Chapter 14 Exercise Physiology Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Reprinted by permission. Chapter 14 Exercise Physiology

Introduction Physical Education focused on development of fitness through vigorous activities Exercise Physiology is now the forefront of research on fitness and performance Results from this field have drastically altered how athletes and exercisers perform Exercise Physiology is now the largest and most popular subdivision of Physical Education

Definition of Exercise Physiology Physiology is the study of the internal functioning of plants and animals and how this relates in a daily environment or occurrence Exercise Physiology is the “study of acute physiological responses to activity and the changes in physiological responses to chronic physical activity” (Haymes, 2000)

Definition of Exercise Physiology, cont’d Two goals for Exercise Physiology: Use exercise to further our understanding of human physiology (basic science) Use physiology to understand human exercise (applied science), i.e., cardiac rehabilitation

Development of Exercise Physiology Late 1800’s, George Fitz was considered the Father of Exercise Physiology (Gerber, 1971) 1920-30’s, muscle and exercise physiology were synonymous with physiology and biochemistry Late 1930-40’s, Harvard Fatigue Laboratory had become the world major site for exercise physiology research American College of Sports Medicine was formed in 1954

Current Status of Exercise Physiology Popular status and well-known sub-discipline of Physical Education Regardless of increased public knowledge on exercise, misinformation is still rampant Information has not shown to benefit children or youths at this stage Exercise epidemiology is the latest specialized field of study for Physical Education More clinical based research is beginning to change how people are exercising

Functions of an Exercise Physiologist Research Teaching Clinical service Three major approaches of exercise physiology concentration: Cardiovascular and metabolic Exercise biochemistry Applied exercise physiology

How Does One Prepare to Become an Exercise Specialist? Graduate level programs require coursework in chemistry and biochemistry Doctoral candidates are pursuing possible teaching careers in colleges and universities Applied work in laboratories as well as substantial coursework in statistics and research methods is a must Possible certification processes through the ACSM or other organizations could be a requirement

Current Issues and Problems in Exercise Physiology Basic vs. applied focus Interdisciplinary approaches needed Lack of attention with social and political problems in the field Emphasis of problem solving with children inactivity conerns Licensure of exercise specialists