Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance (7th edition)

Book Preface

As in the publication of the first edition of Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance in 1981, this seventh edition reflects our continued commitment to integrate the concepts and science of the different disciplines that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of modern-day exercise physiology. Consistent with previous editions, we believe firmly that the content domain of exercise physiology must be predicated on the logical and natural flow of basic knowledge concerning nutrient-energy intake, nutrient-energy metabolism, and systems physiology as related to submaximal and maximal human movement. Current concepts of energy balance intimately link the role of physical inactivity to the “creeping obesity” epidemic that continues to afflict the world’s population. We are encouraged that the medical establishment and governmental agencies have finally acknowledged regular physical activity as an important weapon in the armamentarium for prevention and rehabilitation of diverse disease states, including obesity.

We are gratified with the small part we have played in the education of more than 350,000 undergraduate and graduate students who have used this text since the publication of the first edition in 1981. A source of great pride for us is that some of the first students enrolled in our own classes that used this text have gone on to earn advanced degrees in the same or similar fields. This tradition of textbook adoption has now been passed down to their students, many of whom comprise the next generation of aspiring teachers, exercise specialists, and researchers. In fact, one of us (VK) has had the opportunity on three different occasions to teach students whose parents were former students. We are forever grateful to our former teachers and mentors for igniting a spark that has not diminished. We hope you will become as excited as we first were (and continue to be) in the science of exercise physiology and human performance.

ORGANIZATION

This seventh edition maintains the same seven-section structure as previous editions, including an introductory section about the origins of exercise physiology and a concluding “On the Horizons” section that deals with a maturing effort in exercise physiology to incorporate molecular biology to human performance and the many interrelated aspects of health and disease.

FEATURES

Many features throughout the text are included to engage the student and facilitate learning. These include the following: Introduction: A View of the Past. The text’s introduction, “Exercise Physiology: Roots and Historical Perspectives,” reflects our interest and respect for the earliest underpinnings of the field, and the direct and indirect contributions of the men and women physicians/scientists who contributed to the field. In a Practical Sense. This element in every chapter highlights practical applications that include:

• Lowering high blood pressure with dietary intervention: the DASH diet
• Leveraging nutrition to prevent chronic athletic fatigue
• Predicting V·O2max during pregnancy from submaximal exercise heart rate and oxygen consumption
• Predicting energy expenditure during treadmill walking and running
• Determining anaerobic power and capacity: the Wingate cycle ergometer test
• Predicting pulmonary function variables in males and females
• Measuring lactate threshold
• Blood pressure measurement, classifications, and recommended follow-up
• Placing electrodes of bipolar and 12-lead ECG recordings
• Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and exercise
• Protecting the lower back
• Assessing heat quality of the environment: how hot is too hot?