Exercise Science and Human Movement
Energy and cardiorespiratory basics
Understand the three energy systems: the immediate (phosphagen) system for short explosive efforts, glycolysis for moderate-duration high-intensity work, and oxidative (aerobic) metabolism for sustained activity. Know that aerobic training improves stroke volume and cardiac output, while the heart rate response follows a curve - heart rate rises with intensity but plateaus near maximal effort.
Muscular and movement fundamentals
Know the planes of motion (sagittal, frontal, transverse) and the joint actions (flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, rotation). Muscle roles matter: agonist (prime mover), antagonist (opposes), synergist (assists), and stabilizer (fixes a joint). A frequent exam trap is confusing a synergist with an agonist.
Biomechanics and safety
Understand levers, base of support, center of gravity, and line of gravity. A wider base and lower center of gravity increase stability. For the spine, cue neutral alignment and avoid loaded flexion under fatigue. Know that eccentric contractions produce more force and more soreness (DOMS) than concentric work, and that DOMS peaks roughly 24-72 hours after exercise - not immediately.
Worked rule of thumb
To increase stability, widen the base of support and lower the center of gravity; to challenge balance, do the reverse. This single principle explains many exercise-progression questions.
Traps to watch
Questions may misattribute soreness timing, confuse concentric vs eccentric force production, or place a movement in the wrong plane. Slow down and map the joint action to the plane before answering.