Course overview
This course will introduce students to the theory underlying, and test procedures for evaluating, the physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise and how these impact on health, fitness and physical performance. Muscle structure and function; energy metabolism; neuromuscular control of movement; principles of exercise testing; principles of fatigue; regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems at rest and during exercise; principles of exercise training; adaptations of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems to exercise training; the effect of detraining; effects of common medications and other factors on exercise and training responses; health effects of physical activity; special considerations for exercise in children and older adults; gender differences in sport and exercise; special considerations for exercise in patients with chronic disease (cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, disorders of bones and joints).
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise
- Apply knowledge of the physiological responses to acute exercise and the adaptations to chronic exercise to provide a rationale for the provision of exercise programs to improve and maintain specific aspects of health, fitness and performance
- Identify and conduct tests of health, fitness and performance and be able to analyse and compare between time-points, individuals and populations, and make appropriate adjustments for relevant populations
- Identify evidence for the recognition of physical inactivity as a risk factor for chronic diseases
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