Linear progression

The record for an event, plotted against time, falls roughly along a straight line

Asymptotic progression

The record for an event falls along a curve that flattens out gradually with time

Aerobic capacity

The ability to process oxygen for conversion to energy

Haemoglobin

A substance contained in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body

Autonomic nervous system

Governs bodily functions that are not under conscious control – eg heartbeat

Oxidative stress

A series of reactions to increased use of oxygen, including the production of potentially harmful ‘free radicals’

Growth hormone

A hormone that promotes growth of the long bones in the limbs and increases protein production by the body