to receive the world-
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 33
recognized ACSM certification. ACSM offers a wide variety of certification programs throughout the United
States and in other countries <http://www.acsm.org/index.asp>.
Exercise physiology
ECG
Exercise programming
Program administration
From ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 5th Ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams
& Wilkins, 1995.
An Exercise Leader must know about physical fitness (including basic motivation and counseling
techniques) for healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This category
requires at least 250 hours of hands-on leadership experience, or an academic background in an appropriate
allied health field. Examples of general objectives for an Exercise Leader in exercise physiology include to:
1. Define aerobic and anaerobic metabolism
2. Describe the role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as fuel for aerobic and anaerobic exercise
performance
3. Define the relationship of METs and kilocalories to levels of physical activity
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 34
Health/Fitness Instructor
An undergraduate degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or appropriate allied health
field represents the minimum education prerequisite for a Health/Fitness Instructor. These individuals must
demonstrate competency in physical fitness testing, designing and executing an exercise program, leading
exercise, and organizing and operating fitness facilities. The Health/Fitness Instructor has added
responsibility for (a) training and/or supervising exercise leaders during an exercise program, and (b) serving
as an exercise leader. Health/Fitness Instructors also function as health counselors to offer multiple
intervention strategies for lifestyle change.
Health/Fitness Director
The minimum educational prerequisite for Health/Fitness Director certification requires a postgraduate
degree in an appropriate allied health field. Health/Fitness Directors must acquire a Health/Fitness Instructor
or Exercise Specialist certification. This level requires supervision by a certified program director and
physician during an approved internship, or at least 1 year of practical experience. Health/Fitness Directors
require leadership qualities that ensure competency in training and supervising personnel, and proficiency in
oral presentations.
preliminary screening, administer tests, record data, implement emergency procedures, summarize test data,
and communicate test results to other health professionals. Certification as an Exercise Test Technologist does
not require prerequisite experience or special level of education.
demonstrates leadership, enthusiasm, and creativity. This person can respond appropriately to complications
during exercise testing and training, and can modify exercise prescriptions for patients with specific needs.
Preventive/Rehabilitative Program Director
The Preventive/Rehabilitative Program Director holds an advanced degree in an appropriate allied health-
related area. The certification requires an internship or practical experience of at least 2 years. This health
professional works with cardiopulmonary disease patients in a rehabilitative setting, conducts and
administers exercise tests, evaluates and interprets clinical data, formulates exercise prescriptions, conducts
exercise sessions, responds appropriately to complications during exercise testing and training, modifies
exercise prescriptions for patients with specific limitations, and makes administrative decisions regarding all
aspects of a specific program.
Selected References
ACSM,s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, sixth edition, Baltimore, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
2000
ASCM’s Guidelines to Exercise Testing and Prescription. 5th Ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1995.
Blair, S., et al. (eds.) Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lea
& Febiger, 1988.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 37
26. ACSM
STUDY QUESTIONS
Introduction: The Exercise Physiologist
Do all states require accreditation to become an exercise physiologist?
1.
2.
2.
3.
2.
Name three different journals that publish exercise physiology research articles
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 39
1.
2.
3.
2. 4.
1. 3.
2. 4.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 40
LECTURE #4
MEASUREMENT OF HUMAN ENERGY EXPENDITURE
Introduction
In this lecture I introduce concepts related to the measurement of energy expenditure in humans. These
procedures form the basis for accurately quantifying differences among individuals in energy metabolism at
rest and during physical activity.
Heat of Combustion
The heat liberated by burning or oxidizing food in a bomb calorimeter represents its heat of combustion
or the total energy value of the food. Burning 1 g of pure carbohydrate yields a heat of combustion of 4.20
kCal, 1 g of pure protein releases 5.65 kCal, and 1 g of pure lipid yields 9.45 kCal. Because most foods in the
diet consist of various proportions of the three macronutrients, the caloric value of a given food reflects the
sum of the heats of combustion of each of the macronutrients in the food.
The average heats of combustion for the three nutrients (carbohydrate = 4.2 kCal•g -1; lipid = 9.4 kCal
kCal•g-1; protein = 5.65 kCal kCal•g-1) demonstrates that the complete oxidation of lipid in the bomb
calorimeter liberates about 65% more energy per gram than protein oxidation, and 120% more energy than
the oxidation of 1 g carbohydrate.
and lipids (which contain no nitrogen) compared to their heats of combustion in a bomb calorimeter.
DIGESTIVE EFFICIENCY
The “availability” to the body of the ingested macronutrients determines their ultimate caloric yield.
Availability refers to completeness of digestion and absorption. Normally about 97% of carbohydrates,
95% of lipids, and 92% of proteins become digested, absorbed, and available to the body for energy. Large
variation exists for protein ranging from a high of 97% for animal protein to a low 78% for dried peas and
beans. Furthermore, less energy becomes available from a meal with high fiber content. Considering average
digestive efficiencies, the net kCal value per gram for carbohydrate equals 4.0, 9.0 for lipid, and 4.0 for
protein. These corrected heats of combustion comprise the “Atwater Factors,” named after the scientist who
first studied the energy release from food in the calorimeter, and in the body.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 42
FOODSTUFF + OXYGEN –––––> HEAT + CO2 +
H2O
INDIRECT DIRECT
CALORIMETRY CALORIMETR
Y
MEASURE
EITHER HEAT
OR O2
Calorimetry involves the measurement of heat dissipation, which is a direct measure of Calorie
expenditure. One can measure heat directly (direct calorimetry) or the amount of oxygen consumed (indirect
calorimetry) to indicate caloric expenditure by the body.
METABOLI CALORIME
SM TRY
Direct Indirec
t
CO2 +
Oxygen
Consumption N2 Balance
Direct Calorimetry
All of the body's metabolic processes ultimately result in heat production. Consequently, we can
measure human heat production similarly to the method used to determine the caloric value of foods in the
bomb calorimeter (refer to Figure 1, above).
The human calorimeter
illustrated in Figure 2 consists of
an airtight chamber where a
person lives and works for
extended periods. A known
volume of water at a specified
temperature circulates through a
series of coils at the top of the
chamber. Circulating water
absorbs the heat produced and
radiated by the individual.
Insulation protects the entire
chamber so any change in
water temperature relates
directly to the individual’s
energy metabolism. For
adequate ventilation, chemicals
continually remove moisture
and absorb carbon dioxide
from the person’s exhaled air.
Oxygen added to the air
recirculates through the
chamber.
Professors Atwater (a
chemist) and Rosa (a Figure 2. Directly measuring the body’s heat production in a human calorimeter.
physicist) in the 1890s built
and perfected the first human calorimeter of major scientific importance at Wesleyan University
(Connecticut). Their elegant human calorimetric experiments relating energy input to energy expenditure
successfully verified the law of the conservation of energy and validated the relationship between direct and
indirect calorimetry. The Atwater-Rosa Calorimeter consisted of a small chamber where a subject lived, ate,
slept, and exercised on a bicycle ergometer or treadmill. Experiments lasted from several hours to 13 days;
during some experiments, subjects performed cycling exercise continuously for up to 16 hours expending
more than 10,000 kCal! The calorimeter's operation required 16 people working in teams of eight for 12-hour
shifts.
Direct measurement of heat production in humans has considerable theoretical implications, but limited
practical application. Accurate measurements of heat production in the calorimeter require considerable time,
expense, and formidable engineering expertise. Thus, the calorimeters use remains generally inapplicable for
human energy determinations for most sport, occupational, and recreational activities. Also, direct
calorimetry cannot be applied for large-scale studies in underdeveloped and poor countries. Great need exists
for total nutritional and energy balance assessments under a variety of deprivation conditions, particularly
undernutrition and starvation. In the 90 years since Atwater and Rosa published their papers on human
calorimetry, other methodology evolved to infer energy expenditure indirectly from metabolic gas exchanges
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 45
(see next section). For example, the modern space suit worn by astronauts, in reality a “suit-calorimeter,”
maintains respiratory gas exchange and thermal balance while the astronaut works outside an orbiting space
vehicle.
Indirect Calorimetry
All energy-releasing reactions in the body ultimately depend on oxygen utilization. By measuring a
person’s oxygen uptake during steady-rate exercise, researchers obtain an indirect yet accurate estimate of
energy expenditure. Indirect calorimetry remains relatively simple and less expensive to maintain and staff
compared to direct calorimetry. Closed-circuit and open-circuit spirometry represent the two common
methods of indirect calorimetry.
Closed-Circuit Spirometry
Figure 3 illustrates the technique of closed-circuit
spirometry developed in the late 1800's and now
used in hospitals and research laboratories to
estimate resting energy expenditure. The subject
breathes 100% oxygen from a prefilled container
(spirometer). The equipment consists of a "closed
system" because the person rebreathes only the gas in
the spirometer. A canister of soda lime (potassium
hydroxide) placed in the breathing circuit absorbs the
carbon dioxide in the exhaled air. A drum attached to
the spirometer revolves at a known speed and
records oxygen uptake from changes in the system's
volume.
During exercise, oxygen uptake measurement
using closed-circuit spirometry becomes problematic.
The subject must remain close to the equipment, the
breathing circuit offers great resistance to the large
gas volumes exchanged during exercise, and the
relatively slow speed of carbon dioxide removal
becomes inadequate during heavy exercise.
Bag technique
Figure 4. Portable spirometer.
Computerized instrumentation
Portable Spirometry
German scientists in the early 1940’s perfected a lightweight, portable
system to determine indirectly the energy expended during physical activity.
The activities included war-related operations traveling over different
terrain with full battle gear, operating transportation vehicles, and tasks
soldiers would encounter during combat operations. The person carries the 3- kg
box-shaped apparatus (Figure 4) on the back. Air passes through a two-way
valve, and expired air exits through a gas meter. The meter measures expired air
volume and collect a small gas sample for later analysis of O2 and CO2
content, and thus determination of oxygen uptake and energy expenditure.
Carrying the portable spirometer allows considerable freedom of
movement for estimating energy expenditure in diverse activities like
mountain climbing, downhill skiing, sailing, golf, and common household
activities. The equipment becomes cumbersome during vigorous activity;
with rapid breathing, the meter under-records airflow measurements during
heavy exercise.
Bag Technique
Figure 5 depicts the bag technique. The subject rides a stationary cycle ergometer wearing headgear
containing a two-way, high-velocity, low-resistance breathing valve. He breathes ambient air through one
side of the valve and expels it out the other side. The air then passes into either large canvas or plastic bags or
rubber meteorological balloons, or directly through a gas meter,
which continually measures expired air volume. The meter
collects a small sample of expired air for analysis of oxygen and
carbon dioxide composition. Assessment of oxygen uptake (as
with all indirect calorimetric techniques) uses an appropriate
calorific transformation to convert measures of oxygen uptake to
energy expenditure. Figure 6 illustrates oxygen uptake measured
by the bag technique while lifting boxes of different weight and
size to evaluate the energy requirements of a specific
occupational task.
Computerized Instrumentation
With advances in computer and microprocessor technology, the
exercise scientist can accurately and rapidly measure metabolic
and cardiovascular response to exercise. A computer interfaces
with different instruments to measure oxygen uptake.
The computer performs metabolic calculations based on
electronic signals it receives from the instruments. A printed or
graphic display of the data appears during the measurement
Figure 5. Bag technique to measure oxygen period. More advanced systems include automated blood
consumption. pressure, heart rate, and temperature monitors, and preset
instructions to regulate speed, duration, and workload of a treadmill, bicycle ergometer, stepper, rower, swim
flume, or other exercise apparatus.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 47
Proteins do not simply oxidize to carbon dioxide and water during energy metabolism in the body.
Rather, the liver first deaminates the amino acid molecule; then the body excretes the nitrogen and sulfur
fragments in the urine, sweat, and feces. The remaining “keto acid” fragment oxidizes to carbon dioxide and
water to provide energy for biologic work. Short-chain keto acids, as in fat catabolism, require more oxygen
in relation to carbon dioxide produced to achieve complete combustion. The protein albumin oxidizes as
follows:
C72H112N2O22S + 77O2 63CO2 + 38H2O + SO3 + 9CO(NH2)2
RQ = 63CO2 77O2 = 0.818
The general value 0.82 characterizes the RQ for protein.
Table 2. Thermal equivalents of oxygen for the non-protein respiratory quotient, including percent kCal
and grams derived from carbohydrate and fat.
Non-Protein kCal per Liter % kCal Derived %kCal Derived Grams per Grams per
RQ O2 Uptake from CHO From Fat Liter O2 CHO Liter O2 Fat
0.7 4.686 0.0 100.0 0.000 0.496
0.71 4.69 0.1 98.9 0.120 0.491
0.72 4.702 4.8 95.2 0.510 0.476
0.73 4.714 8.4 91.6 0.900 0.460
0.74 4.727 12.0 88.0 0.130 0.444
0.75 4.739 15.6 84.4 0.170 0.428
0.76 4.75 19.2 80.8 0.211 0.412
0.77 4.764 22.8 77.2 0.250 0.396
0.78 4.776 26.3 73.7 0.290 0.380
0.79 4.788 29.9 70.1 0.330 0.363
0.8 4.801 33.4 66.6 0.371 0.347
0.81 4.813 36.9 63.1 0.413 0.330
0.82 4.825 40.3 59.7 0.454 0.313
0.83 4.838 43.8 56.2 0.496 0.297
0.84 4.85 47.2 52.8 0.537 0.280
0.85 4.862 50.7 49.3 0.579 0.263
0.86 4.875 54.1 45.9 0.621 0.247
0.87 4.887 57.5 42.5 0.663 0.230
0.88 4.889 60.8 39.2 0.705 0.213
0.89 4.911 64.2 35.8 0.749 0.195
0.9 4.924 67.5 32.5 0.791 0.178
0.91 4.936 70.8 29.2 0.834 0.160
0.92 4.948 74.1 25.9 0.877 0.143
0.93 4.961 77.4 22.6 0.921 0.125
0.94 4.973 80.7 19.3 0.964 0.108
0.95 4.985 84.0 16.0 1.008 0.090
0.96 4.998 87.2 12.8 1.052 0.072
0.97 5.01 90.4 9.6 1.097 0.054
0.98 5.022 93.6 6.4 1.142 0.036
0.99 5.035 96.8 3.2 1.186 0.018
1 5.047 100.0 0.0 1.231 0.000
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 50
Define Key Terms and Concepts
1. 4.2 kcal•gm-1
2. 5.65 kcal•gm-1
3. 9.4 kcal•gm-1
4. Atwater factors
5. Bomb calorimeter
6. Calorie
7. Direct calorimetry
8. Closed-circuit spirometry
9. Digestive efficiency
STUDY QUESTIONS
Heat of Combustion
Give the heats of combustion for the three macronutrients>
Carbohydrate
Lipid
Protein
Why is the heat of combustion for protein less in the body than in a bomb calorimeter?
Bomb calorimetry
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 52
Digestive Efficiency
List one effect that dietary fiber has on the energy availability of ingested foods?
2.
Calorimetry
Briefly describe the principle of calorimetry.
Direct Calorimetry
Describe direct calorimetry to measure human heat production.
Indirect Calorimetry
List the two methods of indirect calorimetry.
1.
2.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 53
Closed-Circuit Spirometry
Give one disadvantage of closed-circuit spirometry during exercise studies
Open-Circuit Spirometry
List one positive aspect of each of the following procedures of indirect calorimetry during exercise
studies.
Portable Spirometry
Bag Technique
Computerized Instrumentation
Portable Spirometry
Who were the first scientists to use portable spirometry?
Bag Technique
What kind of breathing valve must be used with the bag technique for open-circuit spirometry?
Computerized Instrumentation
Lists three instruments that need to be interfaced with a computer for on-line measurement of
oxygen uptake.
1. 3.
2.
Caloric equivalent
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 55
READING #5
HUMAN ENERGY TRANSFER BASICS
Introduction
In this lecture, I present an overview of how the body obtains energy to power its diverse functions. A
basic understanding of carbohydrate, fat, and protein catabolism and subsequent anaerobic and aerobic
energy transfer forms the basis for much of the content of exercise physiology. Knowledge about human
bioenergetics provides the practical basis for formulating sport-specific exercise training regimens,
recommending activities for physical fitness and weight control, and advocating prudent dietary
modifications for specific sport requirements.
The body’s capacity to extract energy from food nutrients and transfer it to the contractile elements in
skeletal muscle determines the capacity to swim, run, bicycle, and ski long distances at high intensity. Energy
transfer occurs through thousands of complex chemical reactions that require the proper mixture of macro-
and micronutrients continually fueled by oxygen. The term aerobic describes such oxygen-requiring energy
reactions. In contrast, anaerobic chemical reactions generate energy rapidly for short durations without
oxygen. Rapid energy transfer allows for a high standard of performance in maximal short-term sprinting in
track and swimming, or repeated stop-and-go sports like soccer, basketball, lacrosse, water polo, volleyball,
field hockey, and football. The following point requires emphasis: The anaerobic and aerobic breakdown of
ingested food nutrients provides the energy source for synthesizing the chemical fuel that powers all
forms of biologic work.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 56
During ATP catabolism, the enzyme adenosine triphosphatase catalyzes the reaction when ATP joins with
water. For each mole of ATP degraded to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), the outermost phosphate bond
splits, liberating approximately 7.3 kCal of free energy (i.e., energy available for work).
ATP + H2O ––––>ATP + P -7.3 kCal
The free energy liberated in ATP hydrolysis reflects
energy differences between reactants and end-
products. Because this reaction generates considerable
energy, ATP is referred to as a high-energy
phosphate compound. Additional energy releases
when another phosphate splits from ADP. In some
reactions of biosynthesis, ATP donates its two terminal
phosphates simultaneously to construct new cellular
material. Adenosine monophosphate or AMP becomes
the new molecule with a single phosphate group.
The energy liberated during ATP breakdown
directly transfers to other energy-requiring molecules.
In muscle, this energy activates specific sites on the
contractile elements causing muscle fibers to shorten.
Because energy from ATP powers all forms of
biologic work, ATP constitutes the cell’s “energy
currency.”
The splitting of an ATP molecule immediately takes
place without oxygen. The cell’s capability for ATP
breakdown generates energy for rapid use; this would
not occur, however, if energy metabolism required
oxygen at all times. Think of anaerobic energy release
as a back-up power source, called upon to deliver
energy in excess of what can be generated aerobically.
For this reason, any form of activity can take place
immediately without instantaneously consuming
oxygen; examples include sprinting for a bus, lifting a
fork, driving a golf ball, spiking a volleyball, doing a
Figure 2. Examples of anabolic and catabolic reactions pushup, or jumping up in the air. The well known
that involve coupled energy transfer. practice of holding one’s breathe while sprint
swimming provides a clear example of ATP splitting
without reliance on atmospheric oxygen. Withholding air (oxygen), although not advisable, can be done
during a 100-yard sprint on the track, lifting a barbell, a dash up several flights of stairs, or simply holding
one's breath while rapidly flexing and extending the arms or fingers. In each case, energy metabolism
proceeds uninterrupted because the energy for performing the activity comes almost exclusively from
intramuscular anaerobic sources.
ATP Resynthesis
Because cells store only a small quantity of ATP, it must continually be resynthesized at its rate of use. This
provides a biologically useful mechanism for regulating energy metabolism. By maintaining only a small
amount of ATP, its relative concentration (and corresponding concentration of ADP) changes rapidly with
any increase in a cell’s energy demands. An ATP:ADP imbalance at the start of exercise immediately
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 58
stimulates the breakdown of other stored energy-containing compounds to resynthesize ATP. As one might
expect, increases in cellular energy transfer depend on exercise intensity. Energy transfer increases about
four-fold in the transition from sitting in a chair to walking. However, changing from a walk to an all-out
sprint almost immediately accelerates energy transfer rate about 120 times! Generating significant energy
output almost instantaneously demands ATP availability and a means for its rapid resynthesis.
Phosphocreatine (PCr):
The Energy Reservoir
Some energy for ATP resynthesis
comes directly from the splitting
(hydrolysis) of a phosphate from another
intracellular high-energy phosphate
compound – phosphocreatine (PCr), also
known as creatine phosphate or CP. PCr,
similar to ATP, releases a large amount of
energy when the bond splits between the
creatine and phosphate molecules. The
hydrolysis of PCr for energy begins at the
onset of intense exercise, does not require
oxygen, and reaches a maximum in about
Figure 3. ATP and PCr are anaerobic sources of phosphate-bond 10 seconds. Thus, PCr can be considered a
energy. The energy liberated from the hydrolysis (splitting) of “reservoir” of high-energy phosphate
PCr powers the union of ADP to reform ATP. bonds. Figure 4 schematically illustrates the
release and use of phosphate-bond energy in ATP and PCr. The term high-energy phosphates describe these
stored intramuscular compounds. ATP and PCr are anaerobic sources of phosphate-bond energy. The energy
liberated from the hydrolysis (splitting) of PCr powers the union of ADP and P to reform ATP.
