The Biochemical Basis of Sports Performance

Description

Introduces the student of sports science or exercise physiology to the biochemical processes that underpin exercise performance and the adaptations that occur with training. The principles of exercise biochemistry are introduced in a context that is immediately relevant to the student of sports science.

• Provides a valuable insight into the relevance of metabolism to sports performance, clearly describing the biochemical processes specific to different sports
• Unique structure organizes the subject by sporting event to represent the differing needs of athletes
• Underlying principles of biochemistry adeptly explained, eliminating the need for additional biochemistry texts
• Online Resource Centre features additional resources for lecturers and students to enhance the educational value of the text

New to this edition

• New Techniques and Leaders in the Field features to furnish the reader with technical and background information
• Increased coverage of limitations to performance and molecular techniques
• New two colour design enlivens the text and improves the clarity of illustrations
• Online resources expanded to include news updates

About the Author(s)

Ronald J Maughan, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, and Michael Gleeson, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University

Table of Contents

Preface
1:
Introduction: The biochemical basis of exercise and sport
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Historical perspective
Evolution of records
The appliance of science
The abuse of science
Key points
2:
The Weightlifter
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Muscle structure and function
Proteins: structural and functional characteristics
Proteins as enzymes
Energy for muscle contraction
Nutritional effects on strength training and performance
Key points
Selected further reading
3:
The Sprinter
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Anaerobic metabolism
Metabolic response to very high intensity exercise
Loss of adenine nucleotides
The cellular energy charge and the adenylate pool
Causes of fatigue in sprinting
Post-exercise recovery: the resynthesis of phosphocreatine
Nutritional effects on sprint performance
Key Points
Selected further reading
4:
Middle Distance Events
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Energy and oxygen cost of middle distance runnning
Glycolysis
The glycolytic pathway
Oxidative metabolism of carbohydrate
Fatigue mechanisms in middle distance events
Recovery after exercise
Nutritional effects on the performance of the middle distance athlete
Key points
Selected further reading
5:
The endurance athlete
Learning objectives
Introduction
Energy supply
Aerobic power
Fractional utilization of aerobic capacity
Energy metabolism
Integration and regulation of fuel use
Fatigue in prolonged exercise
The role of the brain in fatigue
Nutrition and endurance exercise performance
Key points
Selected Further reading
6:
The Games Player
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Activity patterns and work rate in games play
Metabolic responses to intermittent high-intensity exercise
Fatigue in multiple sprint sports
Nutritional strategies for team sports athletes
Key points
Selected further reading
7:
Sporting Talent: The genetic basis of athletic capability
Learning Objectives
Introduction; factors determining success in sport
The nature of genetic material
Principles of heredity
Gene doping: a realistic prospect?
Key points
Selected further reading
8:
Adaptations to training
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Training strategies and the associated adaptations
Training for strength
Training for speed
Training for middle distance: increasing anaerobic capacity
Training for endurance: increasing aerobic capacity
Mechanisms and limitations to adaptation
Overreaching and overtraining
Exercise training, immune function, and susceptibility to infection
Effects of detraining
Nutritional effects on training adaptation
Free radicals and antioxidants
Key points
Selected further reading
Appendices
Key concepts in physical, organic and biological chemistry
Glossary of abbreviations and biochemical terminology
Units commonly used in biochemistry and physiology
Index

Reviews

"I believe that this book really does fill a gap most texts don't address and I would recommend it without hesitation. Les Tumility, Aberystwyth University"

"This well-written book does an excellent job of sorting through the volumes of information on physiology and sports to provide key concepts necessary in order to maximise performance while minimizing injury and overtraining." - University of Tennessee at Knoxville