Scientific Basis of Exercise, Training and Physical Performance

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study.

The module aims to:

• Develop an understanding of exercise, training and physical performance concepts.
• Develop and extend understanding of muscle function, energy systems, fuels used and products arising during exercise
• Develop knowledge of training principles for enhancing the physical element of sports performance
• Develop an understanding of the value of physiological assessment, its strength and weaknesses and how it can be used in the process of enhancing the physical elements of sports performance

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Describe the concepts of exercise, training and physical performance.
2. Explain the structure and function of physiological systems, key  energy systems, the fuels used and end products of metabolism
3. Explain the training principles for enhancing the physical elements of sports performance
4. Explain the value of physiological assessment, its strengths and weaknesses and how it can be used in the process of enhancing the physical elements of sports performance

The content of this module is related to the physiological understanding of the responses to exercise and training for the improvement of health or performance. Content to include in depth analysis of components of fitness and tests which can be used to assess performance in these components of fitness. Physiological energy systems and how they relate to sports performance. The causes of fatigue during sports performance and training methods to enhance physiological function. The ability to undertake fundamental human physiological assessment during exercise.

Lectures, laboratory sessions and guided independent study.

Books:

Maud, P.J. and Foster C. (2006). Physiological assessment of human fitness. (2nd edition). Champaign IL: Human Kinetics.

McArdle, W., Katch, F. & Katch, V. (2007). Exercise Physiology: Energy, nutrition, and human performance. (6th edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Power, S.K. and Howley, E. (2009). Exercise Physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. (6th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Robergs, RA & Roberts, SO (2000). Fundamental Principles of Exercise Physiology. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Wilmore, J.H., Costill, D.L. and Kenney. L. (2008). Physiology of sport and exercise (4th edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Websites:

Sport Science: www.sportsci.org/ [Accessed November 2010] A general sport science site with lots of topical information and some physiology.

School home:

Chelsea School of Sport