In both reactions in Figure 3, the arrows point in opposite directions to indicate reversible reactions. In
other words, creatine (C) and phosphate (P) can join again to reform PCr. This also holds true for ATP where
the union of ADP and P reforms ATP (see top part of figure). ATP resynthesis occurs if sufficient energy exists
to rejoin an ADP molecule with one P molecule. Hydrolysis of PCr supplies this energy.
Cells store PCr in considerably larger quantities than ATP. Mobilization of CP for energy takes place
almost instantaneously and does not require oxygen. For this reason, PCr is considered a “reservoir” of high-
energy phosphate bonds.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 59
Cellular Oxidation
A molecule becomes reduced when it accepts electrons from an electron donor. In turn, the molecule that
gives up the electron becomes
oxidized. Oxidation reactions
(donating electrons) and reduction
reactions (accepting electrons)
remain coupled because every
oxidation coincides with a
reduction. In essence, cellular
oxidation-reduction constitutes the
mechanism for energy metabolism.
The stored carbohydrate, fat, and
protein molecules continually
provide hydrogen atoms in this
process. The mitochondria, the
cell’s “energy factories,” contain
carrier molecules that remove
Figure 4. In the body, the electron transport chain removes electrons from
electrons from hydrogen (oxidation)
hydrogen and ultimately delivers them to oxygen. In this oxidationreduction
and eventually pass them to oxygen
process, much of the chemical energy stored within the hydrogen atoms does not
dissipate to kinetic energy, rather, it becomes conserved in forming ATP. (reduction). Synthesis of the high-
energy phosphate ATP occurs
during oxidation-reduction reactions.
Electron Transport
Figure 4 illustrates the general scheme for hydrogen oxidation and accompanying electron transport to
oxygen. During cellular oxidation, hydrogen atoms are not merely turned loose in the cell fluid. Rather,
highly specific enzymes catalyze hydrogen's release from the nutrient substrate. The coenzyme nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide or NAD+ accepts pairs of electrons (energy) from hydrogen. While the substrate
oxidizes and loses hydrogen (electrons), NAD+ gains a hydrogen and two electrons and reduces to NADH;
the other hydrogen appears as H+ in the cell fluid.
The riboflavin-containing coenzyme, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) serves as the other important
electron acceptor in oxidizing food fragments.
The NADH and FADH2 formed in macronutrient breakdown represent energy-rich molecules because
they carry electrons with a high-energy transfer potential. The cytochromes, a series of iron-protein electron
carriers, then pass in “bucket brigade” fashion pairs of electrons carried by NADH and FADH2 on the inner
membranes of the mitochondria. The cytochromes transfer electrons to their ultimate destination, where they
reduce oxygen to form water. The NAD+ and FAD then recycle for subsequent use in energy metabolism.
Electron transport by specific carrier molecules constitutes the respiratory chain, serving as the final
common pathway where electrons extracted from hydrogen pass to oxygen. For each pair of hydrogen
atoms, two electrons flow down the chain and reduce one atom of oxygen to form water. Of the five specific
cytochromes, only the last one, cytochrome oxidase (cytochrome a3 with a strong affinity for oxygen),
discharges its electron directly to oxygen.
In the body, the electron-transport chain removes electrons from hydrogen and ultimately delivers them to
oxygen. In this oxidation-reduction process, much of the chemical energy stored within the hydrogen atom
does not dissipate to kinetic energy; rather it becomes conserved in forming ATP.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 60
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Oxidative phosphorylation refers to how ATP becomes synthesized during the transfer of electrons
from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen. This important process represents the cell’s primary means
for extracting and trapping chemical energy in the high-energy phosphates. Over 90% of ATP synthesis takes
place in the respiratory chain by oxidative reactions coupled with phosphorylation.
Think of oxidative phosphorylation as a waterfall divided into several separate cascades by the
intervention of waterwheels at different heights. The energy in NADH transfers to ADP to reform ATP at
three distinct coupling sites during electron transport (Figure 4). Oxidation of hydrogen and subsequent
phosphorylation occurs as follows:
Carbohydrate's primary function supplies energy for cellular work. Carbohydrate represents the only
macronutrient whose potential energy can generate ATP anaerobically. This becomes important in vigorous
exercise that requires rapid energy release above levels supplied by aerobic metabolic reactions.
1. During light and moderate aerobic exercise, carbohydrate supplies about one-half of the body’s energy
requirements.
2. Processing fat through the metabolic mill for energy requires some carbohydrate catabolism.
3. Aerobic breakdown of carbohydrate for energy occurs at about twice the rate as energy generated
from fatty acid breakdown. Thus, depleting glycogen reserves significantly reduces exercise power
output. In prolonged high-intensity, aerobic exercise such as marathon running, athletes often
experience nutrient-related fatigue – a state associated with muscle and liver glycogen depletion.
The complete breakdown of 1 mole of glucose (180 g) to carbon dioxide and water yields 686 kcal of
chemical free energy.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 ––––> 6CO2 + 6H2O + 689 kCal per mole
In the body, the complete breakdown of glucose liberates the same quantity of energy, with a significant
portion conserved as ATP. Synthesizing one mole of ATP from ADP and phosphate ion requires 7.3 kcal of
energy. Therefore, coupling all of the energy from glucose oxidation to phosphorylation could theoretically
form 94 moles of ATP per mole of glucose (686 kcal ÷ 7.3 kcal per mole = 94 moles). In the muscles, however,
the phosphate bonds only conserve 38% or 263 kcal of energy, with the remainder dissipated as heat. This
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 62
loss of useful energy represents the body's metabolic inefficiency for converting stored potential energy into
useful energy.
once lactic acid forms within muscle, it diffuses rapidly into the blood for buffering to sodium lactate and
removal from the site of energy metabolism. This allows glycolysis to continue supplying additional
anaerobic energy for ATP resynthesis. However, this avenue for extra energy remains temporary; blood
lactate and muscle lactic acid levels increase and ATP regeneration cannot keep pace with its utilization rate.
Fatigue soon sets in and exercise performance diminishes.
Even at rest, energy metabolism in red blood cells forms some lactic acid. This occurs as the red blood cells
contain no mitochondria and must derive their energy from glycolysis. Lactic acid should not be viewed as a
metabolic “waste product” as it provides a valuable source of energy that accumulates in the body during
heavy exercise. When sufficient oxygen becomes available during recovery, or when exercise pace slows,
NAD+ scavenges hydrogen attached to lactate; this hydrogen subsequently oxidizes to form ATP. Thus, blood
lactate becomes an energy source as it readily reconverts to pyruvate to undergo further catabolism.
Figure 8. Two phases of the Citric Acid cycle. Phase 1 in the mitochondrion, Krebs cycle activity generates
hydrogen atoms. Phase 2 – significant ATP regenerates when hydrogen oxidizes via the aerobic process of
electron transport.
Oxygen does not participate directly in the Krebs cycle. The aerobic process of electron transport-oxidative
phosphorylation transfers the major portion of chemical energy in pyruvate to ADP. With adequate oxygen,
enzymes and substrate, NAD and FAD regeneration takes place allowing Krebs cycle metabolism to proceed.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 64
Figure 8 shows the two phases of Krebs cycle activity. Phase 1 involves the introduction of pyruvate (from
glycolysis), combined with coenzyme A (a Vitamin B derivative), into the Krebs cycle with the release of
hydrogen, CO2 and ATP. Phase 2 shows significant ATP regeneration when hydrogen oxidizes via the aerobic
process of electron transport-oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain).
Figure 9. Net yield of 36 ATP from energy transfer during the complete oxidation
Figure 11
Figure 10. Breakdown of glycerol and fatty acid fragments of a triglyceride molecule.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 66
Glycerol
The anaerobic reactions of glycolysis accept glycerol as 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde, which then degrades to
pyruvate to form ATP by substrate-level phosphorylation. Hydrogen atoms pass to NAD +, and the Krebs
cycle oxidizes pyruvate. The complete breakdown of the single glycerol molecule in a triglyceride synthesizes
a total of 19 ATP molecules. Glycerol also provides carbon skeletons for glucose synthesis. The gluconeogenic
role of glycerol becomes prominent when glycogen reserves deplete due to dietary restriction of
carbohydrates, or in long-term exercise or heavy training.
Fatty Acids
The fatty acid molecule transforms to acetyl-CoA in the mitochondrion during beta–oxidation reactions.
This involves the successive release of 2-carbon acetyl fragments split from the fatty acid's long chain. ATP
phosphorylates the reactions, water is added, and hydrogen pass to NAD+ and FAD, and acetyl–CoA forms
when the acetyl fragment joins with coenzyme A. This acetyl unit is the same one generated from glucose
breakdown. Beta-oxidation continues until the entire fatty acid molecule degrades to acetyl–CoA so it can
directly enter the Krebs cycle. Hydrogen released during fatty acid catabolism oxidizes through the
respiratory chain. Note that fatty acid breakdown relates directly with oxygen uptake. For beta–oxidation to
proceed, oxygen must be present to join with hydrogen. Without oxygen (anaerobic conditions), hydrogen
remains joined with NAD+ and FAD bringing fat catabolism to a halt.
pyruvate provide a carbon skeleton for glucose synthesis by the body, making protein a source for glucose
when glycogen reserves run low.
Figure 12. The metabolic mill.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 69
LECTURE #5 WORKBOOK
Define Key Terms and Concepts
1. Adenosine triphosphatase
2. Aerobic
3. Amino acid
4. Anaerobic
5. Coupled reactions
6. Enzymes
8. Glycerol
9. Glycolysis
12. Lactate
15. PCr
16. Pyruvate
STUDY QUESTIONS
ATP and Phosphate Bond Energy
Cellular Oxidation
“For every reaction involving cellular oxidation, there is a reaction involving __________________”.
Electron Transport
Briefly describe the main purpose of electron transport.
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Complete the following chemical equation:
NADH + H+ + 3ADP + 3 P + 1/2 O2 –––––––>
Glycerol
How many molecules of ATP synthesize when one glycerol molecule breaks down?
Fatty Acids
Of what importance is oxygen in fatty acids catabolism?
LECTURE #6
ENERGY TRANSFER DURING EXERCISE
Introduction
Three major factors affect differences in the magnitude of energy transfer capacity:
Body size and body composition
Physical fitness
Duration and intensity of exercise
In sprint running, cycling, and swimming, energy output can increase 120 times above resting metabolism.
In contrast, during less intense but sustained marathon running, for example, energy requirements still
exceed the resting level by 20 to 30 times. This chapter explains how the body’s diverse energy systems
interact during rest and different exercise intensities.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 76
untrained individuals. During light and moderate exercise in both groups, aerobic metabolism adequately
meet energy demands. Non-active tissues rapidly oxidize any lactic acid formed. This permits blood lactate to
remain fairly stable (i.e., no net blood lactate accumulates), even though oxygen uptake increases. In essence,
ATP for muscular contraction comes from energy-generating reactions requiring the oxidation of hydrogen.
Lactate begins to rise exponentially at about 55% of the healthy, untrained person’s maximal capacity for
aerobic metabolism (termed the VO2max). The usual explanation for increases in blood lactate in heavy exercise
assumes a relative tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen). With lack of oxygen, anaerobic glycolysis partially meets
the energy requirement, but hydrogen release begins to exceed its oxidation down the respiratory chain. At
this point, lactic acid forms as the excess hydrogen produced during glycolysis pass to pyruvate. Lactic acid
formation increases at
progressively higher levels of
exercise intensity when active
muscle cannot meet the
additional energy demands
aerobically.
As Figure 1 shows, trained
individuals (dashed line) show
a similar pattern of blood lactate
accumulation, except for the
point when blood lactate
appearance sharply increases.
The point of abrupt rise in
blood lactate, known as the
“blood lactate threshold” (also
termed anaerobic threshold
and onset of blood lactate
accumulation, or OBLA),
occurs at a higher percentage
of an athlete’s aerobic capacity.
This favorable metabolic
response in the endurance
athlete could result from
genetic endowment (e.g.,
muscle fiber type distribution),
specific local muscle
Figure 1. Blood lactate concentration at different levels of exercise expressed as a adaptations with training that
percent of VO2max for endurance trained and untrained individuals. favor formation of less lactic
acid and its more rapid
removal rate, or a combination of these factors.
Research shows that endurance training significantly increases capillary density and the size and number
of mitochondria. The concentration of the various enzymes and transfer agents involved in aerobic
metabolism also increases. Such alterations certainly enhance the cell’s capacity to generate ATP aerobically,
particularly via fatty acid breakdown. These training adaptations also extend exercise intensity before the
onset of blood lactate accumulation. For example, world-class endurance athletes can perform at sustained
high exercise intensities that represent 85 to 90% of maximum capacity for aerobic metabolism.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 78
The lactic acid formed in one part of an active muscle can be oxidized by other fibers in the same muscle
or by less active neighboring muscle tissue. Lactate uptake by less active muscle fibers helps to depress blood
lactate levels during light-to-moderate exercise and also provides an important means for glucose
conservation in prolonged work.
Lactate-Producing Capacity
Capacity to generate high levels of lactic acid during exercise enhances maximal power output for short
durations. Because tissues continually utilize lactate during exercise, blood lactate accumulation can
significantly underestimate total blood lactate production. Ability to generate a high lactic acid concentration
in maximal exercise increases with specific sprint and power training; detraining subsequently decreases this
advantage.
Well-trained “anaerobic” athletes who perform maximally for brief periods generate blood lactate levels 20
to 30% higher than untrained individuals with similar exercise. Enhanced lactate-producing capacity with
sprint-type training may result from improved motivation that often accompanies the trained state (i.e., the
trained “push” themselves harder)and an approximate 20% increase in glycolytic enzyme activity.
Oxygen Uptake
During
Exercise
The curve in Figure 2
illustrates oxygen uptake
during each minute of a
relatively slow jog continued at UofM
a steady pace for 20 minutes.
The vertical Y-axis indicates
the use of oxygen by the cells
(referred to as oxygen uptake
Figure 2. Time course of oxygen uptake during continuous jogging at a relatively
slow pace. The dots along the curve represent measured values of oxygen uptake.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 79
or oxygen consumption); the horizontal X-axis displays exercise time. The abbreviation VO 2 indicates oxygen
uptake, where the V denotes the volume consumed; the dot placed above the V expresses oxygen uptake as a
per minute value. Oxygen uptake during any minute can easily be determined by locating time on the X-axis
and its corresponding point for oxygen uptake on the Y-axis. For example, after running four minutes,
oxygen uptake equals approximately 1.6 mL•kg-1•min-1.
From the graph, oxygen uptake rises rapidly during the first minutes of exercise and reaches a relative
plateau between minutes three and six. Oxygen uptake then remains relatively stable throughout the
remainder of exercise. The flat portion or plateau of the oxygen uptake curve represents the steady-rate of
aerobic metabolism – a balance between energy required by working muscles and the rate of aerobic ATP
production. Oxygen consuming reactions supply the energy for exercise during steady-rate; any lactic acid
produced either oxidizes or reconverts to glucose in the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. No accumulation
of blood lactate occurs under these steady-rate metabolic conditions.
Oxygen Deficit
The upward trending curve of
oxygen uptake shown in
Figure 2 and 3 does not
increase instantaneously to a
steady-rate at the start of
Figure 3. Oxygen uptake and deficit for trained and untrained individuals
during submaximum cycle ergometer exercise. Both individuals reach the
same steady-rate VO2 but the trained person reaches it at a faster rate,
reducing the oxygen deficit.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 80
exercise. Instead, it remains considerably below the steady-rate level in the first minute of exercise, even
though the exercise energy requirement remains essentially unchanged throughout the activity period. The
temporary “lag” in oxygen uptake occurs because ATP provides the muscle’s immediate energy requirement
without the need for oxygen. Oxygen becomes important in subsequent energy transfer reactions to serve as
an electron acceptor to combine with the hydrogen produced during:
Glycolysis
Beta- oxidation of fatty acids
Krebs cycle reactions
Thus, a deficit always exists in the oxygen uptake response to a new, higher steady-rate level, regardless of
activity or exercise intensity.
The oxygen deficit quantitatively represents the difference between the total oxygen actually consumed
during exercise and the amount that would have been consumed had a steady-rate, aerobic metabolism
occurred immediately when exercise began. Energy provided during the deficit phase of exercise represents a
predominance of anaerobic energy transfer. Stated in metabolic terms, oxygen deficit represents the quantity
of energy produced from stored intramuscular phosphagens plus energy contributed from rapid glycolytic
reactions that yield phosphate-bond energy until oxygen uptake and energy demands reach the steady rate.
The VO2max provides a good indication of an individual’s capacity for aerobically resynthesizing ATP.
Exercise performed above VO2max can only take place by energy transfer predominantly from anaerobic
glycolysis with lactic acid formation. Under such conditions, performance deteriorates and the individual
cannot continue at that intensity. The large build up of lactic acid, due to the additional anaerobic muscular
effort, disrupts the already high
rate of energy transfer for the
aerobic resynthesis of ATP. To
borrow an analogy from
business economics: supply
(aerobic resynthesis of ATP)
fails to meet demand (energy
required for muscular effort).
An aerobic energy supply-
demand imbalance affects
production (lactic acid
accumulates) and compromises
exercise performance.
Figure 4. Attainment of maximal oxygen uptake while running up hills of increasing
slope. VO2max occurs in the region where a further increase in exercise intensity does The Energy
not produce an additional increase in oxygen uptake.
Spectrum of
Exercise
Figure 5 depicts the relative contributions of anaerobic and aerobic energy sources during various
durations of maximal exercise. The data represent estimates from experiments of all-out treadmill running
and bicycling, they can relate to other activities by drawing the appropriate time relationships. For example, a
100-m sprint run equates to any all-out activity lasting about 10 s, while an 800-m run lasts approximately 2
minutes. All-out exercise for one minute includes the 400-m dash in track, the 100-m swim, and multiple full-
court presses during a basketball game.
distance running and swimming or stop-and-go sports like basketball and soccer, produces a greater demand
for aerobic energy transfer. Longer duration marathon running, distance swimming and cycling, recreational
jogging, cross-country skiing, and hiking and backpacking require a continual energy supply derived
aerobically without reliance on lactic acid formation.
Intensity and duration determine which energy system and metabolic mixture predominate during
exercise. The aerobic system predominates in low intensity exercise with fat serving as the primary fuel
source. The liver markedly increases its release of glucose to active muscle as exercise progresses from low to
high intensity. Simultaneously, glycogen stored within muscle serves as the predominant carbohydrate
energy source during the early stages of exercise and when exercise intensity increases. During high-intensity
aerobic exercise, the advantage of selective dependence on carbohydrate metabolism lies in its two times
more rapid energy transfer capacity compared to fat and protein fuels.
Compared to fat, carbohydrate also generates about 6% greater energy per unit oxygen consumed. As
exercise continues and muscle glycogen depletes, progressively more fat (intramuscular triglycerides and
circulating FFA) enters the metabolic mixture for ATP production. In maximal anaerobic effort (reactions of
glycolysis), carbohydrate becomes the sole contributor to ATP production.
A sound approach to exercise training analyzes an activity for its specific energy components and then
establishes a training regimen to improve those systems that assure optimal physiologic and metabolic
adaptations. An improved capacity for energy transfer usually translates into improved exercise performance.
of prior exercise
2. EPOC
3. Ergometer
4. Fast-twitch fibers
6. Lactic Acid
9. Oxygen debt
13. Steady-rate
STUDY QUESTIONS
PCr
Indicate the duration of a brisk walk, a slow run, and an all-out sprint that the intramuscular high-
energy phosphates powers.
Brisk walk
Slow run
All-out sprint
2.
Lactate-Producing Capacity
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 87
How much more blood lactate can a sprint/power trained athlete accumulate compared to an
untrained counterpart?
Draw and label the curve for oxygen uptake during 10 minutes of moderate running exercise.
Indicate the area of oxygen deficit and the area of steady-rate.
Oxygen uptake, L•min 1
Time, min
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 88
Express oxygen uptake in relation to body mass (mL•kg-1•min-1)for an individual who weighs 85
kg and consumes 2.0 L•min-1 of oxygen during jogging.
2.
Oxygen deficit
Define the oxygen deficit
Exercise Intensity
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 89
2.
