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Cover

The Biochemical Basis of Sports Performance

Cover

Second Edition

Ronald J Maughan and Michael Gleeson

20 May 2010

ISBN: 9780199208289

336 pages
Paperback
246x189mm

In Stock

Price: £49.99

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.

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

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