Unit Objectives

Physiology of Exercise is a challenging course. However, you determine your own success, which requires a continued and sustained effort through the semester.  I am here to help you learn and understand the material. However, this is a two-way process and requires you to take an active part. This includes asking questions during class and visiting me outside of class to clarify material. Do not expect to learn exercise physiology during class time; class discussions are for only clarifying the material. The majority of your learning should take place during out-of-class studying. While there will be considerable memorization throughout the semester, you should attempt to understand course material. Exam questions emphasize testing your understanding rather than how well you have memorized facts. Study on a regular basis; don't wait until just before an exam or quiz to study. There are no specific reading assignments, you can find these yourself. I am in my office most afternoons, so please stop by. There are more distractions when sitting in the back of the room; sit toward the front and don't miss class (or labs)!

Exam 1 – Skeletal muscle structure and function

1. Be able to interpret information from a graph.

2. Discuss differences between an absolute and relative expression. Suggest situations in which each of the expressions would be preferable; provide several examples of each.

3. Discuss how muscle architecture affects muscle force output, shortening velocity, and distance. Provide a general explanation as to why some muscles are designed more for rapid shortening velocity (e.g. hamstrings) or higher force output (e.g. thigh muscles).

4. Define a motor unit.

5. Define each of the following: sarcomere, myofibril, and muscle fiber.

6. Describe in detail the structure of a sarcomere including its physical arrangement and the function of each component.

7. Discuss in detail the steps of excitation-contraction. Include discussion of E-C regulation.

8. Contrast the structural, metabolic, and performance characteristics of the three primary fiber types. Provide physiological explanations for the differences in performance characteristics of fiber types.

9. Discuss the size principle for muscle fiber recruitment. Describe the pattern of motor unit recruitment for several types of common exercise and activities (e.g. walking, jogging, sprinting, lifting a light or a heavy weight).

10. Explain the interpretation of an EMG tracing.

11. Discuss the regulation of muscle force output.

12. Explain the length-tension relationship and discuss its impact on force output.

13. Explain the force-velocity relationship and discuss its impact on force output. Contrast the force-velocity relationship between concentric and eccentric muscle actions.

14. Discuss the primary mechanisms for strength improvements after 2 weeks of resistance training by an untrained and a trained individual. Suggest laboratory tests to support your claims.

15. Identify the type of muscle action primarily responsible for exercise-induced muscle damage and DOMS. Provide a physiological reason to support your answer.

16. Identify the two mechanisms (i.e. during and after exercise) that cause exercise-induced muscle damage.

17. Identify the times after unaccustomed exercise when exercise-induced muscle damage and DOMS are greatest.

18. Describe the purpose and function of the two muscle receptors, muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

Exam 2 – ATP production and metabolic responses to exercise and training

17. Contrast the rate and capacity of the three energy systems to provide ATP. Discuss the significance of these comparisons in regards to ATP synthesis during different periods of exercise as well as different exercise intensities.

18. Identify the fuels and its sources that are used for anaerobic ATP production.

19. Explain the process of ATP synthesis from PCr. Discuss the significance of this system for providing ATP during exercise. Describe the limitations of this system.

20. Provide a general overview of glycolysis. Describe the fuels used in this system.

21. Explain the conditions that influence the metabolic fate of lactate.

22. Discuss the regulation of glycolysis during exercise.

23. Provide an overview of aerobic ATP production.

24. Explain the functions of glycolysis and beta oxidation with regards to the Kreb's cycle.

25. Explain the function or purpose of the Kreb's cycle.

26. Explain the function or purpose of the electron transport chain.

27. Define lipolysis.

28. Discuss the regulation of the aerobic energy system.

29. Discuss the contribution of fats and carbohydrates during exercise of different intensities and duration.

30. Discuss how energy expenditure is commonly measured.

31. Describe the relationship of energy expenditure and exercise intensity.

32. Discuss oxygen deficit. Explain the reasoning for the changing contribution of the energy systems with the onset of exercise.

33. Identify a common laboratory measurement to identify the relative contributions of energy substrates. Be familiar with interpretation of this measurement.

34. Provide a rationale for why higher rates of fats oxidation are desirable during prolonged exercise.

35. Discuss the reasoning for the different contributions of energy substrates with exercise of varying intensities and duration.

36. Discuss the effect of exercise intensity on catecholamine release as well as its effects on metabolism.

37. Describe the concept of the lactate threshold. Suggest a laboratory protocol to identify the lactate threshold. Be familiar with typical values of blood lactate values during low and high exercise intensities.

38. Explain how an individual with a lower VO_2max can beat someone who has a higher VO_2max in an endurance race.

39. Discuss causes of fatigue for the three energy systems. Describe likely causes of fatigue from a variety of common exercises and activities.

40. Discuss metabolic adaptations to sprint and endurance training.

Exam 3 – Cardiorespiratory responses to exercise; Thermoregulation; Health benefits from regular exercise

41. Describe the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output.

42. Contrast the structure and function of the arterial, capillary, and venous circulatory systems.

43. Explain the physiological reasoning for the constant changing of arterial blood pressure.

44. Discuss factors that regulate cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. Explain the effect of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance on arterial blood pressure.

45. Discuss the local control of blood flow. Explain the circumstances for why changes in local factors occur.

46. Describe the redistribution of blood with the onset of exercise. Provide a rationale for this response.

47. Describe the cardiovascular responses to exercise.

48. Describe the circulatory transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

49. Discuss the influences of gas exchange at the tissue level.

50. Describe the effects of blood pH on ventilation. Explain the ventilatory threshold.

51. Explain the circumstances for why RER would exceed 1.0.

52. Discuss the general factors of ventilatory regulation during exercise.

53. Explain the concept of VO_2max. Suggest a reason why VO₂ fails to increase in spite of further increases in power output. Be familiar with typical poor, average, and high VO_2max values for young adult females and males.

54. Describe cardiovascular adaptations to endurance training.

55. Contract the primary mechanism for thermoregulation during rest and exercise.

56. Discuss the cardiovascular effects of dehydration and overheating during prolonged exercise.

57. Discuss the acclimatization of training in the heat.

58. Discuss the benefits of maintaining hydration during prolonged exercise as well as suggested strategies for maintaining fluid balance.

59. Describe the relationship between amount of activity and risk of early deaths.

60. Discuss the benefits of regular aerobic exercise on the cardiovascular system.

61. Discuss the benefit of exercise in controlling blood glucose in a diabetic.

62. Discuss the role of weight-bearing exercise on osteoporosis.

63. Identify the CDC guidelines for maintaining minimal health levels.

64. Be able to identify normal and abnormal levels for LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and blood pressure.

65. Describe the metabolic syndrome and explain why it is such a risk for several chronic diseases.

66. Describe the primary risk factors for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, and the role that physical activity has on these factors.