Time
Metabolic Dynamics of Recovery Oxygen Uptake
Give two factors that reflect the recovery oxygen uptake
1.
2.
LECTURE #7
EVALUATING ENERGY-GENERATING CAPACITIES
Introduction
In this lecture, I will discuss the capacity of the various energy transfer systems discussed previously, with
special reference to measurement, specificity, and individual differences.
We all possess the capability for anaerobic and aerobic energy metabolism, although the capacity for
each form of energy transfer varies considerably among individuals. These differences among individuals
underlie the concept of individual differences in metabolic capacity for exercise. A person’s capacity for energy
transfer (and for many other physiologic functions) does not exist as some general factor for all types of
exercise, but depends largely on the exercise mode used for training and evaluation. A high maximum
oxygen uptake in running, for example, does not necessarily assure a similar aerobic power when activating
different muscle groups as in swimming and rowing. This disparity represents an example of specificity of
metabolic capacity. On the other hand, some individuals with high aerobic power in one form of exercise also
possess an above average aerobic power in other diverse activities. This illustrates the generality of metabolic
capacity. For the most part, more specificity exists than generality in metabolic and physiologic function.
Lecture Objectives
Explain specificity and generality as they apply to exercise.
Describe procedures to administer two practical “field tests” to evaluate power output capacity of the
high-energy intramuscular phosphates (immediate energy system).
Describe a commonly used test to evaluate the power output capacity of glycolysis (short-term energy
system).
Define maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), including the physiological significance of this aerobic fitness
measure.
Describe a graded exercise test.
List criteria that indicate when a person reaches a “true” VO2max during a graded exercise test.
Explain how each of the following affect maximal oxygen uptake: (1) mode of exercise, (2) heredity, (3)
state of training, (4) gender, (5) body composition, and (6) age.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 91
P = F x D
T
accomplished per unit time). The following formula computes power output:
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 92
where, F equals force generated, D equals distance through which the force moves, and T equals exercise
duration.
Watts represents a common expression of power
One watt equals 0.73756 ft-lb•sec–1 or 6.12 kg-m•min–1
Figure 2. Stairsprinting power test. The subject begins at point A and runs as fast as
possible up a flight of stairs, taking 3 steps at a time. Electric switch mats placed on the
steps record the time to cover the distance between stair 3 and 9 to the nearest 0.01 s.
Power output equals the product of the subject’s mass (F) and vertical distance covered
(D), divided by the time (T).
The power output for a 65-kg woman who traverses six steps in 0.52 seconds computes as follows:
F = 65 kg; D = 1.05 m; T = 0.52 s
Power = [65 kg x 1.05 m] ÷ 52 s
Power = 131.3 kg-m•s-1 (1287 watts)
Because body mass greatly influences the power-output score in stair sprinting, a heavier person
necessarily generates greater power at the same speed as a lighter person who covers the same vertical
distance. Because of the influence of body mass, use caution in interpreting differences in stair-sprinting
power scores and making inferences about individual differences in ATP-PCr energy capacity. The test may
be better suited for evaluating individuals of similar body mass, or the same people before and after a specific
training regimen.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 93
Jumping-Power Tests
For years, physical fitness test batteries have included jumping tests such as the jump-and-reach test or a
standing broad jump. The jump-and-reach test score equals the difference between a person’s standing reach
and the maximum jump-and-touch height. For the broad jump, the score represents the horizontal distance
covered in a leap from a semicrouched position. Although both tests purport to measure leg power, they
probably fail to achieve this goal. For one thing, with jump tests, power generated in propelling the body
from the crouched position occurs only in the time the feet contact the floor's surface. This brief period cannot
sufficiently evaluate a person’s ATP and PCr power capacity.
Figure 3. Contribution of each of the energy systems to the total work accomplished in three
tests of shortduration.
Glycogen Depletion
Because the short-term energy system largely depends on glycogen stored in the specific muscles activated
by exercise, these muscles' pattern of glycogen depletion provides an indication of the contribution of
glycolysis to exercise.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 96
Effects of Training
Short-term supermaximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer in trained subjects always produces higher
levels of blood and muscle lactic acid, and greater muscle glycogen depletion. For all subjects, better
performances are usually associated with higher blood lactate levels. These results support the belief that
training for brief, all-out exercise enhances the glycolytic system's capacity to generate energy. In sprint and
middle-distance activities, individual differences in anaerobic capacity account for much of the variation in
exercise performance.
Motivation
Individuals with greater
“pain tolerance,” “toughness,” or
ability to “push” beyond the
discomforts of fatiguing exercise
definitely accomplish more
anaerobic work. These people
usually generate greater levels of
blood lactate and glycogen
depletion; they also score higher
on tests of short-term energy
capacity. Although difficult to
categorize and quantify,
motivation plays a key role in
superior performance at all levels
of competition.
Aerobic Energy:
The Long-
Term Energy
System
The data in Figure 5 illustrate
that persons who engage in
Figure 5. Maximal oxygen uptake of male and female Olympiccaliber athletes in
different sport categories compared to healthy sedentary subjects.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 98
sports that require sustained, high-intensity exercise (i.e., endurance) generally possess a large aerobic energy
transfer capacity. Men and women who compete in distance running, swimming, bicycling, and cross-
country skiing generally record the highest maximal oxygen uptakes. These athletes have almost twice the
aerobic capacity as sedentary individuals. This does not mean that only VO2max determines endurance exercise
capacity. Other factors, especially those at the muscle level such as capillary density, enzymes, and fiber type,
strongly influence the capacity to sustain a high percentage of VO2max. However, the VO2max does provide
useful information about the capacity of the long-term energy system. Attainment of VO 2max requires
integration of ventilatory, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular systems; this gives significant physiologic
“meaning” to this metabolic measure. For these reasons, VO2max represents a fundamental measure in exercise
physiology and often serves as the standard against which to compare performance estimates of aerobic
capacity and endurance fitness.
Mode of Exercise
Variations in VO2max during different modes of exercise reflect the quantity of muscle mass activated
during the performance. In experiments that determined VO2max on the same subjects during exercise,
treadmill exercise produced the highest values. Bench stepping, however, has generated VO 2max scores
identical to treadmill values and significantly higher than values on a bicycle ergometer. With arm-crank
exercise, aerobic capacity reaches only about 70% of one’s treadmill VO2max.
The treadmill represents the laboratory apparatus of choice for determining VO 2max in healthy subjects.
The treadmill provides easy quantification and regulation of exercise intensity. Compared with other forms of
exercise, subjects achieve one or more of the criteria for establishing VO2max more easily on the treadmill.
Bench stepping or bicycle exercise is suitable alternatives under non-laboratory “field” conditions.
Heredity
A question frequently raised concerns the relative contribution of natural endowment to physiologic
function and exercise performance. For example, to what extent does heredity determine extremely high
aerobic capacities of the endurance athletes? Do these exceptionally high levels of functional capacity reflect
more than the training effect? Although the answer remains incomplete, some researchers have focused on
the question of how genetic variability accounts for differences between individuals in physiologic and
metabolic capacity.
Studies were made of 15 pairs of identical twins (with the same heredity since they came from the same
fertilized egg) and 15 pairs of fraternal twins (who do not differ from ordinary siblings because they result
from separate fertilization of two eggs) raised in the same city by parents with similar socioeconomic
backgrounds. The researchers concluded that heredity alone accounted for up to 93% of the observed
differences in aerobic capacity as measured by the VO2max. In addition, genetic determination accounted for
81% of the capacity of the short-term glycolytic energy system and 86% of maximum heart rate. Subsequent
investigations of larger groups of brothers, fraternal twins, and identical twins indicate a significant but much
smaller effect of inherited factors on aerobic capacity and endurance performance.
Estimates of the genetic effect equal about 20–30% for VO2max, 50% for maximum heart rate, and 70% for
physical working capacity. Similar muscle fiber composition occurs for identical twins, whereas wide
variation in fiber type exists among fraternal twins and brothers. Future research may determine the upper
limit of genetic determination, but currently available data show that inherited factors contribute significantly
to both functional capacity and exercise performance. A large genotype-dependency also exists for the
potential for improving maximal aerobic and anaerobic power, and the adaptations of most muscle enzymes
to training. In other words, members of the same twin-pair generally show the same response to exercise
training. Genetic makeup plays such a prominent role in determining training response that it is nearly
impossible to predict a specific individual’s response to a given training stimulus.
Training State
VO2max scores must be evaluated relative to the person’s state of training at the time of measurement.
Improvements in aerobic capacity with training generally range between 6 and 20%, although increases have
been reported as high as 50% above pretraining levels.
Gender
VO2max values (mL•kg-1•min-1) for women typically average 15 to 30% below scores for men. Even among
trained athletes, this difference ranges between 15 and 20%. Such differences increase considerably when
expressing the VO2max as an absolute value (L•min–1) rather than relative to body mass (mL•kg-1•min-1).
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 100
Between world-class male and female cross-country skiers, for example, a 43% lower VO 2max value for women
(6.54 vs. 3.75 L•min–1) decreased to 15% (83.8 v 71.2 mL•kg-1•min-1) using the athletes' body mass in the ratio
expression of VO2max.
Sex difference in VO2max has generally been attributed to differences in body composition and hemoglobin
content. Untrained young adult women generally possess about 25% body fat, whereas the corresponding
value for men averages 15%. Although trained athletes have a lower percentage of fat, trained women still
possess significantly more body fat than male counterparts. Thus, the male generally generates more total
aerobic energy simply because he possesses a relatively large muscle mass and less fat than the female.
Probably due to their higher level of testosterone, men show a 10 to 14% greater concentration of
hemoglobin. This difference in the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity potentially enables males to circulate
more oxygen during exercise and gives them a slight edge in aerobic capacity.
Although lower body fat and higher hemoglobin provide the male with some advantage in aerobic power,
we must look for other factors to fully explain the disparity between the sexes. Differences in normal physical
activity level between an “average” male and “average” female provide a possible explanation. Perhaps
considerably less opportunities exist for women to become as physically active as men due to social structure
and constraints. In fact, even among prepubertal children, boys become more active in daily life than their
female counterparts.
Age
Changes in VO2max relate to chronological age. Although limitations exist in drawing inferences form cross-
sectional studies of different people at different ages,
the available data provide insight into the possible
effects of aging on physiologic function. Figure 6
shows the VO2max as a function of age. Note the
dramatic increases during the growth years.
Longitudinal studies (measuring the same people
over a prolonged period) of children’s aerobic
capacity show that absolute VO2max increases from
about 1.0 L•min-1 at age 6 years to 3.2 L•min-1 at age
16 years. VO2max in girls peaks at about age 14 and
declines thereafter. At age 14, the differences in
VO2max between boys and girls approximate 25%,
with the spread reaching 50% by age 16. Note also
Figure 6. General trend for maximal oxygen uptake with age
the decline in VO2max with increasing age. Beyond and level of activity in males and females.
age 25, VO2max declines steadily at about 1% per year,
so that by age 55 it averages 27% below values reported for 20 year olds.
One’s habitual level of physical activity through middle age determines changes in aerobic capacity to a
greater extent than chronological age.
Body Composition
Differences in body mass explain roughly 70% of the differences in VO2max scores among individuals.
Thus, meaningful comparisons of exercise performance or the absolute value (L•min -1) for VO2max become
difficult among individuals who differ in body size or body composition. This has led to the common practice
of expressing oxygen uptake in terms of these components – either related to body surface area (BSA), body
mass, fat-free body mass (FFM), or limb volume.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 101
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 102
1. Anaerobic capacity
2. Anaerobic power
3. Average power
4. Glycogen depletion
6. Joule
8. Peak VO2max
9. Power
13. VO2max
15. Watt
STUDY QUESTIONS
Jumping-Power Tests
Give one factor that might limit power jumping test scores as measures of the power output
capacity of intramuscular high-energy phosphates.
2.
2.
2.
Glycogen Depletion
List two factors that determine muscle glycogen depletion in different muscle fiber types within the
same muscle.
1.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 105
2.
Motivation
What relationship would you expect between “pain tolerance” and one’s capacity for anaerobic
exercise? Explain.
2.
Criteria for VO2max
2.
2. 5.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 106
3. 6.
Mode of Exercise
Indicate the most common piece of exercise equipment to determine VO 2max.
Heredity
What is the estimated magnitude of heredity in determining VO2max?
Training State
Give the general range for VO2max improvement with training?
Sex
Give one reasons for sex-related differences in VO2max.
Age
After age 30 y what happens to VO2max?
Body Composition
How does body size influence VO2max?
PRACTICE QUIZ
c. have the same buffering capacity 10. Performance tests of anaerobic power
would include:
d. have reduced buffering after
training a. long distance runs
5. Among the following athletes who has the c. stair-sprinting power test
highest VO2max: d. walking tests
a. fencers e. none of the above
b. speed skaters
c. swimmers
d. cross-country skiers
e. weight lifters
LECTURE #8
PHYSIOLOGIC SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND EXERCISE
Introduction
Most sport, recreational, and occupational activities require a moderately intense yet sustained energy
release. The aerobic breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins generates this energy for ADP
phosphorylation to ATP. Without a steady rate between oxidative phosphorylation and the energy
requirements of physical activity, an anaerobic-aerobic energy imbalance develops, lactic acid accumulates,
tissue acidity increases, and fatigue quickly ensues. Two factors limit an individual’s ability to sustain a high
level of exercise intensity without undue fatigue:
Capacity for oxygen delivery
Capacity of specific muscle cells to generate ATP aerobically
Understanding the role of the ventilatory, circulatory, muscular, and endocrine systems during exercise
enables us to appreciate the broad range of individual differences in exercise capacity. Knowing the energy
requirements of exercise and the corresponding physiologic adjustments necessary to meet these
requirements provides a sound basis to formulate an effective physical fitness program and evaluate one's
physiologic and fitness status before and during such a program.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 109
Anatomy of Ventilation
The "term pulmonary
ventilation" describes how
ambient air moves into and
exchanges with air in the
lungs. About 1 foot (0.3 m)
represents the distance
between the ambient air just
outside the nose and mouth
and the blood flowing
through the lungs. Air
entering the nose and mouth
flows into the conductive
portion of the ventilatory
system. Here it adjusts to
body temperature, and
becomes filtered and almost
completely humidified as it
moves through the trachea.
The trachea is a short one-inch
diameter tube that extends
from the and divides into two
tubes of smaller diameter
called bronchi. The bronchi
Figure 1. Overview of the ventilatory system showing the respiratory passages, serve as primary conduits
alveoli, and gas exchange function in an alveolus. within the right and left lungs.
They further subdivide into numerous bronchioles that conduct inspired air through a tortuous, narrow
route until it eventually mixes with the air in the alveoli, the terminal branches of the respiratory tract.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 110
Lungs
The lungs provide the surface between blood and the external environment. Lung volume varies between
4 and 6 liters (amount of air in a basketball) and provides an exceptionally large moist surface. For example,
the lungs of an average-sized person weigh about 1 kg, yet if spread out as in Figure 2, they would cover a
surface of 60 to 80 m2. This equals about 35 times the surface of the person, and would cover almost one-half a
tennis court! This represents a considerable interface for aeration of blood because during any one second of
maximal exercise, no more than 1 pint of blood flows in the lung tissue’s fine network of blood vessels.
Alveoli
Lung tissue contains more than 300 million alveoli each. These
elastic, thin-walled, membranous sacs provide the vital surface for gas
exchange between the lungs and blood. Alveolar tissue has the largest
blood supply of any organ in the body. In fact, the lung receives the
entire output of blood from the heart (cardiac output). Millions of thin-
walled capillaries and alveoli lie side by side, with air moving on one
side and blood on the other. The capillaries form a dense mesh that
covers almost the entire outside of each alveolus. This web becomes so
dense that blood flows as a sheet over each alveolus. Once blood
reaches the pulmonary capillaries, only a single cell barrier, the
respiratory membrane, separates blood from air in the alveolus. This
thin tissue-blood barrier permits rapid gas diffusion between the blood
and alveolar air.
During rest, approximately 250 mL of oxygen leaves the alveoli each
minute and enter the blood, and about 200 mL of carbon dioxide diffuse
in the reverse direction into the alveoli. When trained endurance
athletes perform heavy exercise, about 20 times the resting oxygen
uptake transfers across the respiratory membrane. The primary
Figure 2. The lungs provide an function of pulmonary ventilation during rest and exercise is to
exceptional surface for gas exchange. maintain a fairly constant, favorable concentration of oxygen and
carbon dioxide in the alveolar chambers. This ensures effective
gaseous exchange before the blood leaves the lungs for its transit throughout the body.
Mechanics of Ventilation
The lungs do not merely suspend in the chest cavity. Rather, the difference in pressure within the lungs
and the lung-chest wall interface causes the lungs to adhere to the chest wall interior and literally follow its
every movement. Any change in thoracic cavity volume thus produces a corresponding change in lung
volume. Because lung tissue does not contain voluntary muscle, the lungs depend on accessory means to
alter their volume. The action of voluntary skeletal muscle during inspiration and expiration alters thoracic
dimensions, which brings about changes in lung volume.
Inspiration
The diaphragm, a large, dome-shaped sheet of muscle makes an airtight separation between the
abdominal and thoracic cavities. During inspiration, the diaphragm muscle contracts, flattens out, and moves
downward up to 10 cm toward the abdominal cavity. This enlarges the chest cavity and makes it more
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 111
elongated. The air in the lungs then expands reducing its pressure (referred to as intrapulmonic pressure) to
about 5 mm Hg below atmospheric pressure.
Inspiration concludes when thoracic cavity expansion ceases and intrapulmonic pressure increases to
equal atmospheric pressure.
Expiration
Expiration, a predominantly a passive process, occurs as air moves out of the lungs. It results from the
recoil of stretched lung tissue and relaxation of the inspiratory muscles. This makes the sternum and ribs
swing down, while the diaphragm moves back toward the thoracic cavity. These movements decrease the
volume of the chest cavity, compressing alveolar gas and move it out through the respiratory tract into the
atmosphere. During ventilation in moderate to heavy exercise, the internal intercostal muscles and abdominal
muscles act powerfully on the ribs and abdominal cavity. This triggers a more rapid and greater depth of
exhalation.
Respiratory muscle actions change thoracic dimensions to create a pressure differential between the inside
and outside of the lung to drive airflow along the respiratory tract. Greater involvement of the pulmonary
musculature (as occurs during progressively heavier exercise), causes larger pressure differences and
concomitant increases in air movement.
Static Lung
Volumes
During measurement of
static lung function the
spirometer bell falls and rises
with each inhalation and
exhalation to provide a record
of the ventilatory volume and
Figure. 3. Static measures of lung volume and capacity.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 112
breathing rate. Tidal volume (TV) describes air moved during either the inspiratory or expiratory phase of
each breathing cycle. For healthy men and women, TV under resting conditions usually ranges between 0.4
and 1.0 liters of air per breath.
After recording several representative TVs, the subject breathes in normally and then inspires maximally.
This additional volume of about 2.5 to 3.5 liters above the inspired tidal air represents the reserve for
inhalation, termed the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). The normal breathing pattern begins once again
following the IRV. After a normal exhalation, the subject continues to exhale and forces as much air as
possible from the lungs. This additional volume, the expiratory reserve volume (ERV), ranges between 1.0
and 1.5 liters for an average-sized man (and 10 to 20% lower for a woman). During exercise, TV increases
considerably because of encroachment on IRV and ERV, particularly the IRV.
Forced vital capacity (FVC) represents the total air volume moved in one breath from full inspiration to
maximum expiration, or vice versa, with no time limitation. Although values for FVC can vary considerably
with body size and body position during the measurement, average values usually equal 4 to 5 liters in
healthy young men and 3 to 4 liters in healthy young women. FVCs of 6 to 7 liters are not uncommon for tall
individuals, and values of 7.6 liters have been reported for a professional football player and 8.1 liters for an
Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing. Large lung volumes of some athletes probably reflect genetic
influences because static lung volumes do not change appreciably with exercise training.
Pulmonary Ventilation
Minute Ventilation
During quiet breathing at rest, an adults" breathing rate averages 12 breaths per minute (about 1 breath
every 5 s), whereas tidal volume averages about 0.5 liter of air per breath. Under these conditions, the volume
of air breathed each minute (minute ventilation) equals 6 liters.
