Week 1 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Types of research and their definitions?
Basic Research - systematic study of fundamental topics in biology
Translational Research - ‘bench-to-bedside’ application of research findings
Applied Research - Studies designed to solve practical problems (evidence- based practice)
What is homeostasis and why is it important in physiology?
A core concept in physiology and a fundamental principle of body function.
Refers to the maintenance of a constant internal environment.
Physiological variables must stay within a narrow range of values.
Balance between variables is essential—homeostasis of one variable depends on others.
What is Steady State? Examples?
Where a physiological variable remains constant and stable but not necessarily at a “normal” level, as may differ from resting/ideal values
Reflects a balance/equilibrium between the demands placed on the body and the body’s response to those demands.
Examples: Heart rate, body temperature, arterial blood pressure.
Physiological Feedback Systems?
Negative Feedback
Reverses a change to restore homeostasis
Example: Regulation of CO₂ levels in blood
- Positive Feedback
Enhances or amplifies the original stimulus
Example: Childbirth (oxytocin release intensifies contractions)
- Gain
Describes the sensitivity or strength of the control system
Higher gain = more effective at maintaining homeostasis
What is fitness testing used for? affected by?
Fitness testing in sport forms a vital piece of analysis that is key for success, allowing analysis of progress, information extraction (eg for rehab) and development of tech
- Genetics
- Training history
- Motvation
- Lifestyle
Categories of physical fitness?
Cardiorespiratory Capacity: Aerobic capacity (VO2max).
Body Composition
Musculoskeletal Fitness: Flexibility, strength, endurance.
Skill-Related Fitness: Agility, balance, coordination, speed, power, reaction time.
Testing Loop?
- Benchmark fitness characteristics.
- Testing.
- Analysis.
- Feedback.
- Inform training practices.
What is VO2max (Testing) and types of tests?
Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Measures the efficiency of the heart and lungs.
- Types of Tests:
- Population norm-based tests.
- Submaximal prediction tests.
- Direct VO2max measurement.
Laboratory vs. Field-Based Testing?
Trade-offs in accuracy, equipment needs, and practicality.
Verification of VO2max?
Key verification methods include:
A plateau in O2 consumption
Heart rate
Blood lactate concentration
Respiratory exchange ratio (RER).
VO2max in Athletes?
- Elite endurance athletes have high VO2max.
- Performance improvements may occur independently of VO2max through factors like running economy and lactate threshold.
Definition of Basic Research?
Systematic study of fundamental topics in biology
Definition of Translational Research?
‘Bench-to-bedside’ application of research findings
Definition of Applied Research?
Studies designed to solve practical problems (evidence- based practice)
Homeostasis?
- One of the core concepts critical to understanding physiology and fundamental principle of body function. In short it is the Maintenance of a constant internal environment.
- All variables of physiological mechanisms must operate within a narrow range of values.
- Furthermore, there needs to be a balance between different variables. This means that homeostasis of one variable is not independent of other variables
Steady State? Examples?
- Balance between body demands and responses, though not necessarily “normal.”
- Physiological variable is unchanging, but not necessarily “normal”
- Balance between demands placed on body and the body’s response to those demands
Examples: Heart rate, body temperature, Arterial blood pressure
Physiological Feedback Systems?
Negative Feedback: Reverses changes to maintain homeostasis (e.g., CO2 regulation).
Positive Feedback: Enhances the original stimulus (e.g., childbirth).
Gain: Sensitivity of the response system.
Biological Control Systems
Components: Sensors, control center, effectors.
Example systems: Pulmonary and circulatory.
Adaptation and Acclimation?
Adaptation: Long-term structural/functional changes to maintain homeostasis.
Acclimation: Short-term, reversible changes to environmental stress
Exercise-Induced Hormesis?
Low-to-moderate stress from exercise leads to beneficial adaptations.
Cell signaling pathways (e.g., intracrine, paracrine) facilitate cellular adaptation and homeostasis.
