The Blood Lactate Response to Exercise


Book Description

Offers a review on blood lactate threshold and exercise. This book examines how to accurately measure the blood lactate response to exercise and provides information on how to use this technique to create effective sport-specific training programmes.




Training for the Uphill Athlete


Book Description

Presents training principles for the multisport mountain athlete who regularly participates in a mix of distance running, ski mountaineering, and other endurance sports that require optimum fitness and customized strength




Principles of Exercise Biochemistry


Book Description

This unique volume provides a comprehensive review of the biochemistry of exercise. Written by internationally renowned experts, the publication has been completely revised and updated. The present edition follows the new concepts of applied biochemistry which have emerged recently in the scientific literature. Genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are nowadays common terms used to the elucidation of gene function, expression of proteins and comprehensive analysis of all the metabolites in a tissue. The major steps of biochemistry are considered in active survey in this new 3rd edition of an already acclaimed publication. The book is a valuable source for all exercise biochemists and physiologists, sports physicians, graduate students in physical education and physical therapy, and postgraduate research fellows.




Metabolic Adaptation to Prolonged Physical Exercise


Book Description

The Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Biochemistry of Exercise are centered on the effects of long lasting exercise and training. In the years following the first symposium which was held in Brussels in 1968, biochem istry of exercise has gained more importance in view of the increasing number of labora tories and scientific papers which are dealing with this field. From the topic of the first symposium - humoral modifications occurring during physical activity - our points of interest have been turned to a more limited area, namely long term exercise and training, It was important to investigate these subjects because everyone knows that in to-day's sport a good performance means hours of weekly or even daily training. Therefore, it was of considerable interest to stimulate discussions and to clarify ideas in this particular field of human activity. Our knowledge of biochemistry of exercise at the cellular level has highly progressed during the last five years. Researchers have focused their interests on the sequential uti lization of fuels, the adaptative responses of the enzyme machinery, the different types of muscle fibers. The topics of the Proceedings include: general subjects, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, hormonal regulations, electrolytes, ultrastructure and fiber types of muscle, cellular enzymes. In the symposium, the current knowledge was summarized as an introductory lecture to each of these topics by prominent authors, namely: J. KEuL (Freiburg i. Br. ), M. ScHERRER (Bern), B. SAL TIN (Copenhagen), P.




NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments


Book Description

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments offers strength and conditioning professionals a one-stop resource for the best research-supported fitness and performance measures available. Created by top experts in the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this comprehensive text offers extensive information on which factors matter and how to evaluate them as accurately and easily as possible. Editor Todd Miller and an authoritative team of contributors have compiled an exceptional reference and valuable tool for practicing professionals and an indispensable educational resource for students. NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments presents the latest research from respected scientists and practitioners in exercise testing and assessment. The text begins with an introduction to testing, data analysis, and formulating conclusions. It then features a by-chapter presentation of tests and assessments for body composition, heart rate and blood pressure, metabolic rate, aerobic power, lactate threshold, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed and agility, mobility, and balance and stability. Using descriptions of multiple test options for each key fitness component, readers will learn to choose from a range of alternatives to meet the needs of their athletes, reach training objectives, choose from available equipment, and work within budgets. Each chapter provides a summary detailing the key testing and assessment information for each fitness component, the equipment needed for performing the tests, step-by-step instructions, normative data for the tests, and multiple test options per conditioning component. Insights into the applications of testing for certain fitness components are also presented: • The value of body composition assessments in determining health and fitness levels for competitive athletes as well as individuals across the life span • How an understanding of 24-hour energy expenditure can be useful in structuring a complete diet and exercise plan for weight loss, gain, or maintenance • How to select a maximal or submaximal aerobic power test that is specific to the demands of a client’s or athlete’s sport • Discussion of the mechanical and physiological factors shown to influence the expression of muscular strength • An examination of the relevant factors influencing power production and explosive movement capacity • Differences between mobility and flexibility and a discussion of the acute versus chronic effects of static stretching • Theories and concepts of balance and stability, their effects on performance, and categories of testing for balance and stability NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments also includes NSCA-approved testing protocols, extensive references to current research, and applications for the testing of conditioning components. Information is presented in an accessible manner to help explain the findings of both researchers and practitioners so that readers can select the most effective and efficient approach for athlete and client assessments. Properly conducted tests and skillful assessment of data enable fitness professionals to develop individualized training programs based on their clients’ or athletes’ physiological and functional capacities. Credible, current, and complete, NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments provides a clear understanding of the test selection process, how to implement appropriate data collection, and how to analyze data to make appropriate training decisions that will help athletes and clients achieve their performance goals. NSCA’s Guide to Tests and Assessments is part of the Science of Strength and Conditioning series. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this series of texts provides the guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. The series covers topics such as tests and assessments, program design, and nutrition. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.




Regulation of Coronary Blood Flow


Book Description

Research centering on blood flow in the heart continues to hold an important position, especially since a better understanding of the subject may help reduce the incidence of coronary arterial disease and heart attacks. This book summarizes recent advances in the field; it is the product of fruitful cooperation among international scientists who met in Japan in May, 1990 to discuss the regulation of coronary blood flow.