Minute ventilation (VE) = Breathing rate x Tidal volume
6.0 L•min–1 = 12 x 0.5 L
An increase in depth or rate of breathing or both significantly increases minute ventilation. During
maximal exercise, the breathing rate of healthy young adults usually increases to 35 to 45 breaths per minute,
although elite athletes can achieve 60 to 70 breaths per minute. In addition, tidal volume commonly increases
to 2.0 liters and larger during heavy exercise, causing exercise minute ventilation in adults to easily reach 100
liters or about 17 times the resting value. In well-trained male endurance athletes, ventilation may increase to
160 liters per minute during maximal exercise. In fact, several studies of elite endurance athletes report
ventilation volumes of 200 liters per minute. Even with these large minute ventilations, the tidal volume
rarely exceeds 55 to 65% of vital capacity.
Alveolar Ventilation
Alveolar ventilation refers to the portion of minute ventilation that mixes with the air in the alveolar
chambers. A portion of each breath inspired does not enter the alveoli, and thus does not engage in gaseous
exchange with the blood. This air that fills the nose, mouth, trachea, and other nondiffusible conducting
portions of the respiratory tract constitutes the anatomical dead space. In healthy people, this volume
averages 150 to 200 mL, or about 30% of the resting tidal volume.
Because of dead-space volume, approximately 350 mL of the 500 mL of ambient air inspired in each tidal
volume at rest mixes with existing alveolar air. This does not mean that only 350 mL of air enters and leaves
the alveoli with each breathe. To the contrary, if tidal volume equals 500 mL, then 500 mL of air enters the
alveoli but only 350 mL represents fresh air (or about one-seventh of the total air in the alveoli). Such a
relatively small, seemingly inefficient alveolar ventilation prevents drastic changes in the composition of
alveolar air; this ensures a consistency in arterial blood gases throughout the entire breathing cycle.
Table 1 shows that minute ventilation does not always reflect actual alveolar ventilation. In the first
example of shallow breathing, tidal volume decreases to 150 mL, yet a 6-L minute ventilation results when
breathing rate increases to 40 breaths per minute. The same 6-L minute volume results by decreasing
breathing rate to 12 breaths per minute and increasing tidal volume to 500 mL. Doubling tidal volume and
halving the ventilatory rate, as in the example of deep breathing, again produces a 6-L minute ventilation.
Table 1. Relationship among tidal volume, breathing rate, and minute and alveolar minute ventilation.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 114
Each ventilatory adjustment drastically affects alveolar ventilation. In the example of shallow breathing,
Gas pressure represents the force exerted by the gas molecules against the
surfaces they encounter.
dead-space air represents the entire air volume moved (no alveolar ventilation has taken place.)
Gas Exchange
Our oxygen supply depends on the oxygen concentration in ambient air and its pressure. Ambient
(atmospheric) air composition remains relatively constant at 20.93% for oxygen, 79.04% for nitrogen (includes
small quantities of inert gases that behave physiologically like nitrogen), 0.03% for carbon dioxide, and
usually small quantities of water vapor. The gas molecules move at great speeds and exert a pressure against
any surface they contact. At sea level, the pressure of air's gas molecules raises a column of mercury to an
Partial Pressure = Percent concentration x Total pressure of gas mixture
Ambient Air
Table 2. Percentages, partial pressures, and volumes of gases in 1
liter of dry ambient air at sea level.
Gas Percentage Partial Pressure Volume of
(at 760 mmHg) Gas (mL•L-1)
Oxygen 20.93 159 209.3
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 115
Tracheal Air
Air entering the nose and mouth passes down the respiratory tract; it becomes completely saturated with
water vapor, that slightly dilutes the inspired air mixture. At body temperature, for example, the pressure of
water molecules in humidified air equals 47 mm Hg; this leaves 713 mmHg (760 - 47) as the total pressure
exerted by the inspired dry air molecules at sea level. Consequently, the effective Po 2 in tracheal air decreases
by about 10 mmHg from its ambient value of 159 mm Hg to 149 mmHg (0.2093 x [760 - 47 mmHg]).
Humidification has little effect on the inspired PCO2 because of carbon dioxide's almost negligible
concentration in inspired air.
Alveolar Air
Alveolar air composition differs considerably from the incoming breath of moist ambient air because
carbon dioxide continually enters the alveoli from the blood, whereas oxygen leaves the lungs for transport
throughout the body. Table 3 shows that alveolar air contains approximately 14.5% oxygen, 5.5% carbon
dioxide, and 80.0% nitrogen.
Table 3. Percentages, partial pressures, and volumes of gases in 1
liter of dry alveolar air at sea level.
Gas Percentage Partial Pressure Volume of
(at 760-47 mmHg) Gas (mL•L-1)
Oxygen 14.5 103 145
Carbon dioxide 5.5 39 55
Nitrogen 80.0 571 800
Water 47
After subtracting vapor pressure in moist alveolar gas, the average alveolar Po 2 equals 103 mmHg (0.145 x
[760 - 47 mmHg]) and 39 mmHg (0.055 x [760 - 47 mmHg]) for PCO2. These values represent the average
pressures exerted by oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules against the alveolar side of the respiratory
membrane. They do not exist as physiologic constants, but vary slightly with the phase of the ventilatory
cycle and adequacy of ventilation in various lung segments.
This curve, termed the "oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve", quantifies the amount of oxygen carried in
each 100 mL of normal blood in relation to plasma Po2 (right axis). For example, at a Po2 of 90 mm Hg the
normal complement of hemoglobin in 100 mL of blood is about 19 mL of oxygen; at 40 mm Hg the oxygen
quantity falls to 15 mL, and 6.5 mL at a Po2 of 20 mm Hg.
Figure 6B, Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. Effects of
changes in pH ([H+]) on hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen. 6C,
Effects of changes in temperature on hemoglobin’s affinity.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 119
Figure 6. Schematic view of the cardiovascular system consisting of the heart and
the pulmonary and systemic vascular circuits.
Heart
The heart provides the force to propel blood throughout the vascular circuit. This four-chambered organ, a
fist-sized pump, beats at rest an average of 70 times a minute, 100,800 times a day, and 36.8 million times a
year. Even for a person of average fitness, maximum output of blood from this remarkable organ exceeds
fluid output from a household faucet turned wide open!
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 121
Functionally, the heart consists of two separate pumps: one pump (left heart pump) receives blood from
the body and pumps it to the lungs for aeration (pulmonary circulation and the other pump (right heart
pump) accept oxygenated blood from the lungs and pump it throughout the body (systemic circulation).
The hollow chambers of the heart’s right side (right heart) perform two important functions:
1. Receive blood returning from all parts of the body
2. Pump blood to the lungs via the pulmonary circulation for aeration
The left side of the heart (left heart) also performs two important functions:
1. Receive oxygenated blood from the lungs
2. Pump blood into the thick-walled, muscular aorta for distribution throughout the body in the
systemic circulation
A thick, solid muscular wall (septum) separates the left and right sides of the heart. The atrioventricular
(AV) valves situated within the heart direct the one-way flow of blood from the right atrium to the right
ventricle (tricuspid valve) and from the left atrium to the left ventricle (mitral or bicuspid valve). The
semilunar valves located in the arterial wall just outside the heart prevent blood from flowing back into the
heart between ventricular contractions.
The relatively thin-walled, sac-like atrial chambers serve as primer pumps to receive and store blood
returning from the lungs and body during ventricular contraction. About 70% of the blood that returns to the
atria flows directly into the ventricles before the atria contract. Simultaneous contraction of both atria forces
remaining blood into their respective ventricles directly below. Almost immediately after atrial contraction,
the ventricles contract and force blood into their specific arterial systems.
Arteries
The arteries provide the high-pressure tubing that conducts oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Arteries are
composed of layers of connective tissue and smooth muscle. Because of their thickness, no gaseous exchange
takes place between arterial blood and surrounding tissues. Blood pumped from the left ventricle into the
highly muscular yet elastic aorta circulates throughout the body via arterioles, or smaller arterial branches.
Arteriole walls contain circular layers of smooth muscle that either constrict or relax to regulate peripheral
blood flow. This redistribution function becomes particularly important during exercise because blood
diverts to working muscles from areas that temporarily compromise their blood supply.
Capillaries
The arterioles continue to branch and form smaller and less muscular vessels called metarterioles. These
tiny vessels end in capillaries, a network of microscopic blood vessels so thin they provide only enough room
for blood cells to squeeze through in single file. Capillaries generally contain about 5% of the total blood
volume at any time. Gases, nutrients, and waste products rapidly transfer across the thin, porous, capillary
walls. A ring of smooth muscle (precapillary sphincter) encircles the capillary at its origin to control the
vessel’s internal diameter. This sphincter provides a local means for regulating capillary blood flow within a
specific tissue in response to metabolic requirements that change rapidly and dramatically in exercise.
Veins
The vascular system maintains continuity of blood flow as capillaries feed deoxygenated blood at almost a
trickle into small veins called venules. Blood flow then increases slightly because the venous system cross-
sectional area is less than for capillaries. The lower body’s smaller veins eventually empty into the largest
vein, the inferior vena cava, that travels through the abdominal and chest cavities toward the heart. Venous
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 122
blood draining the head, neck, and shoulder regions empties into the superior vena cava and moves
downward to join the inferior vena cava at heart level. The mixture of blood from the upper and lower body
then enters the right atrium and descends into the right ventricle for delivery through the pulmonary artery
to the lungs. Gas exchange takes place in the lungs’ alveolar-capillary network; here, the pulmonary veins
return oxygenated blood to the left heart, where the journey through the body resumes.
VENOUS RETURN
A unique characteristic of veins solves a potential problem related to the low pressure of venous blood.
Because of low venous blood pressure, muscular contractions or minor pressure changes within the chest
cavity during breathing compress the veins. Alternate venous compression and relaxation, combined with the
one-way action of valves, provides a “milking” effect similar to the action of the heart. Venous compression
imparts considerable energy for blood flow, whereas “diastole” (relaxation) allows vessels to refill as blood
moves toward the heart. Without valves, blood would stagnate or pool (as it sometimes does) in veins of the
extremities, and people would faint every time they stood up because of reduced blood flow to the brain.
VARICOSE VEINS
Sometimes valves within a vein become defective and fail to maintain one-way blood flow. This condition
of varicose veins usually occurs in superficial veins of the lower extremities from the force of gravity that
retards blood flow in an upright posture. As blood accumulates, these veins become excessively distended
and painful, often impairing circulation from surrounding areas. In severe cases, the venous wall becomes
inflamed and degenerates – a condition called phlebitis, which often requires surgical removal of the vessel.
Individuals with varicose veins should avoid excessive straining exercises like heavy resistance training.
Venous Pooling
The fact that people faint when forced to maintain an upright posture without movement (e.g., standing at
attention for a prolonged period) demonstrates the importance of muscle contractions to venous return. Also,
changing from a lying to a standing position affects the dynamics of venous return and triggers physiologic
responses. Heart rate and blood pressure stabilize during bed rest. If a person suddenly rises and remains
erect, an uninterrupted column of blood exists from heart level to the toes, creating a hydrostatic force of 80 to
100 mm Hg. Swelling (edema) occurs from pooling of blood in the lower extremities and creates “back
pressure” that forces fluid from the capillary bed into surrounding tissues. Concurrently, impaired venous
return decreases blood pressure; at the same time, heart rate accelerates, and venous tone increases to counter
the hypotensive condition. Maintaining an upright position without movement leads to dizziness and
eventual fainting from insufficient cerebral blood supply. Resuming a horizontal or head-down position
restores circulation and consciousness.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 123
Blood Pressure
A surge of blood enters the
aorta with each contraction of the
left ventricle, distending the
vessel and creating pressure
within it. The stretch and
subsequent recoil of the aortic
wall propagates as a wave
through the entire arterial system.
The pressure wave appears in the
following areas: as a pulse in the
superficial radial artery on the Figure. 7. Pulse rate taken at (A) temporal, (B) carotid, and (C) radial arteries.
thumb side of the wrist, in the
temporal artery (on the side of the head at the temple), and/or at the carotid artery along the side of the
trachea (Figure 7).
In
Blood pressure classification
Systolic (mmHg)Diastolic (mmHg)Category<130<85Normal1301398589High normal1401599099(Stage 1)
hypertension160179100109Moderate (Stage 2) hypertension180209110119Severe (Stage 3)
hypertension>210120Very severe (Stage 4) hypertension
healthy persons, pulse rate equals heart rate. The highest pressure generated by left ventricular contraction
(systole) to move blood through a healthy, resilient vascular system at rest usually reaches 120 mm Hg. As the
heart relaxes (diastole) and aortic valves close, the natural elastic recoil of the aorta and other arteries provide
a continuous head of pressure to move blood to the periphery until the next surge from ventricular systole.
During the cardiac cycle’s diastole, arterial blood pressure decreases to 70-80 mm Hg. Arteries “hardened” by
mineral and fatty deposits within their walls, or with excessive peripheral resistance to blood flow from
kidney malfunction or nervous strain, induce systolic pressures as high as 300 mm Hg and diastolic pressures
above 120 mmHg.
Rest
Resting High blood pressure (resting-hypertension) imposes a chronic strain on normal cardiovascular
function. If left untreated, severe hypertension leads to heart failure; the heart muscle weakens, unable to
maintain its normal pumping ability. Degenerating, brittle vessels can obstruct blood flow, or can burst,
cutting off vital blood flow to brain tissue causing a stroke.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 124
Total peripheral resistance (TPR) = Blood Pressure (BP) ÷ Cardiac Output (CO)
Blood Pressure = Cardiac Output x Total Peripheral Resistance
During Rhythmic Exercise
During rhythmic muscular activities like brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling, dilation
of the active muscles’ blood vessels increases the vascular area for blood flow. The alternate, rhythmic
contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles provides significant force to propel blood through the vessels
and return it to the heart. Increased blood flow during moderate exercise causes systolic pressure to rapidly
rise in the first few minutes and level off, usually between 140 and 160 mm Hg; diastolic pressure remains
relatively unchanged.
BODY INVERSION
Inversion devices that allow a person to hang upside-down have been used for years to increase
relaxation, facilitate a strength-training response, and relieve lower back pain. However, no one has yet
demonstrated with careful research that inverting the body provides any practical medical or physiologic
benefits. On the negative side, the maneuver can trigger a significant rise in blood pressure at the start and
throughout the inversion period. This raises concern about possible consequences of inversion for people
with hypertension, and the wisdom of performing exercises in the upside-down position. A brief period of
inversion also doubles pressure within the eye in healthy adults. Clearly, individuals with eye disorders
should refrain from inversion.
IN RECOVERY
Following a bout of sustained light- to moderate-intensity exercise, systolic blood pressure temporarily
decreases below pre-exercise levels for up to 12 hrs in normal and hypertensive subjects. Pooling of blood in
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 125
the visceral organs and lower limbs during recovery reduces central blood volume, which contributes to a
lower blood pressure. The hypotensive recovery response further supports the use of exercise as important
nonpharmacologic hypertension therapy. A potentially effective approach spreads several bouts of moderate
physical activity throughout the day.
ENDURANCE ATHLETES
Resting heart rate for an endurance athlete generally averages about 50 beats per minute. Because the
athlete’s resting cardiac output also averages 5 liters per minute, blood circulates with a proportionately
larger stroke volume of 100 mL per beat (5000 mL ÷ 50). Stroke volumes for women usually average 25%
below values for men of equivalent training status. The smaller body size of the average woman chiefly
accounts for this “sex difference.”
The underlying mechanisms for the heart rate and stroke volume differences between trained and
untrained individuals remain unclear. Two factors probably interact as aerobic fitness improves:
1. Increased vagal tone slows the heart allowing more time for ventricular filling
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 126
2. Enlarged ventricular volume and a more powerful myocardium combine to eject a larger volume of
blood with each systole
Figure 9. Relative distribution of cardiac output during rest (A) and strenuous endurance exercise (B). Numbers in parenthesis =
percent of total cardiac output. Despite its large mass, muscle receives about the same amount of blood as the much smaller kidneys
at rest. In strenuous exercise, however, 85% of cardiac output diverts to active muscle.
Submaximum Exercise
Heart rate increases rapidly and levels off within several minutes during submaximum steady-rate
exercise. A subsequent increase in exercise intensity causes heart rate to rise to a new plateau as the body
attempts to match the cardiovascular response to metabolic demands. Each increment in exercise intensity
requires progressively more time to achieve heart rate stabilization.
Rest
Figure 9 (A) shows the approximate distribution of a 5-liter cardiac output at rest. More than one-fourth of
the cardiac output flows to the liver; one-fifth to muscle tissue; and the brain, kidneys, and digestive tract also
require relatively large amounts of blood.
During Exercise
Figure 9 (B) illustrates the distribution to various tissues during intense aerobic exercise. Although
regional blood flow varies considerably depending on environmental conditions, level of fatigue, and the
mode of exercise, active muscles receive a disproportionately large portion of the cardiac output. Each 100 g
of muscle receives 4 to 7 mL of blood per minute during rest. Muscle blood flow increases steadily during
exercise to reach a maximum of between 50-75 mL per 100 g of tissue.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 128
2. Alveoli
3. Ambient air
6. Bohr effect
7. Dyspnea
8. Emphysema
9. FEV1.0 / FVC
11. Hemoglobin
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 129
12. Hyperventilation
14. Oxyhemoglobin
18. Po2
21. Arteries
22. Bradycardia
25. ECG
26. Hypertension
28. Systole
29. Veins
STUDY QUESTIONS
2.
Anatomy of Ventilation
Place the following terms in the order of airflow movement during the inspiratory cycle:
bronchioles, trachea, alveoli, and bronchi.
1. 3.
2. 4.
Lungs
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 131
Alveoli
What is the primary function of the alveoli?
Mechanics of Ventilation
What causes the changes in lung volume during inspiration and expiration?
Inspiration
List three muscles involved in inspiration.
1. 3.
2.
Expiration
List three factors that cause expiration of air from lungs.
1. 2.
3.
2.
3.
2.
2.
Pulmonary Ventilation
Minute Ventilation
Minute Ventilation = ___________________ x ____________________
Alveolar Ventilation
What is the best way to increase alveolar minute ventilation, increasing depth or rate of breathing?
Gas Exchange
Ambient Air
Compute the partial pressures of O2, CO2, and N2 of ambient air at sea level (barometric pressure =
760 mm Hg).
Po2 = ___________________ x ___________________
Alveolar Air
Give the average percent of O2, CO2 and N2 in alveolar air at sea level.
O2 =
CO2 =
N2 =
2.
2.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 134
Women
2.
2. 4.
Heart
What type of muscle makes up the myocardium?
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 135
Arteries
What is the main function of the arteries and arterioles?
Capillaries
How long does it take a blood cell to pass through a typical capillary?
Veins
Venous Return
What do veins have that arteries do not have?
Venous Pooling
Describe venous pooling.
Blood Pressure
Rest
Identify three good places on the body to feel the pulse wave as blood passes through the arterial
system?
1. 3.
2.
Body Inversion
Discuss whether or not hypertensive individuals should perform body inversion exercises.
In Recovery
Why is aerobic exercise sometimes recommended as a therapy modality for hypertensive
individuals?
Women
Endurance Athletes
List a typical cardiac output for an endurance trained man and women?
Man
Women
Rest Exercise
Muscles
Digestive tract
Liver
Kidneys
PRACTICE QUIZ
1. There are about ______ alveoli per lung: c. volume inspired or expired per breadth
a. 100 million d. same as residual volume
b. 300 million e. none of the above
c. 800 million 4. FVC:
d. 1 billion a. maximum volume expired after
e. none of the above maximum inspiration
LECTURE #9
TRAINING THE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Introduction
Figure 1 illustrates exercise classified in terms of duration and predominant energy pathways. It is difficult
to place certain activities into only one category. For example, as a person increases aerobic fitness, an activity
previously classified as anaerobic
may reclassify as aerobic. In
many cases, all three energy-
transfer systems operate at
different times. Their
contributions to the energy
continuum directly relate to the
duration and intensity (power
output) of the specific activity.
Brief power activities lasting
up to 6-sec rely exclusively on
“immediate” energy generated
from breakdown of stored
intramuscular high-energy
phosphates, ATP and PCr. As all-
out exercise progresses to 1 min
duration and power output
decreases, the major portion of
energy still generates through
anaerobic pathways. These
metabolic reactions involve the
short-term energy system of
glycolysis with subsequent
lactate accumulation. As exercise
intensity diminishes and
duration extends to 2-4 minutes
aerobic ATP production becomes
Figure 1. Classification of physical activity on the basis of duration of allout exercise more important. Prolonged
and the corresponding predominant intracellular energy pathway. exercise progresses on a “pay-
as-you-go” basis, with aerobic
metabolism generating 99% of the energy requirement. The basic approach to physiologic conditioning
applies similarly to men and women within a broad age range: both respond similarly.
Objectives
Discuss and provide examples of exercise training principles of overload, specificity, individual
differences, and reversibility.
