sports science

Periodisation

A means of planning and programming exercise training which takes account of the training principles of ‘detraining’ and ‘overload’

VO2max

The maximum amount of oxygen that can be consumed during exercise

Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV)

The maximal volume an individual can breath in a fixed time period (expressed as litres per minute) by optimising the depth and speed of breaths in and out

Forced vital capacity

The maximal volume of air that can be forcefully blown out after a maximal inspiration

Lactate

A metabolic intermediary produced (mainly) during intense exercise when the demand for energy in the muscles outstrips that which can be produced by aerobic metabolism. The point at which lactate begins to accumulate is often referred to as the ‘lactate threshold’

Oxidative

Involving the aerobic production of energy or breakdown of fuels

Glycolytic

Refers to glycolysis, an energy-liberating biochemical pathway that starts with glycogen or glucose and results in the formation of a substance called pyruvate

Capillarisation

Increased capillarisation is an increase in the number of the smallest blood vessels transporting blood to the bodily tissues