Exercise Physiology Flashcards
(90 cards)
Recommended requirements of macronutrients
Carbs = 50 - 60%
Fats = 20 - 30%
Proteins = 10 - 20%
Average Kcal of men and women
Men = 2000 Kcal
Women = 1800 Kcal
Why could the amount of calories vary for an athlete
The intensity and duration of exercise and it could change dependent on the athletes requirements for competitions e.g. boxers need to gain/lose weight for fight.
What is the main source of Carbs, fats and proteins
Carbs = primary energy source used by the body
Fats = provide energy for long duration, low intensity, aerobic exercise
Proteins = required for muscle growth and repair, as well as enzyme, hormone and haemoglobin production.
Difference between simple and complex carbohydrates
Simple = quickly digest providing a fast release of energy
Complex = take longer to digest providing a slower release of energy.
Process of Carbohydrates and where are they stored?
Cabs are initially converted to glucose which enters the blood stream and it can be used immediately.
Carbs are stored as glycogen in the muscles and in the liver - when this store runs out its known as hitting the wall.
Where are fats stored, what do they do, and what do they provide?
Fats are stored beneath the skin as adipose tissue, helping to insulate us against the cold
Fats are very energy rich and when consumed in high amounts it will lead to a positive energy balance
They provide us with essential fatty acids that have a positive affect on the heart health and the immune system.
What are HDL and LDL fats?
HDL = fats that remove LDL fat deposits (+ known as good fats)
LDL = (bad fats) - they can block arteries and limit blood flow forming atheroma’s
What are proteins and what do they provide?
Proteins are a minor energy source used when glycogen and fats have been depleted.
They are formed from amino acids
What athletes rely on proteins?
Power athletes rely on proteins to aid muscle recovery and muscle tissue development
What is the glycaemic index
is the rate at which glucose is released into the blood stream, with a ranking from 1 to 1000 e.g. glucose is ranked 100
High GI foods Vs Low GI foods
High GI foods = provide a rapid surge in bloods glucose levels, releasing energy quickly e.g. Lucozade
Low GI foods = are absorbed at a much slower rate so blood glucose levels are maintained, providing athletes with more sustained energy.
GI foods in relation to health
The consumption of too many high GI foods should be avoided as they release glucose into the blood rapidly.
If this is used immediately it gets stored as fat in the adipose tissue.
When high GI foods are consumed it causes the pancreas to secrete insulin to help control blood sugar levels.
Over a long time high levels of insulin will can lead to the body becoming tolerant to it and no longer has an effect => can result in diabetes
GI and performance
High GI foods beneficial before and after competition as they provide a rapid surge of energy.
Low GI foods release energy slowly so is beneficial 3 hours before the competition and within 30 mins of intense exercise
A mix of low, medium GI foods are best consumed after intense exercise to refuel the body depleted glycogen stores
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins = water soluble and fat soluble vitamins are vital for many chemical processes in the body
Minerals = Inorganic elements critical to normal physiological functioning.
Fuel usage at different intensities and durations
Carbs are the main fuel source for moderate to high intensity exercise
Takes up to 20 mins of low intensity exercise for energy to be released from fats due to their long chained structure + an extra oxygen
During rest and low intensity exercise fats are the main source of energy
High intensity anaerobic exercise e.g. long jump phosphocreatine is the main fuel source
Pre competition nutrition: glycogen loading
- glycogen loading is the manipulation of an athletes diet allowing them to delay fatigue and avoid hitting the wall
1) depletion stage = reducing muscle glycogen stores (6 days prior)
2) Tapering stage = reducing the intensity and volume of training (4 days)
3) Loading stage = increase consumption of carbohydrates (3 days before)
Carbo loading boosts glycogen stores in the muscles and liver thus enhancing performance for endurance as:
- delays fatigue
- enable the athlete to work at higher intensities for longer.
Post exercise nutrition: refuelling
Elite athletes need to re fuel the body as soon as possible in order to synthesise muscle and liver glycogen stores and aid growth and repair of muscles
A meal or shake containing a mixture of high GI foods should be eaten within 30 mins of finishing competition
The body is most receptive to refilling glycogen stores when they are fully depleted immediately after competition.
Effects of training on fuel usage
Higher the individuals level of aerobic fitness the longer fats will be metabolised - leaving important carbohydrate stores for high intensity bursts of exercise
Higher the individuals anaerobic fitness the greater the phosphocreatine and glycogen stores allowing an individual to exercise at a higher intensity for longer.
What is hydration?
The process of maintaining the balance between water intake and water output allowing normal bodily functioning.
Physiological effects of dehydration
1) Increase in sweating
2) Decrease in blood plasma
3) Increase in blood viscosity
4) Increase Heart rate
5) Increased breathing rate
Hydration prior to exercise
Between 4 - 7 litres of water should be consumed over a 24hr period
Depending on weather conditions an individual should consume up to 2 litres of water prior to competition
This amount of water should be consumed over 2 to 3 hours to prevent bloating and possible sickness
Hydration during to exercise
Fluid intake during exercise is weather dependent and the size of the individual
Intake should be in small amounts at regular intervals
A useful guide is to consume 150-250 ml every 10-15 mins
If exercising for longer then 90 minutes energy drinks can also be beneficial to replace depleted glycogen stores and electrolytes
Hydration after to exercise
Rehydration post exercise is essential for recovery
For every 1kg of bodyweight lost approx. 1 litre of water should be consumed steadily over a few hours after exercise