Outline metabolic adaptations from anaerobic exercise training.
Describe influences of (1) initial fitness level, (2) genetics, (3) training frequency, (4) training duration,
and (5) training intensity on the response to aerobic training.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 140
Discuss the rationale for using heart rate to establish exercise intensity for aerobic training.
Discuss the term “training-sensitive zone.”
Describe the most common cause of the overtraining syndrome.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 141
Overload Principle
The regular application of a specific exercise overload enhances physiologic function to bring about a
training response. Exercising at intensities higher than normal induces a variety of highly specific adaptations
that enable the body to function more efficiently. Achieving the appropriate overload for each person requires
manipulating combinations of training frequency, intensity, and duration, with specific attention paid to
exercise mode.
The concept of individualized and progressive overload applies to athletes, sedentary people, the
disabled, and even cardiac patients. An increasing number in this latter group have applied appropriate
exercise rehabilitation to walk, jog, and eventually run marathons! Achieving significant health-related
benefits of regular exercise (e.g., metabolic parameters, lipid profile, blood pressure) requires a focus on
accumulation of total exercise and a considerably lower exercise intensity than necessary to improve
cardiovascular fitness.
Specificity Principle
Exercise training specificity refers to adaptations in metabolic and physiologic functions that depend
upon the type of overload imposed. The acronym “SAID” – specific adaptations to imposed demands,
describes this principle. A specific anaerobic exercise stress (e.g., strength-power training) induces specific
strength-power adaptations, while specific endurance exercise stress elicits specific aerobic system
adaptations — with only a limited interchange of benefits derived between strength-power and aerobic
training. However, the specificity principle extends beyond this broad demarcation. For example, “aerobic
training” does not represent a singular entity requiring only cardiovascular overload. Aerobic training
utilizing the specific muscles in the desired performance most effectively improves aerobic fitness for
activities like swimming, bicycling, running, or upper-body exercise. Some evidence even suggests a
temporal specificity in training response such that indicators of training improvement reach there highest
when measurements take place at the time of day training regularly occurred. Furthermore, the most effective
evaluation of sport-specific performance results when the laboratory measurement most closely simulates the
actual sport activity and/or activates the muscle mass required by the sport. Simply stated, specific exercise
elicits specific adaptations creating specific training effects (SAID).
same relative or absolute exercise intensity. It also is unrealistic to expect all individuals to respond to a given
training stimulus in precisely the same manner.
Reversibility Principle
Loss of physiologic and performance adaptations (detraining) occurs rapidly when a person terminates
participation in regular exercise. Only 1 or 2 weeks of detraining significantly reduces both metabolic and
exercise capacity, with many training improvements totally lost within 8 weeks. One research group provides
particularly interesting findings. In five subjects confined to bed for 20 consecutive days, VO 2max decreased by
25% (1% per day). This decrease accompanied a similar decrement in maximal stroke volume and cardiac
output. Additionally, the number of capillaries within trained muscle decreases between 14 and 25% within 3
weeks after training ceased. For elderly subjects, 4 months of detraining results in the complete loss of
adaptations in the cardiovascular system.
Even among highly trained athletes, the beneficial effects of many years of prior exercise training remain
transient and reversible. For this reason, most athletes begin a reconditioning program several months prior
to the start of the competitive season, or maintain some moderate level of off-season, sport-specific exercise to
blunt the decline in physiologic functions during deconditioning.
Increased quantity and activity of key enzymes that control anaerobic-phase glucose catabolism. These
changes do not reach the magnitude observed for oxidative enzymes with aerobic training. The most
dramatic increases in anaerobic enzyme function and fiber size occur in the fast-twitch muscle fibers.
Increased capacity to generate high levels of blood lactate during all-out exercise. An enhanced lactate-
producing capacity probably results from: (1) increased levels of glycogen and glycolytic enzymes, and
(2) improved motivation and “pain” tolerance to fatiguing exercise.
Metabolic Machinery
The primary effect of endurance training produces an increase in muscle mitochondrial capacity. The
results of many different experiments indicate that mitochondria do not increase in specific activity per se,
rather, trained skeletal muscle contains larger and more numerous mitochondria but its activity remains the
same as less active muscle fibers. The exact training stimuli (intensity, time, recovery, etc.) resulting in more
mitochondria remains a central focus of current research.
Fat Metabolism
Endurance training increases an individual’s capacity to mobilize, deliver, and oxidize fatty acids for
energy during submaximal exercise. Enhanced fat catabolism with aerobic training becomes particularly
apparent at the same absolute submaximal exercise workload whether under fed or fasted conditions.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 144
Impressive increases also occur in the trained muscle’s capacity to utilize intramuscular triglycerides as the
primary source for fatty acid oxidation. A more lively, training-induced lipolysis (fat use) results from:
Greater blood flow within trained muscle
Enhanced quantity of fat-mobilizing and fat-metabolizing enzymes
Enhanced muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity (see above)
Blunted catecholamine release for the same absolute power output after training
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Reduced total carbohydrate utilization in submaximal exercise with endurance training results from the
combined effects of (1) decreased muscle glycogen utilization, and (2) reduced production (decreased hepatic
glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis) and utilization of plasma-borne glucose. Fatty acid oxidation combined
with a reduced level of carbohydrate metabolism contributes to blood glucose homeostasis and improved
endurance capacity following aerobic training. Training-enhanced hepatic gluconeogenic capacity further
provides resistance to hypoglycemia during prolonged exercise.
Cardiovascular Adaptations
Table 3 summarizes the most important adaptations in cardiovascular function with aerobic exercise
training that increase the delivery of oxygen to active muscle. Because of the intimate linkage of the
cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to aerobic processes, endurance training produces significant
dimensional and functional cardiovascular adaptations.
Training Intensity
Training-induced physiologic adaptations depend primarily on the intensity of overload. There are at least
seven different expressions of exercise intensity:
1. As energy expended per unit time (e.g., 9 kcal•min-1 or 37.8 kJ•min-1).
2. As absolute exercise level or power output (e.g., cycle at 900kg-m•min-1 or 147 W).
3. As relative metabolic level expressed as percentage of VO2max (e.g., 85% VO2max).
4. As exercise below, at, or above the lactate threshold (e.g., 4 mmol lactate).
5. As exercise heart rate or percentage of maximum heart rate (e.g., 180 b•min -1 or 80% HRmax).
6. As multiples of resting metabolic rate (e.g., 6 METs).
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 146
not necessarily produce greater results. Excessive intensity of physical training and abrupt increases in
training volume increase the risk for injury to bones, joints, and muscles.
Training Duration
A threshold duration per workout has not been identified for optimal aerobic improvement. This
threshold probably depends on the interaction of many factors including total work accomplished (duration
or training volume), exercise intensity, training frequency, and initial fitness level. Whereas 3- to 5 minute
daily exercise periods produce training effects in some poorly conditioned people, 20- to 30-minute exercise
sessions achieve more optimal results (within practicality for time) if intensity reaches at least 70% HR max.
With higher-intensity training, significant improvements occur with only a 10-minute workout. Conversely, it
requires at least 60 minutes of continuous exercise to produce a training effect when exercise intensity falls
below 70% HRmax.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 149
As for training volume, more does not necessarily produce greater results. In a study of collegiate
swimmers, for example, one group trained for 1.5 hours daily while another group performed two 1.5-hour
exercise sessions each day. Despite one group exercising at twice the daily exercise volume, no differences in
swimming power, endurance, or performance time improvements emerged between groups.
Training Frequency
Does 2 or 5 day-a-week training produce differing effects if exercise duration and intensity remain
constant for each training session?
Improvements in VO2max over time Unfortunately, the precise answer remains
elusive. Some investigators report that
4.4 training frequency significantly influences
4.2 cardiovascular improvements while others
4
maintain that this factor contributes
VO2max (L/min
3.8
considerably less than either exercises
intensity or duration. Studies using interval
3.6
training showed that training 2 days per
3.4
week produced VO2max changes similar in
3.2
magnitude to those when training 5 days per
3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
week. In other studies that held total exercise
Training Duration (weeks) volume constant, no differences emerged in
VO2max improvements between training
Figure 4. Absolute and percentage improvement in VO2max. frequencies of 2 versus 4, or 3 versus 5 days
per week. As in the case with training
duration, more frequent training becomes beneficial when training at a lower intensity.
While the extra time invested to increase training frequency may not prove profitable for improving
physiologic function, the extra quantity of exercise (e.g., 3- vs. 6-day per week training) often represents a
considerable caloric expenditure. To affect meaningful weight loss through exercise, each exercise session
should last at least 60 minutes at a sufficient intensity to expend 300 kcal or more. Training only one day per
week generally does not produce meaningful changes in anaerobic or aerobic capacity, body composition, or
weight loss.
Typical aerobic exercise training programs take place 3 days per week with a rest day usually spaced
between workout days. One could reasonably question whether training on consecutive days would produce
equally effective results? In an experiment concerned with this exact question, nearly identical improvements
in VO2max occurred regardless of sequencing of the 3-day-per-week training schedule. This finding suggests
that the stimulus for aerobic training links closely to exercise intensity and total work accomplished and not
to the sequencing of training days.
Exercise Mode
Holding exercise intensity, duration, and frequency constant produces a similar training response,
regardless of training mode—as long as the exercise involves relatively large muscle groups. Bicycling,
walking, running, rowing, swimming, in-line skating, rope skipping, bench stepping, stair climbing, and
simulated arm-leg climbing all provide excellent overload for the aerobic system. Of course, based on the
specificity concept, the magnitude of training improvement varies considerably depending on the mode of
testing. Individuals trained on a bicycle show greater improvements when tested on the bicycle than on the
treadmill.195 Likewise, individuals who train by swimming or arm cranking show the greatest improvements
when measured during upper-body exercise.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 150
Fitness components other than VO2max more readily suffer adverse effects of reduced exercise training
volume. Well-trained endurance athletes who normally trained 6 to 10 hours a week reduced weekly training
to one 35-minute session showed no decrease in VO2max over a 4-week period. However, their endurance
capacity at 75% VO2max significantly decreased, which related to reduced pre-exercise glycogen stores and a
diminished level of fat oxidation during exercise. Such findings indicate that single measure like VO 2max
cannot adequately evaluate all factors that affect training and detraining adaptations.
Methods of Training
Each year, performance improvements occur in almost all athletic competitions. These advances generally
relate to increased opportunities for participation: individuals with “natural endowment” more likely become
exposed to particular sports. Also, improved nutrition and health care, better equipment, and more
systematic and scientific approaches to athletic training contribute to superior performance.
In the following sections I present general guidelines for anaerobic and aerobic training, with particular
emphasis on three general training classifications: (1) interval training, (2) continuous training, and (3) fartlek
training.
Anaerobic Training
Figure 1 demonstrated that the capacity to perform all-out exercise for up to 60 seconds duration largely
depends on ATP generated by the immediate and short-term anaerobic energy systems.
Lactate–Generating Capacity
As duration of all-out effort extends beyond 10-seconds duration, dependence on anaerobic energy from
the intramuscular high-energy phosphates decreases with a proportionate increase in the magnitude of
anaerobic energy from glycolysis. To improve energy transfer capacity by the short-term lactic acid energy
system, training must overload this aspect of energy metabolism.
Anaerobic training requires extreme physiological and psychological demands and considerable
motivation. Repeated bouts of up to 1-minute maximum exercise stopped 30 seconds before subjective
feelings of exhaustion cause blood lactate to increase to near-maximum levels. The individual repeats each
exercise bout after 3 to 5 minutes of recovery. Repetition of exercise causes a “lactate stacking,” which results
in a higher blood lactate level than achieved with just one bout of all-out effort to exhaustion. Of course, as
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 152
with all training, one must exercise the specific muscle groups that require enhanced anaerobic capacity. A
backstroke swimmer trains by swimming the backstroke, a cyclist should bicycle, and basketball, hockey, or
soccer players rapidly perform various movements and direction changes similar to those required by the
demands of their sport.
Recovery requires considerable time when exercise involves a significant anaerobic component. For this
reason, anaerobic power training should occur at the end of the conditioning session. Otherwise, fatigue
might carry over and perhaps hinder one’s ability to perform subsequent aerobic training.
Aerobic Training
Figure 5 indicates two important
factors in formulating an aerobic
training program: Training must
provide a sufficient cardiovascular
overload to stimulate increases in
stroke volume and cardiac output. The
central circulatory overload must
result from exercising the sport-
specific muscle groups to enhance
their local circulation and “metabolic
machinery.” In essence, proper
endurance training overloads all
components of oxygen transport and
utilization. This consideration
embodies the specificity principle as
applied to aerobic training. Simply
stated, runners should run, cyclists
should bicycle, rowers should row,
and swimmers should swim.
Relatively brief bouts of repeated
exercise (interval training), as well as
continuous, long-duration efforts
(continuous training), enhance aerobic
capacity, provided exercise reaches sufficient Figure 5. The two major goals of aerobic training: Goal #1 –
intensity to overload the aerobic system. Interval develop the capacity of the central circulation to deliver
training, continuous training, and fartlek oxygen; Goal #2 – Enhance the capacity of the active
musculature to supply and process oxygen.
training represent three common methods to
improve aerobic fitness.
Interval Training
With correct spacing of exercise and rest, one can perform extraordinary amounts of high-intensity
exercise, normally not possible if the exercise progressed continuously. The repeated exercise bouts (with rest
periods or relief intervals) vary from a few seconds to several minutes or longer depending on the desired
training outcome. The interval training prescription evolves from the following considerations:
Intensity of exercise interval
Duration of exercise interval
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 153
Continuous Training
Continuous or long slow distance (LSD) training involves steady-paced, prolonged exercise at either
moderate or high aerobic intensity, usually between 60 to 80% VO2max. The exact pace can vary, but it must at
least meet a threshold intensity to ensure aerobic physiologic adaptations. Continuous training for an hour or
longer has become popular among joggers and other fitness enthusiasts including competitive endurance
athletes such as triathletes and cross-country skiers. For example, some elite distance runners train twice a
day and run between 100 and 150 miles each week while preparing for competition. In one report, a man
training for the 52.5 mile ultramarathon ran twice daily, 20 miles in the morning and 13 miles in the evening;
he interspersed these runs with occasional 30- to 60-mile non-stop runs at a 7- to 8-minute per mile pace.
Within this schedule, he ran more than 800 miles each month and totaled 9600 miles for the year! The precise
benefits of such considerable training remain unknown.
Because of its submaximum nature, continuous exercise training progresses for a considerable time in
relative comfort. This contrasts with the potential hazards of high-intensity interval training for coronary-
prone individuals and the high level of motivation required for such strenuous exercise. Continuous training
ideally suits those beginning an exercise program or wishing to accumulate a large caloric expenditure for
weight loss. When applied in athletic training, continuous training actually represents “over-distance”
training, with most athletes training two to five times the actual distances of competitive events.
An advantage of continuous training for endurance athletes permits exercising at nearly the same
intensity as actual competition. Because specific motor unit recruitment depends on exercise intensity,
continuous training may best apply to endurance athlete in terms of adaptations at the cellular level. This
contrasts to interval training that often places disproportionate stress on the fast-twitch motor units, not the
slow-twitch units predominantly recruited in endurance competition.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 154
Fartlek Training
Fartlek, a Swedish word means “speed play,” represents a training method introduced to the United
States in the 1940s. This relatively “unscientific” blending of interval and continuous training has particular
application to exercise out-of-doors over natural terrain. The system utilizes alternate running at fast and
slow speeds over both a level and hilly course.
In contrast to the precise exercise interval training prescription, fartlek training does not require systematic
manipulation of the exercise and relief intervals. Instead, the performer determines the training schema based
on “how it feels” at the time, in a way similar to gauging exercise intensity based on one’s rating of perceived
exertion. If used properly, this method can overload one or all of the energy systems. Although lacking the
systematic and quantified approaches of interval and continuous training, fartlek training provides an ideal
means for general conditioning and off-season training. It also maintains a certain “freedom” and variety in
workouts.
Insufficient evidence prevents proclaiming superiority of any specific training method for improving
aerobic capacity. Each form of training produces success. One can probably use the various methods
interchangeably, particularly to modify training and achieve a more psychologically pleasing exercise
program.
Injuries occur more frequently in the overtrained state. The syndrome may also result from complex
interactions and subsequent effects of acute and chronic alterations in systemic inflammatory responses.
3. Continuous training
4. Fartlek training
5. Health-related fitness
8. Interval training
9. LSD training
STUDY QUESTIONS
2.
3.
Overload Principle
List four variables manipulated to achieve exercise overload.
1. 3.
2. 4.
Specificity Principle
Briefly describe training specificity.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 158
Reversibility Principle
Describe the reversibility principle in 10 words or less (Hint: Use it or……….)
2.
2. 5.
3. 6.
Metabolic Machinery
List five metabolic adaptations that enhance aerobic training.
1. 4.
2 5.
Fat Metabolism
Give two reasons for increased lipolysis with aerobic training.
1.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 159
2.
Carbohydrate Metabolism
List two reasons for enhanced carbohydrate breakdown with aerobic training.
1.
2.
Cardiovascular Adaptations
List five variables that change with aerobic training and give the direction of change (+ or -)
1. 4.
2. 5.
3.
2. 4.
Training Intensity
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 160
2. 5.
3.
% VO2max
Training Duration
Is there an optimal training duration per session?
Training Frequency
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 161
Exercise Mode
Give the optimum training mode to induce a training effect.
Methods of Training
Describe three differences between aerobic and anaerobic training.
1. 3.
2.
Anaerobic Training
List two activities that can be used for anaerobic training.
1. 2.
Aerobic Training
Interval Training
What two factors formulate the interval training exercise prescription?
1.
2.
Continuous Training
Define “continuous training” and indicate the group best suited for this training method.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 162
Definition
Fartlek Training
What does Fartlek mean?
2.
PRACTICE QUIZ
LECTURE #10
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HEALTH AND AGING
Introduction
Aside from the positive effects of exercise in maintaining physiologic function, regular physical activity
protects against the ravages of this nation’s greatest killer, coronary heart disease (CHD). Individuals in
physically active occupations have a two- to threefold lower risk of heart attack than individuals in sedentary
jobs. Furthermore, chances of surviving a heart attack increase substantially for those with a physically
demanding job or lifestyle. Physical activity also favorably modifies important CHD risk factors. Regular
aerobic exercise lowers elevated blood pressure, reduces excess body fat, and improves the blood lipid
profile. The blood clotting mechanism can normalize with exercise training, which reduces the chances of a
blood clot forming on the roughened surface of a coronary artery. Regular exercise may also improve
myocardial blood flow. This adaptation could retard the progression of heart disease, or at least maintain
adequate blood supply to the heart muscle to compensate for coronary arteries narrowed by fatty deposits
within their walls.
Objectives
Describe the physical activity level of typical American men and women.
Outline the major findings of the Surgeon General’s Report on physical activity.
Answer the question: “How safe is exercise?”
List important age-related changes in: (a) muscular strength, (b) joint flexibility, (c) nervous system
function, (d) cardiovascular function, (e) pulmonary function, and (f) body composition.
Describe research that shows that regular physical activity protects against disease and may even extend
life.
List major risk factors for coronary heart disease, and describe how regular exercise affects each.
List factors that affect blood cholesterol level.
Explain how regular physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 165
TERMINOLOGY
Physical activity epidemiology applies specific definitions to characterize behavioral patterns and
outcomes of the groups under investigation. Examples of relevant terminology include:
Physical activity: Body movement produced by muscle action that increases energy expenditure.
Exercise: Planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful physical activity.
Physical fitness: Attributes related to one’s ability to perform physical activity.
Health: Physical, mental, and social well being, not simply the absence of disease.
Health-related physical fitness: Components of physical fitness associated with some aspect of good
health and/or disease prevention include cardiovascular fitness, abdominal muscular strength and
endurance, optimal body composition, flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.
Longevity: Length of life.