Skeletal Muscle Circulation


Book Description

The aim of this treatise is to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms for blood flow control to skeletal muscle under resting conditions, how perfusion is elevated (exercise hyperemia) to meet the increased demand for oxygen and other substrates during exercise, mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health, the regulation of transcapillary fluid filtration and protein flux across the microvascular exchange vessels, and the role of changes in the skeletal muscle circulation in pathologic states. Skeletal muscle is unique among organs in that its blood flow can change over a remarkably large range. Compared to blood flow at rest, muscle blood flow can increase by more than 20-fold on average during intense exercise, while perfusion of certain individual white muscles or portions of those muscles can increase by as much as 80-fold. This is compared to maximal increases of 4- to 6-fold in the coronary circulation during exercise. These increases in muscle perfusion are required to meet the enormous demands for oxygen and nutrients by the active muscles. Because of its large mass and the fact that skeletal muscles receive 25% of the cardiac output at rest, sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction in vessels supplying this tissue allows central hemodynamic variables (e.g., blood pressure) to be spared during stresses such as hypovolemic shock. Sympathetic vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle in such pathologic conditions also effectively shunts blood flow away from muscles to tissues that are more sensitive to reductions in their blood supply that might otherwise occur. Again, because of its large mass and percentage of cardiac output directed to skeletal muscle, alterations in blood vessel structure and function with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension) contribute significantly to the pathology of such disorders. Alterations in skeletal muscle vascular resistance and/or in the exchange properties of this vascular bed also modify transcapillary fluid filtration and solute movement across the microvascular barrier to influence muscle function and contribute to disease pathology. Finally, it is clear that exercise training induces an adaptive transformation to a protected phenotype in the vasculature supplying skeletal muscle and other tissues to promote overall cardiovascular health. Table of Contents: Introduction / Anatomy of Skeletal Muscle and Its Vascular Supply / Regulation of Vascular Tone in Skeletal Muscle / Exercise Hyperemia and Regulation of Tissue Oxygenation During Muscular Activity / Microvascular Fluid and Solute Exchange in Skeletal Muscle / Skeletal Muscle Circulation in Aging and Disease States: Protective Effects of Exercise / References




High Altitude Physiology and Medicine


Book Description

High altitude physiology and medicine has again become important. The excep tional achievements of mountaineers who have climbed nearly all peaks over 8,000 m without breathing equipment raise the question of maximal adaptation ca pacity of man to low oxygen pressures. More importantly, the increase in tourism in the Andes and the Himalayas brings over 10,000 people to sites at altitudes above 4,000 and 5,000 m each year. At such heights several kinds of high alti tude diseases are likely to occur, and these complications require detailed medical investigations. Medical authorities need to inform both mountaineers and tourists as to how great a physical burden can be taken in the mountain environment without risk to health. Physicians need to know what kind of prophylaxis is to be employed at high altitudes to prevent the development of diseases and what therapeutic measures should be used once high altitude diseases have occurred. Moreover, the physical condition of the indigenous population living at higher altitudes such as the Andes and the Himalayas, who are exposed continuously to the stress of high altitude, requires our attention. We have become familiar with symptoms characteristic of chronic high-altitude disease: under special conditions this popu lation has a tendency to develop pulmonary hypertension, which is associated with pulmonary edema, pulmonary congestion, and right heart failure.




Resistance Training Methods


Book Description

This book reviews the main principles of resistance training, from basics to modern insights. It includes practical ways to develop most of the strength training methods, including monitoring and testing procedures. It merges practical tips with knowledge about the scientific background concerning program and periodization. It describes procedures for special populations, such as elderly or women. Gathering contributions by authoritative researchers and professors in the fields of sport science and biomechanics, this book provides an integrated view of strength training programming, and describes the most important biological factors associated with this type of training. The evidence-based and detailed description of each single mechanism to be trained to enhance performance is covered in depth. Thanks to its strong academic background, an being self-contained, this book offers a valuable reference guide for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in sports science, as well as an inspiring guide for sport and health researchers and professional trainers alike.




Regulation of Tissue Oxygenation, Second Edition


Book Description

This presentation describes various aspects of the regulation of tissue oxygenation, including the roles of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and blood, the carrier of oxygen within these components of the cardiorespiratory system. The respiratory system takes oxygen from the atmosphere and transports it by diffusion from the air in the alveoli to the blood flowing through the pulmonary capillaries. The cardiovascular system then moves the oxygenated blood from the heart to the microcirculation of the various organs by convection, where oxygen is released from hemoglobin in the red blood cells and moves to the parenchymal cells of each tissue by diffusion. Oxygen that has diffused into cells is then utilized in the mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of all cells. The mitochondria are able to produce ATP until the oxygen tension or PO2 on the cell surface falls to a critical level of about 4–5 mm Hg. Thus, in order to meet the energetic needs of cells, it is important to maintain a continuous supply of oxygen to the mitochondria at or above the critical PO2 . In order to accomplish this desired outcome, the cardiorespiratory system, including the blood, must be capable of regulation to ensure survival of all tissues under a wide range of circumstances. The purpose of this presentation is to provide basic information about the operation and regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the properties of the blood and parenchymal cells, so that a fundamental understanding of the regulation of tissue oxygenation is achieved.