1. Introduction to Exercise Science
Chapter 1
Dr. Andrea Fradkin

2. What is Exercise Science?
Many definitions of Exercise Science
“The study of numerous aspects of physical activity, exercise, sport, and athletic performance that have the common characteristic of movement and the adaptations that occur as a result of physical activity and regular exercise”
Exercise Science broadly includes:
Nutritional, Physiological, Psychological, and Functional adaptations to movement and sport
The term “Kinesiology” is often used instead of “Exercise Science”

3. Important definitions
Physical activity:
Activities of daily living that include all movement that humans perform
Exercise:
Structured movement process for the purpose of improving fitness and performance
Sport and athletic competition:
Movement in structured and organized activities that involves a competitive aspect

4. Definitions of Physical Activity
Definition that is too inclusive:
Bodily movement that is produced by skeletal muscles and substantially increases energy expenditure
Human movements that are
Involuntary
Performed aimlessly and without a specific purpose
All human movement
NOT all movement is physical activity
All physical activity is movement

5. Disciplines, Sub-Disciplines, and Specialty Areas
Exercise Science:
Study of how and why the body responds to physical activity 5

6. What Do Exercise Scientists Study?
Two primary areas of inquiry:
Health-related aspects of physical activity
Sports performance
Total picture regarding health benefits of physical activity is far from complete
Greatest impact has been how low - moderate exercise improves health and well-being

7. Introduction to Exercise Science
Throughout history repeated references to physical activity and exercise
Important for promoting good health
Research shows physical inactivity results in:
Early morbidity
Premature mortality
Morbidity and mortality rates from lifestyle related diseases are at an all time high in US

8. Causes of Mortality in US in 20058

9. Why Don’t People Exercise?
Changing work and living environments have resulted in decreased physical labor
At the same time, they have increased opportunities for leisure time activities
Many individuals do not exercise enough to promote good health and reduce disease risk

10. Physical Inactivity Levels 2002 - 04

11. Overweight or Obesity in US Adults

12. Sport in History
Physical prowess and ability to succeed in sport are highly valued by people and society
Importance of athletic competition so high that Olympic Games were born
Currently have Summer and Winter Olympic Games alternating on a 2 year cycle

13. Sport Nowadays
Professional, college, and high-school sporting events are integral part of society
More opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate than ever before
Many other people participate in professional, amateur, and recreational competitions yearly

14. Not All Good News
Athletes continuously looking for exercise science professionals to assist them in:
Developing an effective training program
The safest equipment
A sound nutritional program
The best treatment for acute and chronic injuries
Unfortunately, desire and pressure to succeed creates a “win at all costs” mentality for some

15. Benefits Outweigh Negatives
Benefits derived from physical activity are important personally and as a society
Individuals gain improvements in physical and mental health
Society gains from reduced levels of lifestyle diseases and illness
Exercise Science professionals play a role in:
Promoting individual and population health
Physical activity and exercise
Contributing to successful performance

16. Academic Preparation in Exercise Science
Exercise Science professionals come from a variety of educational backgrounds
Broad-based coursework
Anatomy and physiology
Biological sciences
Chemistry and biochemistry
Human development and psychology
Mathematics and statistics
Physics
These fields provide a solid foundation for understanding how and why humans move

17. Professional Standards for Programs
A number of organizations cooperated to establish academic standards and guidelines
Content areas for undergraduate level include:
Anatomy and physiology
Biomechanics
Kinesiology
Physiology of exercise
Nutrition / weight control
Exercise testing for normal and special populations
First aid
Exercise leadership
Practicum (applied) experience
Computer proficiency

18. NASPE Basic Standards for Exercise Science
Foundational core
Exercise prescription for normal and special populations
Health promotions
Human relations
Administrative tasks
Professional development
Practical experience

19. Preparations for Careers in Health Care
Common for Exercise Science students to complete graduate work in a healthcare field
An Exercise Science degree helps meet requirements for:
Medical school
Dental school
Chiropractic school
Physician assistant programs
Physical and occupational therapy 19

20. TO READ
Chapter 1 Pg