Within this framework, physical activity becomes a generic term and exercise comprises the major
component. Similarly, the definition of health focuses on the broad spectrum of well being that ranges from
the complete absence of health (death) to the highest levels of physiological function. Such definitions often
challenge our ability to objectively measure and quantify. However, they do provide the broad frame of
reference to study the role of physical activity and exercise in health and disease.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 167
Adults
•• 15% of adults engage in regular vigorous physical •• 22%of adults engage regularly in light-to-
activity during leisure time (3/wk for at least 20 moderate physical activity during leisure time
min) (5/wk for at least 30 min)
•• More than 60% of American adults do not engage •• Physical inactivity occurs more among women
regularly in physical activity; 25% lead sedentary than men, blacks and Hispanics than whites,
lives older than younger adults, and less affluent than
wealthier persons
•• Walking, gardening, and yard work represent the •• Participation in fitness activities declines with
most popular leisure-time activities for adults age. A large number of older citizens have such
poor functional capacity that they cannot raise
from a chair or bed, walk to the bathroom, or
climb stairs without assistance
Children and Teenagers
•• Nearly one-half between ages 12 and 21 yrs do •• 25% engage in light to moderate physical
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 168
not vigorously exercise on a regular basis; a sharp activity nearly every day (e.g., walk or bicycle)
decline in physical activity occurs during
adolescence
•• 14% report no recent physical activity (more •• More males participate in vigorous physical
prevalent among females, particularly black) activity, strengthening activities, and walking or
bicycling than females
•• Participation in all types of physical activity •• Daily attendance in school physical education
declines strikingly as age and school grade programs declined from 42% in early 1990 to
increase only 25% in 1996
•• 19% of high school students report being
physically active for at least 20 min in daily
physical education classes
SAFETY OF EXERCISING
People have questioned the safety of exercise because of several well-publicized reports of sudden death
during physical activity. Actually, sudden death rates during exercise have declined over the past 20 years
despite an overall increase in exercise participation. In one report of cardiovascular episodes over a five-year
period, 2935 exercisers recorded 374,798 exercise hours that included 2,726,272 km (1.7 million miles) of
running and walking. No deaths occurred during this time (with only two nonfatal cardiovascular
complications). Certainly, a small increased risk of a cardiovascular episode during exercise exists compared
to resting. However, the total reduction in heart disease risk from regular physical activity (compared with
remaining sedentary) far outweighs any slight increase in risk during the actual exercise.
Perhaps not surprisingly, musculoskeletal injury represents the most prevalent exercise complications. For
351 participants and 60 instructors at six aerobic dance facilities, 327 medical complaints were reported
during nearly 30,000 hours of activity. Eighty-four of the injuries caused disability (2.8 per 1000 person-hours
of participation), and only 2.1% of the injuries required medical attention. The greatest orthopedic injury
potential for jogging and running activities exists among individuals who exercise for extended durations:
more is certainly not better.
Figure 1. Generalized curve to illustrate agerelated changes in physiologic
function. All comparisons made against the 100% value achieved by the 20 to 30
yearold sedentary person.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 169
Considerable variation exists from person-to-person, and from biologic system-to-biologic system within the
same person.
Nerve conduction velocity, for example, declines only 10 to 15% from 30 to 80 years of age, whereas
resting cardiac index (ratio of cardiac output to surface area) and joint flexibility decline 20 to 30%; maximum
breathing capacity at age 80 averages 40% of values for a 30-year-old. Brain cells die at a fairly constant rate
until age 60, while liver and kidneys lose 40 to 50% of their function between ages 30 and 70. By the seventh
decade, the average female has lost 30% of bone mass, while men only 15%. Gerontologists have often
considered these aging patterns to represent the “normal” and “expected” decreases in structure and
function.
Figure 4. Reduced risk of death with regular exercise.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 173
Even for people with high blood pressure (a primary heart disease risk), those who exercised regularly
reduced their death rate by one-half
Regular exercise countered genetic tendencies toward an early death. For individuals who had one or
both parents die before age 65 (another significant risk), a lifestyle that included regular exercise
reduced the risk of death by 25%
A 50% reduction in mortality rate occurred for those whose parents lived beyond 65 years
Figure 4 (previous page) shows that among physically active people, a person who exercises more has a
reduced risk of death. For example, men who walked 9 or more miles a week showed a 21% lower mortality
rate than men who walked 3 miles or less. Exercising in light sports activities increased life expectancy 24%
over men who remained sedentary. From a perspective of energy expenditure, the life expectancy of Harvard
alumni increased steadily from a weekly exercise energy output of 500 kcal to 3500 kcal, the equivalent of six
to eight hours of strenuous weekly exercise. In addition, active men lived an average of one to two years
longer than sedentary classmates. (Other research estimates a life expectancy increase of about 10 months
with regular exercise.)
No additional health or longevity benefits accrued beyond weekly exercise of 3500 kcal. Men who
performed extreme exercise actually had higher death rates than less active colleagues (another example of
why more does not necessarily indicate better exercise benefits).
Figure 5. Physical fitness and longevity. The greatest reduction in death rate risk occurs when going from the
most sedentary category to a moderate fitness level.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 174
According to available evidence, if life-extending benefits of exercise exist, they are associated more with
preventing early mortality than improving overall life span. While the maximum life span may not extend
greatly, more active people survive to a “ripe old age” with only moderate exercise.
A Life-Long Process
Almost all people show some evidence of CHD, which can be severe in seemingly healthy young adults.
This degenerative process probably
begins early in life, as fatty streaks
emerge in the coronary arteries of
children as young as age five. Little
harm exists for most people until the
coronary arteries become markedly
narrowed. Figure 6 shows that
atherosclerosis involves degenerative
changes in the inner lining of the
arteries that supply the heart muscle.
The action and chemical
modification of various compounds,
including oxidation of cholesterol in
Figure 6. [Left] Cross section of a normal coronary artery. [Right], deterioration low-density lipoproteins, initiates a
of coronary artery in atherosclerosis; deposits of fatty substance roughen the complex process that ultimately
vessel’s center. causes bulging lesions in the arterial
wall. The lesions initially take the
form of fatty streaks. With further damage and proliferation of underlying smooth muscle cells, vessels
progressively congest with lipid-filled plaques, fibrous scar tissue, or both. This change reduces the vessels’
capacity for flood flow, causing the myocardium to receive diminished oxygen (ischemia) from inadequate
blood flow.
The roughened, hardened lining of the artery frequently causes the slowly flowing blood to clot. When a
blood clot (thrombus) forms, it plugs one of the smaller coronary vessels, causing necrosis (death) of a portion
of the myocardium. When this occurs, the person can suffer a heart attack or myocardial infarction. With only
moderate blockage (but with blood flow reduced below the heart’s requirement), the person may experience
temporary chest pain termed angina pectoris. The pains usually magnify during exertion because increased
physical activity causes a great demand for myocardial blood flow. Angina attacks provide vivid evidence of
the importance of adequate oxygen supply to the myocardium.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 175
Women at Risk
Women have increased their risk for developing CHD. Since 1910, more American women have died of
heart disease than any other cause. Because women develop heart disease 10 to 15 years later in life than men,
they more likely have heart attacks when past middle age. Only 1% of women under age 45 develop CHD,
while 13% above age 75 show clinical heart disease manifestations. This sex-age difference in heart disease
episodes makes CHD appear as a more pervasive and dramatic problem in men; a heart attack for a 75-year-
old woman seems less shocking than for a male “wage earner” who suffers an attack in the prime of life.
Increased CHD for women in later years partly relates to loss of protection offered by estrogen, which
declines markedly after menopause. Despite limited heart disease research on women, available evidence
indicates that disease symptoms, progression, and outcome differ in women and men. Some interesting sex-
related heart disease differences include:
Following a heart attack, women usually die sooner
Women who survive a heart attack frequently experience a second episode
Women become more incapacitated by heart disease-related pain and disability
Women are less likely to survive coronary artery by-pass surgery
Several factors seem clear: A similar process probably exists for CHD development in men and women,
i.e., fatty deposits narrow coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the myocardium. Hormonal differences
may also affect blood clot formation, coronary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation, and the tendency of
coronary vascular walls to spasm in the final stages preceding a heart attack. Moreover, CHD diagnosis may
differ in women and men. Diagnostic tests, like the treadmill stress test and ECG response, have limited use
with women because men have provided the subject pool for test validation. A diagnostic gap also occurs
because some physicians do not treat heart disease signs in women as aggressively as in men. Consequently,
they do not prescribe coronary angiography (the most valid way to diagnose CHD) as often following a
positive stress test.
Despite a lower CHD risk, premenopausal women are not immune from heart disease, particularly if they
smoke. Cigarette smoking accounts for almost one-half of all heart attacks in women before age 55. Smoking
as few as four cigarettes daily doubles a women’s CHD risk. Hypertension also exists in more than 50% of
women over age 55 who suffer a heart attack; after age 65 it affects two-thirds of female victims. Elevated
blood sugar afflicts women more often than men. The presence of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes raises a
woman’s CHD risk to equal that for a nondiabetic man of the same age, and puts her risk of dying from a
heart attack even greater than the man’s. Use of birth-control pills also raises a woman’s CHD risk.
Table 1. Serum cholesterol and lipoprotein classifications
Total Cholesterol Classification
>200 mg•dL1 (5.2 mmol•L1) Desirable
200239 mg•dL1 (5.36.2 mmol•L1) Borderline high
< 240 mg•dL1 (6.2 mmol•L1) High cholesterol
>130 mg•dL1 (3.4 mmol•L
F1OR YOUR) INFORMATION
1
Desirable
130159 mg•dL (3.44.1 mmol•L )
1
Borderline high
< 160 mg•dL (4.1 mmol•L )
1 1
High
HDL Cholesterol Classification
>35 mg•dL (0.9 mmol•L )
1 1
Low
Table 2. Serum triglyceride classifications
Serum
Classification Comments
Triglycerides
>200 mg•dL1 Normal
Check for accompanying
200400 mg•dL1 Borderline high
dyslipidemias
4001000 Check for accompanying
High
mg•dL1 dyslipidemias
Increased risk for acute
<1000 mg•dL1 Very high
pancreatitis
Hypertension
More than 35 million Americans currently have systolic blood pressures over 140 mm Hg (systolic
hypertension) or diastolic pressures that exceed 90 mm Hg (diastolic hypertension). These values form the
lower limit for the classification of borderline high blood pressure. One out of every five people experience
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 181
chronic abnormally high blood pressure sometime during their lives. Uncorrected hypertension leads to heart
failure, heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.
Hypertension, often labeled the “silent killer,” generally progresses unnoticed for decades before
inflicting its deadly blow. The cause(s) of hypertension remains unknown in more than 90% of cases. Statistics
indicate that the optimal blood pressure for longevity averages about 110 mm Hg systolic and 70 mm Hg
diastolic. Anything higher results in increased cardiovascular disease risk. For example, a man with systolic
blood pressure above 150 mm Hg has more than twice the heart disease risk as someone with 120 mm Hg.
Many people have a genetic predisposition toward hypertension that increases their tendency to retain salt,
heightens the reactivity of their blood vessels to stress, and causes higher levels of chemicals that constrict
peripheral vasculature.
Cigarette Smoking
In terms of health status, the more a person smokes, the poorer the future health status. Cigarette smoking
represents one of the strongest predictors of CHD. In fact, the probability of death from heart disease for
smokers nearly doubles compared to nonsmokers. Risk for CHD (and lung cancer) increases the more one
smokes, the deeper one inhales, and the stronger the cigarette’s tars and noxious by-products. Also, smokers
experience nearly 5 times the risk for stroke as nonsmokers, and those who smoke a pack or more a day have
an 11-times greater chance of suffering a specific type of sudden, deadly stroke that strikes younger men and
women.
Surprisingly, CHD risk from smoking translates to two to three times more deaths than excess mortality
from lung cancer. Even exposure to second-hand smoke increases CHD risk. Three hours of second-hand
smoke exposure equals smoking one pack of cigarettes. The good news: if a smoker for 40 years stops, CHD
risk returns to that of a “never smoker” within five years, regardless of age.
Obesity
Obesity’s association with many diseases makes the quantitative importance of excess body fat per se as a
health risk difficult to determine. However, the death rate for men weighing 30% in excess of ideal weight
exceeds the risk for a normal-weight individuals by 70%. The overfat condition often accompanies multiple
risk factors like hypertension and elevated serum lipids. In addition, an obese person usually consumes a
highly atherogenic diet rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Gaining weight also increases chances for
developing impaired glucose tolerance (type 2 diabetes).
Weight loss and accompanying body fat reduction generally contribute to normalizing plasma cholesterol
and triglycerides, and exert beneficial effects on blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Age-related gains in
body mass partly explain the expected increase in blood pressure with age. Obesity does not rate as a primary
CHD risk factor, yet one cannot deny its role as an important contributing factor.
The precise manner in which personality and behavior influence CHD development remains unknown, let
alone whether one’s basic personality “type” can significantly influence a disease process. One desirable
strategy would recognize, manage, and effectively direct excess stress elsewhere. To this end, regular exercise
blended with behavior modification can channel potentially harmful behaviors into ones that produce
positive “spin-off.” Interestingly, laughter may play an important role in the stress response and positively
influence disease processes. Individuals who laugh easily, spontaneously, and hard on a regular basis have
lower CHD incidence, recover faster from surgery, and generally remain less susceptible to disease.
LECTURE #10
STUDY GUIDE
Define Key Terms and Concepts
1. Atherosclerosis
2. Borderline hypertension
6. Heart attack
7. High-density lipoproteins
8. Hyperlipidemia
9. Hyperlipoproteinemia
STUDY QUESTIONS
2.
2.
Safety of Exercising
What is the most prevalent injury caused by exercise.
2.
1. 3.
2.
2. 5.
3.
A Life-Long Process
At what age can fatty streaks develop in the coronary arteries?
Women at Risk
Write four statements that summarize the heart disease risk for females emphasizing unique sex
differences in risk factors.
1. 3.
2. 4.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 188
Triglyceride
2. 4.
Physical Activity
How much greater is heart disease risk for a sedentary compared to a physically active person?
Hypertension
Indicate the lower borderline limit for the classification of high blood pressure.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 189
Systolic
Diastolic
Cigarette Smoking
List three facts about cigarette smoking and the risk of developing CHD.
1. 3.
2.
Obesity
Discuss how obesity contributes as a multiple CHD risk factor.
Type B
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 190
PRACTICE QUIZ
LECTURE #11
TRAINING MUSCLES TO BECOME STRONGER
Introduction
Weightlifting began as a spectator sport in America in the early 1840s, practiced by “strongmen” who
showcased their prowess in traveling carnivals and sideshows. By the mid-1880s, measuring muscular
strength became more commonplace, particularly in schools and colleges as one of several indicators of an
individual fitness. In 1897 at a meeting of College Gymnasium Directors, strength test contests were
established to determine overall body strength based on measures of back, leg, arm, and chest strength. The
first 5 colleges to rank in the 1898–1899 contest were Harvard, Columbia, Amherst, Minnesota, and Dickinson.
By the mid-1900s, physical culture specialists, body builders, competitive weight lifters, field event
athletes, and some wrestlers used “weightlifting” exercises. Most other athletes, however, refrained from
lifting weights for fear it would slow them and increase muscle size so they would lose joint flexibility and
become “muscle-bound.” Research in the late 1950s and early 1960s silenced this myth by showing that
muscle-strengthening exercises did not reduce movement speed or flexibility. In longitudinal experiments
with untrained healthy subjects, heavy-resistance exercises actually increased speed and power.
In this lecture I explore the underlying rationale of strength (resistance) training, including physiologic
adjustments as muscles become stronger with training. The discussion centers on how to measure muscle
strength, strength differences between men and women, and different resistance training regimens.
Objectives
Describe the following four methods to assess muscular strength: (a) cable tensiometry, (b)
dynamometry, (c) one-repetition maximum, and (d) computer-assisted isokinetic dynamometry.
Compare absolute and relative upper and lower body muscular strength in men and women.
Define concentric, eccentric, and isometric muscle actions, including examples of each.
Provide general recommendations for appropriate frequency, overload, and sets and repetitions for
dynamic exercise resistance training.
Explain specificity of training response for muscular strength related to enhanced sports performance.
Describe how psychological and muscular factors influence maximum strength capacity.
Describe delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 193
Cable Tensiometry
Figure 1A shows a cable
tensiometer measuring muscular
force during knee extension.
Increased force on the cable
depresses a riser over which the
cable passes; this deflects the
pointer and indicates the subject’s
strength score. The application of
the tensiometer for strength
measurements differs considerably
Figure 1. Measurement of static strength by (A) cable tensiometer, (B) handgrip from its original use for measuring
dynamometer, and (C) backleg lift dynamometer. tension on steel cables linking
various parts of an airplane.
Cable tensiometry provides an excellent way to isolate a muscle at a specific joint angle for strength
determinations before and after training and rehabilitation. This method for strength assessment provides
another advantage because it can be applied in different movement phases to give a clear picture of the
strength (or weakness) of particular muscles acting in a range of motion (ROM). This cannot be done easily
with standard weight-lifting tests.
Dynamometry
Figures 1B and C display handgrip and back-lift dynamometers to assess static strength. Both devices
operate on the principle of compression. Application of external force to the dynamometer compresses a steel
spring and moves a pointer. By knowing how much force must move the pointer a given distance, one can
determine how much external “static” force has been applied to the dynamometer.
One-Repetition Maximum
The one-repetition maximum (1-RM) technique serves as a dynamic method for measuring muscular
strength. To test 1-RM for single or multiple muscle groups, the initial weight should be close to but below
maximum lifting capacity. Depending on the muscle group, increments in weight lifted range from 1 to 5 kg.
The 1-RM maneuver requires concentric and eccentric muscle actions, but only the concentric phase of the
action evaluates 1-RM.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 196
The amount of overload is usually expressed as a percent of the maximum force-generating capacity (1-
RM) of a non-fatigued muscle or muscle group. Performing a voluntary maximal muscle action means the
muscle must move against as much resistance as its present capacity level allows. Although a partially
fatigued muscle cannot generate the same force as a non-fatigued muscle, the last repetition in a set to
momentary failure still represents a voluntary maximal muscle action. Muscular overload in resistance
training usually requires voluntary maximal muscle actions.
Three approaches (either singularly or in combination) apply muscular overload in resistance training:
1. Increase load or resistance
2. Increase number of repetitions
3. Increase speed of muscle action
Muscular overload, referred to as training intensity, represents the most important concept in strength
development; it relates to the necessity for training above a minimum threshold level to induce a training
response. Minimal intensity
for overload occurs between
60 to 70% of 1-RM. This
means that performing a large
number of repetitions with a
light resistance generally
produces minimal strength
gains.
Muscle Actions
Concentric action represents
the most common form of
muscle action; it occurs in
dynamic activities where the
muscle shortens and joint
movement occurs as tension
develops. Figure 2A
illustrates a concentric
muscular action by raising a
dumbbell from the extended
to flexed elbow position.
Because a concentric muscle
action produces actual muscle
Figure 2. Muscular force during (A) concentric (shortening), (B) eccentric shortening, the word
(lengthening), and (C) isometric (static) actions. “contraction” frequently
describes this process.
Eccentric action (also called lengthening, stretching, or plyometric) occurs when external resistance
exceeds muscle force, and the muscle lengthens while developing tension. Figure 2B shows a weight slowly
lowered against the force of gravity. The muscles of the upper arm increase in length as they provide braking
action to prevent the weight from crashing to the floor.
Isometric action (also called static or stationary) occurs when a muscle attempts to shorten but cannot
overcome the resistance. Considerable muscular force can be generated during an isometric action with no
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 198
noticeable muscle lengthening or shortening or joint movement. Figure 2C illustrates an isometric muscular
action.
The term isotonic commonly describes concentric and eccentric muscle actions because movement occurs
in both cases. The term isotonic comes from the Greek isotonos (iso meaning the same or equal; tonos, tension
or strain.) Actually this term should not be applied to most dynamic muscle actions that involve movement
because the muscle’s force-generating capacity varies as the joint angle changes; thus, force output does not
remain constant through the ROM. Dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) provides a more useful
term for strength (resistance) training in which external resistance or weight does not change, but lifting
(concentric) and lowering (eccentric) phases occur during each repetition. DCER implies that the external
weight or resistance remains constant throughout the movement.
Force:Velocity Relationship
Different physical activities require different amounts of strength (force) and power. Absolute or peak
force generated in a movement depends upon the speed of muscle lengthening and shortening. Figure 3
shows the force:velocity relationship for concentric and eccentric actions. Muscles shorten at different
velocities (horizontal axis of graph) depending on the load placed on them. As the load increases, maximum
velocity decreases. Conversely, a muscle’s force-generating capacity (vertical axis of graph) rapidly declines
with increased shortening velocity. This explains the difficulty in attempting to move a heavy weight rapidly.
A concentric action becomes
a lengthening (eccentric) action
when the external load exceeds
a muscle’s maximum force
capacity (noted as point 0 on the
vertical axis.) Rapid eccentric
actions generate the greatest
muscular force. This may
explain muscle damage and
delayed muscle soreness while
doing eccentric exercise. Force
at zero velocity shortening
(isometric action) exceeds all
forces generated with concentric
actions. Muscle fiber type also
influences the force-velocity
relationships; fast-twitch muscle
fibers produce greater muscle
force at fast movement speeds
than slow-twitch fibers.
