In this unit students gain an in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved during the acute responses to exercise and chronic adaptations to training. The unit focuses on the mechanisms responsible for the adaptations of the various systems (i.e. cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, endocrine, and neuromuscular) of the human body as a result of exercise and training interventions undertaken in both normal and extreme environmental conditions. The unit also examines the impact of the physiological adaptations induced by exercise and training interventions on human health and human performances. Students are introduced to advances in the different sub-disciplines of exercise physiology, including molecular physiology, metabolism, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, and neuromuscular physiology. Students are familiarised with the techniques used to measure acute responses to exercise and chronic adaptations of the various systems and training interventions in both normal and adverse conditions.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Differentiate between the individual and integrated physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise under normal conditions, in different environments, and by external influences;
Evaluate the role played by the responses of the different systems on human health and human performances;
Analyse and interpret physiological data obtained during acute exercise, and compare that data between time points, individuals, populations and environments; and
Critically analyse and synthesise scientific literature in exercise physiology and effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences.
Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):