Exercise intensity and its distribution is probably the most important and most heavily debated variable of endurance training. Training induces adaptation but also induces stress responses. Controlling the training-intensity distribution may provide a mechanism for balancing these two effects. It has been reported that elite endurance athletes train with a high volume and load, relative to the sport. These athletes spend the vast majority (>80%) of training time at relatively low intensities (lower than the lactate threshold, zone one), and therefore
This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. Designed to help readers understand and evaluate the relationship between exercise, immune function and infection risk, this book presents evidence for the "J-shaped" relationship between exercise load and infection risk. It also describes the components of the human immune system and key functions that protect the body from disease, the impact of acute and chronic psychological stress on immune function, and practical guidelines for minimizing the risk of immunodepression and infection in athletes. Further chapters explore different ways of measuring immune function, as well as the effects of heavy training on innate and specific (acquired) immunity, exercise in environmental extremes, and nutrition. Connections between exercise, infection risk, and immune function in special populations (elderly, obese, diabetic and HIV patients) are also addressed. Authored by a team of highly experienced experts. The "J-shaped" relationship between exercise load and infection risk is described, backed by current research and evidence. Components of the immune system and normal immune function are explained in detail, as well as methods for measuring immune function. The impact of acute and chronic psychological stress on immune function is presented, along with suggestions for minimizing the risk of immunodepression and infection in athletes. The effects of heavy training, exercise in environmental extremes, and nutrition are discussed with regard to their impact on innate and specific (acquired) immunity. Immune function in special populations (elderly, obese, diabetic and HIV patients) is also addressed, exploring links between exercise and infection risk in these groups. Evidence-based coverage includes a list of references in each chapter, as well as suggestions for further reading that direct readers to important texts and review articles. Information is presented in an easily accessible format, following a logical progression of material. LEach chapter begins with a list of learning objectives and ends with a list of key points to reinforce learning. A glossary at the end of the book defines all key terms and abbreviations.
How to improve exercise performance capacity through adequate nutrition Nutrition is one of the key factors that modulate exercise performance. In this book, a group of expert scientists discuss the ergogenic properties of various nutritional interventions and present research to show that dietary strategies can be applied to extend the limits of human endurance, lower the risk of illness or injury, and speed recovery rates. More specifically, they discuss recent findings on topics such as caffeine and its effect on the brain, carnitine and fat oxidation, ergogenic properties of beta- alanine, dietary protein and muscle reconditioning, nutrition and immune status, and the importance of proper hydration. This publication will provide the reader with many novel insights into the complex interaction between nutrition and exercise, allowing them to define more effective dietary strategies to improve health and performance. Moreover, while focusing on elite athletes, it is interesting to note that some of the discoveries can be applied beyond this niche, for example to improve performance outcomes in the elderly.
Endurance in Sport is a comprehensive and authoritative work on all aspects of this major component of sports science. The book also embraces medical and sport-specific issues of particular relevance to those interested in endurance performance. The scientific basis and mechanisms of endurance - physiological, psychological, genetic and environmental - are all considered in depth. Measurement of endurance is extensively reviewed as is preparation and training for physical activities requiring endurance.
This book provides an extensive guide for exercise and health professionals, students, scientists, sport coaches, athletes of various sports and those with a general interest in concurrent aerobic and strength training. Following a brief historical overview of the past decades of research on concurrent training, in section 1 the epigenetic as well as physiological and neuromuscular differences of aerobic and strength training are discussed. Thereafter, section 2 aims at providing an up-to-date analysis of existing explanations for the interference phenomenon, while in section 3 the training-methodological difficulties of combined aerobic and strength training are elucidated. In section 4 and 5, the theoretical considerations reviewed in previous sections will then be practically applied to specific populations, ranging from children and elderly to athletes of various sports. Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training: Scientific Basics and Practical Applications is a novel book on one of the “hot topics” of exercise training. The Editors' highest priority is to make this book an easily understandable and at the same time scientifically supported guide for the daily practice.
Nutrition is one of the key factors that modulate exercise performance. In this book, a group of expert scientists discuss the ergogenic properties of various nutritional interventions and present research to show that dietary strategies can be applied to extend the limits of human endurance, lower the risk of illness or injury, and speed recovery rates. More specifically, they discuss recent findings on topics such as caffeine and its effect on the brain, carnitine and fat oxidation, ergogenic properties of beta-alanine, dietary protein and muscle reconditioning, nutrition and immune status, and the importance of proper hydration. This publication will provide the reader with many novel insights into the complex interaction between nutrition and exercise, allowing them to define more effective dietary strategies to improve health and performance. Moreover, while focusing on elite athletes, it is interesting to note that some of the discoveries can be applied beyond this niche, for example to improve performance outcomes in the elderly.
The use of antioxidants in sports is controversial due to existing evidence that they both support and hinder athletic performance. Antioxidants in Sport Nutrition covers antioxidant use in the athlete ́s basic nutrition and discusses the controversies surrounding the usefulness of antioxidant supplementation. The book also stresses how antioxidants may affect immunity, health, and exercise performance. The book contains scientifically based chapters explaining the basic mechanisms of exercise-induced oxidative damage. Also covered are methodological approaches to assess the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment. Biomarkers are discussed as a method to estimate the bioefficacy of dietary/supplemental antioxidants in sports. This book is useful for sport nutrition scientists, physicians, exercise physiologists, product developers, sport practitioners, coaches, top athletes, and recreational athletes. In it, they will find objective information and practical guidance.
Research centering on blood flow in the heart continues to hold an important position, especially since a better understanding of the subject may help reduce the incidence of coronary arterial disease and heart attacks. This book summarizes recent advances in the field; it is the product of fruitful cooperation among international scientists who met in Japan in May, 1990 to discuss the regulation of coronary blood flow.
The book contains recent research about physiology, psychology, nutrition and training aspects of Marathon Running of different age, gender and performance level. The basic knowledge of marathon running with explanations of the physiological and psychological mechanisms induced by marathon training with the associated adaptations and subsequent improved physiological capacities are presented in a reader friendly format for researchers and practitioners. The book includes a full range of useful practical knowledge, as well as trainings principles to guide the reader to run marathon faster. After reading the book the reader is able to develop training plans and owns the knowledge about up-to-date scientific results in the fields of physiology, psychology, nutrition in marathon running.