Power-Velocity
Relationship
Figure 4 (next page) shows
an “inverted U” relationship
between a muscle’s maximal power output and its speed of limb movement. Peak power rapidly increases
with increasing velocity to a peak velocity region. Thereafter, maximal power output decreases because of the
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 199
significant reduction in maximum force at faster movement speeds (Figure 15-4.) Thus, each muscle group
has an optimum movement speed to produce maximum power. At any movement velocity, greater peak
power occurs in fast-contracting fibers than slow-contracting fibers due mainly to the biochemical differences
between fibers.
Load:Repetition
Relationship
The total work accomplished by
muscle action depends on the
load (resistance) placed on the
muscle. One can perform high
repetitions with light loads, but
few repetitions with near maximal
loads.
Sex Differences In
Muscular Strength
Two approaches can determine
whether true sex differences exist
in muscular strength.
Absolute basis (as total force
exerted)
Relative basis (as force exerted in
relation to body mass, fat-free
body mass, or muscle cross-
sectional area)
Figure 4. Power-velocity relationship. Power (work per unit time) increases
as a function of movement velocity to a peak velocity region.
Absolute Strength
When comparing absolute
strength (total force in pounds or kilograms), men achieve considerably higher strength scores than women
for all muscle groups, regardless of test mode. Sex differences in strength are particularly apparent for upper
body strength evaluations; women exhibit about 50% less strength than men. In lower body strength, women
achieve 20 to 30% below the scores of male counterparts. Exceptions usually include strength-trained female
track and field athletes and bodybuilders who train diligently with overload resistance exercise to
significantly increase the strength of specific muscle groups.
Relative Strength
Human skeletal muscle in vitro generates 16 to 30 Newton’s (N) maximum force per square centimeter of
muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) regardless of sex. In the body (in vivo), force-output capacity varies
depending on the arrangement of bony levers and muscle architecture.
Individuals with the largest MCSA generate the greatest muscular force. The strong, linear relationship
between strength and muscle size (r = 0.95) indicates little difference in arm flexor strength for the same size
muscle in men and women.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 200
increases in isometric strength. Gains in strength from this simple exercise overload seemed beyond belief,
and subsequent research demonstrated that isometric strength gains progressed at a much slower rate.
Research also showed that gains in strength from isometrics related to repetitions, duration of muscle action,
and training frequency.
Research since 1965 has revealed the following information regarding isometric training:
Maximal voluntary isometric actions (100% maximum) produce greater gains in isometric strength
than submaximal isometric actions.
Duration of muscle activation directly relates to increases in isometric strength.
One daily isometric action does not increase isometric strength as effectively as repeated actions.
An optimal isometric training program consists of daily repeated isometric actions.
Isometric training does not provide a consistent stimulus for muscular hypertrophy.
Gains in isometric strength occur predominantly at the joint angle used in training.
A drawback to isometric training is difficulty in monitoring training results. Because essentially no
movement occurs, it is difficult to determine objectively if the person’s strength actually improves and
whether he or she applies an appropriate overload force during training. Isometric force measurement
requires specialized equipment (e.g., strain gauge or cable tensiometer) not readily available at most exercise
facilities.
Variations of PRE
Variations of PRE have determined an optimal number of sets and repetitions, including frequency and
relative intensity of training, to improve strength. The findings can be summarized as follows:
Performing between 3-RM and 9-RM is the most effective number of repetitions to increase muscular
strength.
PRE training once weekly with only 1-RM for one set increases strength significantly after the first week
of training, and each week up to at least the sixth week.
No particular sequence of PRE training with different percentages of 10-RM produces more effective
strength improvement, provided each training session consists of one set of 10-RM.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 202
Smaller strength increases occur when performing one set of an exercise rather than two or three sets,
and three sets produces greater improvement than two sets.
For beginners, significant strength increases occur with only one training day weekly, but the optimum
number of training days per week with PRE remains unknown.
When PRE training uses several different exercises, training four or five days a week may be less
effective for increasing strength than training two or three times weekly. More frequent training may
prevent sufficient recuperation between exercise sessions, which could retard neuromuscular
adaptation and strength development.
A fast rate of movement for a given resistance generates greater strength improvement than lifting at a
slower rate. Neither free weights nor concentric-eccentric-type weight machines or “isotonic” devices
produce inherently superior results compared with other strength development methods.
Isokinetic Training
Isokinetic resistance training differs from isometric and DCER methods; it employs a muscle action
performed at constant angular limb velocity. Unlike dynamic resistance exercise, isokinetic exercise does not
require a specified initial resistance; rather, the isokinetic device controls movement velocity. The resisting
force offered by the isokinetic machine cannot be accelerated; any force applied against the device’s lever
results in an opposing force, which thwarts any increase in movement velocity. The muscles exert maximal
force throughout the ROM while shortening (concentric action) at a specific velocity. Advocates of isokinetic
training argue that ability to exert maximal force throughout the full ROM optimizes strength development.
Also, concentric-only actions minimize muscle and joint injury and resulting pain.
Plyometric Training
Athletes who require specific powerful movements (e.g., football, volleyball, sprinting, and basketball)
perform exercise training termed plyometrics. With plyometric training, movements make use of the inherent
stretch-recoil characteristics of skeletal muscle and neurological modulation via the stretch or myotatic reflex.
Consider walking: When the foot first hits the ground, the quadriceps initially act (stretch) eccentrically, then
briefly isometrically, before the shortening phase of a muscle’s action begins. The term stretch-shortening
cycle describes the sequence of sequentially linked eccentric-isometric-concentric muscle actions. When
stretching occurs rapidly, stored elastic energy in muscle fibers and initiation of the myotatic reflex combine
to produce a powerful concentric action.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 203
Vertical jumping provides an example of the stretch-shortening cycle to enhance performance. During a
normal vertical jump, the jumper bends at the knees and hips (eccentric action of extensors), pauses briefly
(isometric action), and rapidly reverses direction (concentric action) to jump upward as high as possible. If
this same movement stops for several seconds following the knee bend (just before reversing movement
direction), the subsequent jump (concentric action) produces a lower jump height compared with a
performance that uses the complete stretch-shortening cycle.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 204
Figure 6. Examples of stretchshortening cycle (plyometric) exercises. A, strength development;
B, depth jumping; C, reactive ability.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 205
Practical Applications
A plyometric training drill incorporates one’s body mass and the force of gravity to provide the all-
important rapid prestretch, or “cocking” phase to “activate” the stretch reflex and the muscle’s natural elastic
recoil elements. Lower-body plyometric drills include a standing jump, multiple jumps, repetitive jumping in
place, depth or drop jumps (from 1 to 4-ft. heights), and various modifications of single and double leg
jumps. Repeating these exercises regularly supposedly provides both neurological and muscular training to
enhance power performance of specific muscles. Figure 6 shows examples of plyometric exercises for strength
development, using resistance and other apparatus, including general jumping exercises and depth jumps.
Periodization
Periodization refers to organizing resistance training into phases of different types of exercise done at
varying intensities and volumes for a specific time period. Figure 7 displays a wave-like, basic periodization
scheme (and descriptions) with four phases or mesocycles . This system shows that phase one consists of
high volume (repetitions and sets) and low intensity exercise. During the next three phases, total exercise
volume decreases, and intensity increases. Periodization cycles can vary from one cycle to two or three cycles
Mesocycle 4
Figure 7. Basic periodization scheme comprising four transition phases. The periodization concept subdivides a macrocycle into
distinct phases or mesocycles. These in turn usually separate into weekly microcycles.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 206
yearly. In general, each of the four phases emphasize a different component of strength development over a
competitive season.
Figure 8. Six factors that impact the development and maintenance of muscle mass.
muscle actions. Chronic changes take place with repeated stimuli over the course of a training regimen.
Adaptation refers to how the body adjusts to repeated stimuli. The body responds acutely to a given stress,
while repeated exposure to the stimulus produces long-lasting changes that affect the acute response over
time (e.g., less disruption in cellular integrity [muscle damage] with a given level of exercise.)
Knowing the acute and chronic responses to resistance training facilitates exercise prescription and
program design. Adaptations to repeated muscular overload ultimately determine a training program’s
effectiveness. The time-course of adaptations varies among individuals and depends on the nature and
magnitude of prior adaptations. A resistance-training program should consider the expression of individual
differences in adaptation (training responsiveness.)
Adaptations to resistance training occur in diverse body systems from the cellular to systemic level.
Figure 8 displays six factors that impact development and maintenance of muscle mass. Unmistakably,
genetics provides the governing frame of reference that influences the effect of each other factor on the
ultimate training outcome. Muscular activity, however, contributes little to tissue growth without appropriate
nutrition to provide essential building blocks. Similarly, training outcome depends on specific hormones and
patterns of nervous system activation. Without overload, each of the other factors remains relatively
ineffective for inducing strength development.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 207
Fast-Twitch Fiber
Fast-twitch muscle fiber, also known as type II fiber, possesses a high capacity for anaerobic ATP
production during glycolysis. These fibers possess a rapid contraction speed; they become activated in sprint
activities that depend almost entirely on anaerobic metabolism for energy. The metabolic capabilities of fast-
twitch fibers also become important in stop-and-go or change-off-pace sports like basketball, soccer, lacrosse,
and field hockey These sports often require rapid energy transfer through anaerobic metabolism.
Slow-Twitch Fiber
The slow-twitch or type I muscle fiber has a contraction speed about one-half as fast as its fast-twitch
counterpart. Slow-twitch fibers possess numerous mitochondria and a high concentration of enzymes
required to sustain aerobic metabolism. They demonstrate a much greater capacity to generate ATP
aerobically than their fast-twitch counterparts. As such, slow-twitch muscle fiber activation predominates in
endurance activities that depend almost exclusively on aerobic metabolism. Middle-distance running or
swimming, or basketball, field hockey, and soccer, require a blend of both aerobic and anaerobic capacities.
Both types of muscle fibers become activated in such sports.
From the preceding discussion, do you think that the predominant fiber type in specific muscles
contributes to success in a particular sport or activity?
Muscle Adaptations
Psychologic inhibitions and learning factors greatly modify muscular strength, but anatomic and
physiologic factors within the muscle determine the ultimate limit of strength development. The gross and
ultrastructural changes in muscle with chronic resistance training generally produce adaptations in the
contractile apparatus, accompanied by substantial gains in muscular strength and power. An increase in the
muscle’s external size represents the most visible adaptation to resistance training. Muscle fiber hypertrophy
(increase in size of individual fibers) usually explains increases in gross muscle size, although increased fiber
number (fiber hyperplasia) provides a hotly debated alternative hypothesis.
Cross-sectional studies of body builders with large limb circumferences and muscle mass failed to show
that they possessed significant hypertrophy of individual muscle fibers. While these athletes could have
inherited an initially large number of small muscle fibers (which then “hypertrophied” to normal size with
training), the findings certainly raise the possibility of significant hyperplasia in humans under certain
circumstances. Muscle fibers may adapt differentially to the high-volume, high-intensity training used by
body builders compared with the lower-repetition, heavy-load system favored by strength and power
athletes. Under most conditions, hyperplasia does not represent the primary human skeletal muscle
adaptation to overload. However, some hyperplasia may occur when Type II fibers reach their upper size
limit.
Cardiovascular Adaptations
Training volume and intensity influence the effect of resistance training on the cardiovascular system.
Subtle yet important differences exist between myocardial enlargement from resistance training
(physiological hypertrophy) and enlargement from chronic hypertension (pathological hypertrophy). In the
pathologic condition, ventricular wall thickness increases beyond normal limits regardless of assessment
method and evaluative criteria. Dilation and weakening of the left ventricle, a frequent response to chronic
hypertension, does not accompany the compensatory increase in myocardial wall thickness with resistance
training. The hearts of these athletes usually exceed the size of untrained counterparts, but heart size
generally falls within the upper range limits of normal in relation to various measures of body size or cardiac
function.
Resistance exercise causes a greater, acute rise in blood pressure than lower-intensity dynamic
movements, but does not produce any long-term increase in resting blood pressure. Weight lifters and body
builders with hypertension probably have existing essential hypertension, experience chronic overtraining
syndrome, use steroids, or possess an undesirable level of body fat or other hypertension risks established for
the general population.
strength-training regimen into phases with different types of exercises done at varying intensities and
volumes. A resistance-training program consists of four aspects:
1. Goal setting
2. Selecting the appropriate training system
3. Determining optimal resistance
4. Program organization
Cell Damage
The first bout of repetitive, unaccustomed physical activity disrupts the integrity of the cells’ internal
environment. This can produce microlesions and subsequent temporary ultrastructural muscle damage in a
pool of stress-susceptible or degenerating muscle fibers. Damage becomes more extensive several days after
exercise than in the immediate postexercise period. A single bout of moderate concentric exercise provides a
significant prophylactic effect on the development of muscle soreness in subsequent high-force eccentric
exercise, with the effect persisting up to six weeks. Such results support the wisdom of initiating a training
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 211
program with repetitive, moderate concentric exercise to protect against the muscle soreness that occurs
following exercise with an eccentric component.
2. Adaptation
4. Concentric action
6. Drop-jumping
8. Dynamometry
17. Periodization
18. Plyometrics
20. ROM
STUDY QUESTIONS
2. 4.
2.
2. 4.
Cable Tensiometry
List one advantages of cable tensiometry testing.
One-Repetition Maximum
Define 1-RM.
2.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 216
2.
2.
3.
Force-Velocity Relationship
Draw a graph showing the force-velocity relationship for concentric and eccentric actions.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 217
Force
Lengthening Shortening
Velocity
Power-Velocity Relationship
Draw and label a graph showing the relationship between power and velocity.
Relative Strength
Quantify the maximum muscle force (N) generated by human skeletal muscle per square cm of
muscle cross-sectional area.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 218
2.
2. 5.
3.
2. 4.
2.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 219
Isokinetic Training
Explain in you own words the unique aspects of isokinetic resistance training compared to more
“standard” forms of resistance training.
Plyometric Training
What performance would benefit most from plyometric training?
Practical Applications
Describe an example of plyometric training for a track sprint athlete.
Periodization
Describe the purpose of fractionating the resistance training cycle in periodization.
Fast-Twitch Fiber
List two characteristics of fast-twitch (type II) muscle fibers
1.
2.
What energy system most often supports fast-twitch muscle fiber activity?
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 220
Slow-Twitch Fiber
List two characteristics of slow-twitch or (type I) muscle fibers.
1.
2.
2. 4.
Cardiovascular Adaptations
Explain why typical resistance training does not provide an adequate stimulus to improve
cardiovascular status.
Cardiovascular Adaptations
What happens to blood pressure with resistance training?
Is resistance training important for causing changes in body composition?
2. 4.
PRACTICE QUIZ
1. Isometric action: c. inversely proportional to resistance
a. muscle action without change in muscle d. same as DCER
length e. none of the above
b. same as eccentric action 5. Concentric action:
c. same as concentric action a. lengthening action
d. opposite of eccentric action b. same as isokinetic action
e. none of the above c. shortening action
2. DCER: d. involves no joint movement
a. external resistance does not change e. none of the above
b. external resistance changes by 1-RM 6. Eccentric action:
c. same as isometric action a. lengthening action
d. same as isokinetic action b. same as isokinetic action
e. none of the above c. shortening action
3. Dynamometer: d. involves no joint movement
a. used to measure isokinetic strength e. none of he above
b. used to measure static strength 7. Power:
c. used to measure range of motion a. usually expressed in joules
d. same as 1-RM b. force x distance ÷ by time
e. none of the above c. distance x time ÷ force
4. Training intensity: d. resistance x distance moved
a. same as muscular overload e. none of the above
b. proportional to number of contractions 8. PRE:
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 222
LECTURE #12
BODY COMPOSITION: ASSESSMENT AND HUMAN
VARIATIONS
Introduction
This lecture discusses the gross composition of the human body and present the rationale underlying
various direct and indirect methods to partition the body into two basic compartments, body fat and fat-free
body mass. It also presents simple, non-invasive methods to analyze an individual’s body composition.
Americans consume more fat per capita than any other nation. They also consume more than 90% of the
foods high in saturated fatty acids and processed, high-glycemic carbohydrates. A national preoccupation
with food and effortless living causes more than 110 million men and women (and more than 10 to 12 million
children and teenagers) to become “over fat” and in need of weight reduction. If these individuals consumed
600 fewer calories daily to reduce to a “normal” body fat level, the annual energy savings would equal the
yearly residential electricity demands of Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, or the
equivalent of more than 1.3 billion gallons of gasoline to fuel about 1 million autos for one year!
Objectives
Summarize inadequacies of the “height-weight” tables.
Outline characteristics of the “reference man” and “reference woman,” including specific values for
storage fat, essential fat, and sex-specific essential fat.
Define fat-free body mass.
Define minimal weight.
Describe Archimedes’ principle applied to human body volume measurement.
Compare the body composition values of average young men and women with elite competitors in
endurance running, wrestling, weight lifting, and bodybuilding.
List significant health risks of obesity.
Define fat cell hypertrophy and fat cell hyperplasia, and explain how each contributes to obesity.
Outline how “unbalancing” the energy balance equation affects body weight. Explain the effectiveness
of specific exercise for localized fat loss.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 224
Figure 1. Fivelevel, multicomponent model to assess and interpret body composition. Each component within a level
becomes more complex with an increase in the body’s level of biological organization.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 225
Analysis of body composition most often focuses on the tissue and whole body level, primarily because of
methodological and practical limitations. Due to marked sex differences in several of the body’s
compositional components, a convenient framework for understanding body composition employs the
concept of a reference man and reference woman developed by Dr. Behnke (Figure 2.)
Height-Weight Tables
Height-weight tables serve as statistical landmarks to commonly assess the extent of “overweightness.”
They use the average ranges of body mass in relation to stature where men and women aged 25 to 59 years
have the lowest mortality rate. Height-weight tables do not consider specific causes of death or quality of
health before death. Different versions of the tables recommend different “desirable” weight ranges, with
some considering frame-size, age, and sex.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 226
Figure 2. Body composition of the reference man and reference woman.
The reference man is taller by 10.2 cm and heavier by 13.3 kg than the reference woman, his skeleton
weighs more (10.4 vs. 6.8 kg), and he possesses a larger muscle mass (31.3 vs. 20.4 kg) and lower total fat
content (10.5 vs. 15.3 kg.) These differences exist even when expressing the amount of fat, muscle, and bone as
a percentage of body mass. This holds particularly for body fat, which represents 15% of the reference man’s
total body mass and 27% for females. The concept of reference standards does not mean that men and women
should strive to achieve these body composition values, or that reference values actually represent “average.”
Instead, the model provides a useful frame of reference for interpreting statistical comparisons of athletes,
individuals involved in physical training programs, and the underweight and obese.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 227
Essential Fat
The essential fat depot (equivalent to approximately 3% of body mass) consists of fat stored in the marrow
of bones, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines, muscles, and lipid-rich tissues of the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord.) Normal physiologic functioning requires this fat. In females, essential fat also
includes additional sex-specific essential fat (equivalent to approximately 9% of body mass.) More than likely,
this additional fat depot serves biologically important childbearing and other hormone-related functions.
Essential body fat likely represents a biologically established limit, beyond which encroachment could impair
health status as in prolonged semistarvation from famine, malnutrition, and disordered eating behaviors.
Storage Fat
In addition to essential fat depots, storage fat consists of fat accumulation in adipose tissue. Storage fat
includes the visceral fatty tissues that protect the various internal organs within the thoracic and abdominal
cavities from trauma, and the larger subcutaneous fat adipose tissue volume deposited beneath the skin's
surface. Men and women have similar quantities of storage fat – approximately 12% of body mass in males
and 15% in females. For the reference standards, this amounts to 8.4 kg for the reference and 8.5 kg for the
reference woman.
categorized subjectively as appearing thin or “skinny.” Each of the 26 women then underwent a thorough
anthropometric evaluation that included skinfolds, circumferences, and bone diameters, and percent body fat
and fat-free body mass from hydrostatic weighing.
The results were unexpected because the women’s percent body fat averaged 18.2%, about 7 percentage
points below the average 25 to 27% body fat typically reported for young adult women. Another striking
finding included equivalence in four trunk and four extremity bone-diameter measurements among the 26
thin-appearing women, 174 women who averaged 25.6% fat, and 31 women who averaged 31.4% body fat.
This meant that appearing thin or skinny did not necessarily correspond to a diminutive frame-size or an
excessively low body fat content using lower limits of minimal body mass and essential body fat proposed in
Behnke’s model.
20% body fat. Four of the athletes and three nonathletes ranging from 11 to 15% body fat had regular cycles,
whereas seven athletes and two nonathletes had irregular cycles or were amenorrheic. For the total sample, 14
athletes and 21 nonathletes had regular menstrual cycles. These data corroborate other research, and disprove
the hypothesis that normal menstrual function requires a critical body fat level of 17 to 22%.
Potential causes of menstrual dysfunction include the complex interplay of physical, nutritional, genetic,
hormonal, regional fat distribution, psychological, and environmental factors. An intense exercise bout
triggers the release of an array of hormones, some of which have antireproductive properties. Further
research needs to determine whether regular heavy exercise produces a cumulative hormonal effect sufficient
to disrupt the normal menses. In this regard, when injuries in young amenorrheic ballet dancers prevent them
from exercising regularly, normal menstruation resumes, even though body weight remains stable.
Additional predisposing factors for reproductive endocrine dysfunction among athletes include nutritional
inadequacy and an exercise-induced energy deficit with heavy training.
Based on current research, approximately 13 to 17% body fat should be regarded as an estimate of a
minimal body fat level associated with regular menstrual function. The effects and risks of sustained
amenorrhea on the reproductive system remain unknown. A gynecologist/endocrinologist should evaluate
failure to menstruate or cessation of the normal cycle because it may reflect a significant medical condition
(e.g., pituitary or thyroid gland malfunction or premature menopause.) As explained in Lecture 3, prolonged
menstrual dysfunction can have profound negative effects on the density of the body's bone mass.
DIRECT ASSESSMENT
Two approaches directly assess body composition. In one technique, a chemical solution literally dissolves
the body into its fat and non-fat (fat-free) components. The other technique requires physical dissection of fat,
fat-free adipose tissue, muscle, and bone. Such analyses require extensive time, meticulous attention to detail,
and specialized laboratory equipment, and pose ethical questions and legal problems in obtaining cadavers
for research purposes.
INDIRECT ASSESSMENT
Many indirect procedures assess body composition including Archimedes’ principle (also known as
underwater weighing.) This method computes percent body fat from body density (the ratio of body mass to
body volume.) Other procedures use skinfold thickness and girth measurements, x-ray, total body electrical
conductivity or impedance, near-infrared interactance, ultrasound, computed tomography, air
plethysmography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.
until one day, he stepped into a bath filled to the top with water and observed the overflow. He thought
about this for a moment, and then, wild with joy, jumped from the bath and ran naked through the
streets of Syracuse shouting, ‘Eureka! Eureka!’ I have discovered a way to solve the mystery of the King’s
crown.”
Archimedes reasoned that gold must have a volume in proportion to its mass, and to measure the volume
of an irregularly shaped object required submersion in water with collection of the overflow. Archimedes
took lumps of gold and silver, each having the same mass as the crown, and submerged each in a container
full of water. To his delight, he discovered the crown displaced more water than the lump of gold and less
than the lump of silver. This could only mean the crown consisted of both silver and gold as the King
suspected.
Essentially, Archimedes evaluated the specific gravity of the crown (i.e., the ratio of the crown's mass to
the mass of an equal volume of water) compared with the specific gravities for gold and silver. Archimedes
probably also reasoned that an object submerged or floating in water becomes buoyed up by a counterforce
equaling the weight of the volume of water it displaces. This buoyant force helps to support an immersed
object against the downward pull of gravity. Thus, an object is said to lose weight in water. Because the
object’s loss of weight in water equals the weight of the volume of water it displaces, the specific gravity
refers to the ratio of the weight of an object in air divided by its loss of weight in water. The loss of weight in
water equals the weight in air minus the weight in water.
Specific gravity = Weight in air / Loss of weight in water
In practical terms, suppose a crown weighed 2.27 kg in air and 0.13 kg less (2.14 kg), when weighed
underwater (Figure 3.) Dividing the weight of the crown (2.27 kg) by its loss of weight in water (0.13 kg)
results in a specific gravity of 17.5. Because this ratio
differs considerably from the specific gravity of gold
(19.3), we too can conclude: “Eureka, the crown must be
fraudulent!”
The physical principle Archimedes discovered
allows us to apply water submersion or
hydrodensitometry to determine the body’s volume.
Dividing a person's body mass by body volume yields
body density (Density = Mass ÷ Volume), and from
this an estimate of percent body fat.
Figure 3. Archimedes’ principle to determine the volume
and subsequently the specific gravity of the king’s crown.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 231
temperature. The body density of this person, computed as mass / volume, would be 50,000 g (50 kg) / 48,000
cm3, or 1.0417 g•cm-3.
Computing Percent Body Fat, Fat Mass (FM), and Fat-Free Mass
(FFM)
The equation that incorporates whole body density to estimate the body's fat percentage derives from the
following three premises:
Densities of fat mass (all extractable lipid from adipose and other body tissues) and fat-free mass
(remaining lipid-free tissues and chemicals, including water) remain relatively constant (fat tissue = 0.90
g•cm-3; fat-free tissue = 1.10 g•cm-3), even with large variations in total body fat and the fat-free mass (FFM)
components of bone and muscle.
Densities for the components of the fat-free mass at a body temperature of 37°C remain constant within
and among individuals: water, 0.9937 g•cm-3 (73.8% of FFM); mineral, 3.038 g•cm-3 (6.8% of FFM); protein,
1.340 g•cm-3 (19.4% of FFM.)
The person measured differs from the reference body only in fat content (reference body assumed to
possess 73.8% water, 19.4% protein, 6.8% mineral.)
The following equation, derived by Berkeley scientist Dr. William Siri, computes percent body fat from
estimates of whole body density:
Siri Equation = [Percent body fat = 495 / Body density – 450]
The following example incorporates the body density value of 1.0417 g•cm-3 (determined for the woman
in the previous example) in the Siri equation to estimate percent body fat:
Percent body fat = 495 / Body density – 450
Percent body fat = 495 / 1.0417 – 450
Percent body fat = 25.2%
The mass of body fat (FM) can be calculated by multiplying body mass by percent fat:
Fat mass (kg) = Body mass (kg) x [Percent fat ÷ 100]
Fat mass (kg) = 50 kg x 0.252
Fat mass (kg) = 12.6
Subtracting mass of fat from body mass yields fat-free body mass (FFM):
FFM (kg) = Body mass (kg) – Fat mass (kg)
FFM (kg) = 50 kg – 12.6 kg
FFM (kg) = 37.4
In this example, 25.2% or 12.6 kg of the 50 kg body mass consists of fat, with the remaining 37.4 kg
representing the fat-free mass.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 232
Simple anthropometric procedures can successfully predict body fatness. The most common of these
procedures uses skinfolds. The rationale for using skinfolds to estimate total body fat comes from the close
relationships among three factors: (a) fat in adipose tissue deposits directly beneath the skin (subcutaneous
fat), (b) internal fat, and (c) body density.
Girth Measurements
Girth measurements offer an easily administered, valid, and attractive alternative to skinfolds. Apply a
linen or plastic measuring tape lightly to the skin surface so the tape remains taut but not tight. This avoids
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 233
skin compression that produces lower than normal scores. Take duplicate measurements at each site and
average the scores.
Determine Your Body Mass Index from the following table; use weight in pounds and height in feet and
inches.
Weight 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205
lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs
Height
5'0" 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
5'1" 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
5'2" 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 37
5'3" 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 35 36
5'4" 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 35
5'5" 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 33 34
5'6" 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33
5'7" 16 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 31 32
5'8" 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 30 31
5'9" 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 30
5'10" 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 29
5'11" 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 29
6'0" 14 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28
6'1" 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27
6'2" 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 26
6'3" 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26
6'4" 12 12 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 23 24 24 25
In June 1998, the National Institutes of Health released the first Guidelines for identifying, evaluating, and
treating obesity based on BMI values. The new classifications (2000) based on BMI are as follows:
Classification BMI Score
Underweight <18.5
Normal 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25.0-29.9
Obesity Class I 30.0-34.9
Obesity Class II 35.0-39.9
Extreme Obesity >40
The above guidelines have fueled controversy because previous guidelines established overweight at a
BMI of 27 (not 25). The lowering of the demarcation value propels an additional 30 million Americans into the
overweight category. This now means that 555 of the U.S. population qualify as overweight.
The following table uses the BMI to predict disease risk. A high BMI links to increased risk of death from
all causes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and
female infertility.
Competitive athletes and body builders with a high BMI due to increased muscle mass, and pregnant or
lactating women, should not use BMI to infer overweightness or relative disease risk. Also, the BMI does not
apply to growing children or frail and sedentary elderly adults.
BMI and Health Risk
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 235
BMI Score Health Risk
>25 Minimal
25 - 27 Low
27 30 Moderate
30 <35 High
35 <40 Very High
>40 Extremely
High
Dual-Energy X-Ray
Absorptiometry
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a
Figure 6. Dualenergy Xray absorptiometry. Anorexic female
high-technology procedure routinely used to assess
(two left images) and a typical female (two right images)
bone mineral density permits quantification of fat whose body fat averages 25%. The anorexic weighed 44.4 kg
and muscle around bony areas of the body, (97.9 lb) with a percentage body fat of 7.5%.
including regions without bone present. DXA has
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 236
become an accepted clinical tool for assessing spinal osteoporosis and related bone disorders. DXA does not
require assumptions about the biological constancy of the fat and fat-free components inherent when using
hydrostatic weighing.
With DXA, two distinct x-ray energies (short exposure with low-radiation dosage) penetrate into bone and
soft tissue areas to a depth of about 30 cm. Specialized computer software reconstructs an image of the
underlying tissues. The computer-generated report quantifies bone mineral content, total fat mass, and fat-
free body mass. Selected body regions can also be pinpointed for more in-depth analysis (Figure 6.)
Table 1. Average percent body fat for younger and older women and men. Taken from the literature.
Younger Women
North Carolina, 1962 17-25 165.0 55.5 22.9 17.5-28.5
New York, 1962 16-30 167.5 59.0 28.7 24.6-32.9
California, 1968 19-23 165.9 58.4 21.9 17.0-26.9
California, 1970 17-29 164.9 58.6 25.5 21.0-30.1
Air Force, 1972 17-22 164.1 55.8 28.7 22.3-35.3
New York, 1973 17-26 160.4 59.0 26.2 23.4-33.3
North Carolina, 1975 17-25 166.1 57.5 24.6 22.2-31.1
Army recruits, 1986 17-25 162.0 58.6 28.4 23.9-32.9
Massachusetts, 1994 17-30 165.3 57.7 21.8 16.7-27.8
Average 17.1-26.3 164.6 57.8 25.4
Older Women
Minnesota, 1953 31-45 163.3 60.7 28.9 25.1-32.8
43-68 160.0 60.9 34.2 28.0-40.5
New York, 1963 30-40 164.9 59.6 28.6 22.1-35.3
40-50 163.1 56.4 34.4 29.5-39.5
North Carolina, 1975 33-50 162.9 58.0 29.7 23.1-36.5
Massachusetts, 1993 31-50 165.2 58.9 25.2 19.2-31.2
Average 34.7-50.5 163.3 63.9 30.2
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 237
Younger Men
Minnesota, 1951 17-26 177.8 68.1 11.8 5.9-11.8
Colorado, 1956 17-25 172.4 68.3 13.5 8.3-18.8
Indiana, 1966 18-23 180.1 75.5 12.6 8.7-16.5
California, 1968 16-31 175.7 74.1 15.2 6.3-24.2
New York, 1973 17-26 176.4 71.4 15.0 8.9-21.1
Texas, 1977 18-24 179.9 74.6 13.4 7.4-19.4
Army recruits, 1986 17-25 174.7 70.5 15.6 10.0-21.2
Massachusetts, 1994 17-30 178.2 76.3 12.9 7.8-18.9
Average 17.1-26.3 176.9 72.5 13.8
Older Men
Indiana, 1996 24-38 179.0 76.6 17.8 11.3-24.3
40-48 177.0 80.5 22.3 16.3-28.3
North Carolina, 1976 27-50 23.7 17.9-30.1
Texas, 1977 27-59 180.0 85.3 27.1 23.7-30.5
Massachusetts, 1993 31-50 177.1 77.5 19.9 13.2-26.5
Average 29.8-49 178.3 80.0 22.2
Goal body mass = Fat-free body mass, kg / 1.00 – decimal %body fat
Goal body mass = 91.2 kg / (1.00 – 0.15)
Goal body mass = 91.2 kg / 0.85
Goal body mass = 107.3 kg (236.6 lb.)
Desirable fat loss = Present body mass, kg – Goal body mass, kg
Desirable fat loss = 120 kg –107.3 kg
Desirable fat loss = 12.7 kg (28.0 lb.)
If this athlete lost 12.7 kg of body fat, his new body mass of 91.2 kg would have a fat content equal to 15%
of body mass. These calculations assume no change in fat-free body mass during weight loss. Moderate
caloric restriction plus increased daily energy expenditure induces loss of body fat (and conservation of lean
tissue.)
Obesity
Obesity: A Long-Term Process
Obesity frequently begins in childhood. For these children, the chances of becoming obese adults increase
three-fold compared with children of normal body mass. Simply stated, a child generally does not “grow out
of” obesity. “Tracking” body weight through generations indicates that obese parents likely give birth to
overweight children, who grows into an obese adults whose offspring’s often become obese.
Excessive fatness also develops slowly through adulthood, with ages 25 to 44 the years of greatest fat
accretion. In one longitudinal study, fat content of 27 adult men increased an average of 6.5 kg over a 12-year
period from age 32 to 44 years. Women gain the most weight; about 14% gained 13.6 kg (30 lb) between ages
25 and 34. The typical American man (beginning at age 30) and woman (beginning at age 27) gains between 0.2 to 0.8
kg (0.5 - 1.75 lb) of body weight each year until age 60, despite a progressive decrease in food intake! Whether
“creeping obesity” during adulthood reflects a normal biologic pattern remains unknown.
Figure 7. Total transmissible variance for body fat.
A Mutant Gene?
Research with a strain of mice that enlarge
to five times normal size provides evidence to
support the important genetic contribution to
body weight and body fat deposition. The
mutation of a gene, called obese or simply ob,
probably disrupts hormonal signals that
regulate the animal’s appetite, metabolism,
and fat storage, causing energy balance to tip
towards fat accumulation.
Figure 8. Genetic model for obesity. A malfunction of the satiety
gene affects production of the satiety hormone leptin.
Underproduction of leptin disrupts proper function of the
hypothalamus (step#3), the center responsible for regulating the
body’s fat level.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 240
Figure 8 proposes that the ob gene, normally activated in adipose tissue, produces leptin, a body fat-
signaling satiety hormone that influences the appetite control center in the hypothalamus. Normally, leptin’s
action blunts the urge to eat when caloric intake provides sufficient energy to maintain ideal fat stores. In this
way, body fat level and the brain become intimately “connected” through a physiological pathway that
regulates caloric intake. A defective gene causes inadequate leptin production. As a result, the brain receives
an improper assessment of the body’s adipose status, and the urge to eat outstrips the energy need to
maintain a desirable body fat level. This biological control mechanism fits nicely with the setpoint theory to
explain excessive body fat accumulation. This also clarifies why obese individuals find it extremely difficult to
sustain significant losses in body fat.
2. Fat patterning
3. Fat cell size and number
Percent Body
The demarcation between normal body fat levels and obesity often becomes arbitrary. The “normal range”
of body fat in adult men and women has been identified as at least plus or minus one unit of variation
(standard deviation) from the average population value. That variation unit equals –5% body fat for men and
women between the ages 17 and 50 years. Within this statistical boundary, overfatness corresponds to any
percent body fat value above the average value for age and sex, plus 5 percentage points. For young men,
whose fat mass averages 15% of total body mass, the borderline for obesity equals 20% body fat. For older
men, average percent fat equals about 25%. Consequently, a body fat content in excess of 30% represents
overfatness for this group. For young women, obesity corresponds to a body fat content above 30%, while for
older women borderline obesity begins at 37% body fat.
A problem with these age-specific demarcations for obesity lies in the assumption that men and women
“normally” become fatter with aging. However, this does not necessarily occur for physically active older
men and women. If lifestyle actually accounts for the greatest portion of body fat increase during adulthood,
then the criterion for overfatness could justifiably
represent the standard for younger men and
Fat Patterning
Fat cells (adipocytes) display remarkable
diversity depending on their anatomic location.
Some cells efficiently “capture” excess nutrient
calories from the bloodstream and synthesize them
into triglycerides for storage, while other adipocytes
not only accumulate triglycerides but readily release
Figure 9. Male and female fat patterning including the waist
tohip girth ratio threshold for significant health risk.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 242
this form of stored energy for use by other tissues. This explains why certain fat deposits exhibit resistance to
reduction and others expand and contract readily in response to the body’s energy balance. Research now
indicates that the patterning of adipose tissue distribution, independent of total body fat and body weight,
alters the health risk from obesity.
Studies using MRI and CT-scanning to precisely discriminate subcutaneous from visceral (intra-
abdominal) adipose tissue (V-AT) show that V-AT accumulation in excess of 130 cm2 relates to an altered
metabolic profile that includes:
Hyperinsulinemia
Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance
Hypertriglyceridemia
Reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations
Increased apolipoprotein B, the regulatory protein constituent of the harmful LDL cholesterol
Excessive insulin production and depressed insulin sensitivity that characterizes V-AT obesity not only
increases risk for noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus, but also risk for ischemic heart disease. Thus,
visceral obesity represents an additional component of the insulin-resistant, dyslipidemic syndrome, which
represents the most prevalent cause of coronary artery disease in industrialized countries.
The notion that body fat distribution represents an important component in the clinical assessment of
obese patients first emerged in 1947, and has been confirmed in subsequent epidemiological studies. A
preferential abdominal fat accumulation, first described as android obesity (male-pattern or central obesity),
exists largely among overweight patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. This
contrasts to the lower health risks of gynoid obesity (female-pattern or peripheral obesity), where the
majority of excess fat deposits in the body’s gluteal and femoral regions. Figure 9 shows examples of the
apple (android) and pear (gynoid) body shape types.
The waist-to-hip girth ratio (WHR) (Figure 9) often represents the initial clinical assessment of V-AT.
Ratios exceeding 0.80 for women and 0.95 for men indicate excessive visceral fat accumulation, which
predicts increased risk of death from coronary artery disease and other illnesses. An elevated waist-to-hip
girth ratio predicts health risk with greater accuracy than the popular measurement of body mass index
(BMI).
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 243
1. Archimedes’ principle
3. Body volume
4. Density
6. Essential fat
7. Fat mass
8. Skinfold
13. Overweight
19. Underweight
22. Obesity
STUDY QUESTIONS
List three major structural components of the human body and their percentage as represented by
the reference man and woman. (Hint: Refer to Figure 18.1 in your textbook.)
Structural Component Reference Man Reference Woman
1.
2.
3.
Stature, cm
Body mass, kg
Total fat, kg
Total fat, %
Storage fat, kg
Storage fat, %
Essential fat, kg
Essential fat, %
Essential fat
Sex-specific fat
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 246
Storage Fat
Give the function and location of storage fat in humans.
Function
Location
Thin
3. 4.
1.
2.
Direct Assessment
Describe a major limitation of the direct method of body composition assessment in humans.
Indirect Assessment
List three indirect procedures commonly used to assess body composition.
1. 3.
2.
Calculate the approximate body volume of a person weighing 50 kg and 2 kg when submerged
underwater.
Computing Percent Body Fat and Mass of Fat and Fat-Free Tissue
Compute the percent body fat of a person whose body density equals 1.0742 g/cc.
Give the equation and compute the fat mass for a person weighing 63.4 kg with body fat of 10.8%.
Equation
Fat mass
Skinfold Measurements
The close relationship between these three variables provides the rationale for using skinfold
measurements to predict body composition.
1. 3.
2.
Girth Measurements
List two advantages of girth measurements over skinfolds to assess body fat.
1.
2.
Importance to athletes
A 20-year old man weighs 89 kg with 22% body fat. If this man reduces body fat to a desired 12%
level, determine (a) his new body mass, and (b) total fat mass lost? Assume all weight loss
represents fat.
New body mass
Obesity
Obesity: A Long-Term Process
Discuss the trend for weight gain in adult men and women as they age.
2.
A Mutant Gene?
Describe the role of the mutant “obese” gene in the obesity development.
2.
Percent Body
What percent body fat level indicates borderline obesity in adult men and women?
Men
Women
Fat Patterning
List the 2 types of fat patterning
1.
2.
MVS 110 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY PAGE 251
PRACTICE QUIZ