BGCSE Physical Education flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Agonist muscle

The prime mover muscle that contracts to produce a specific joint movement, such as the biceps brachii during elbow flexion, while its antagonist relaxes.

Synovial joint

A freely movable joint where bones are separated by a fluid-filled cavity, lubricated by synovial fluid and cushioned by cartilage, as in the knee and shoulder.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume; it rises during exercise to deliver more oxygen to muscles.

Slow-twitch fibres

Muscle fibres that contract slowly, resist fatigue and produce energy aerobically, giving endurance for long-duration activities such as distance running or cycling.

Lever in the body

A system of bone, joint and muscle where the bone acts as the lever, the joint as the fulcrum and the contracting muscle supplies the effort force.

Anaerobic energy system

Energy production without oxygen, using stored ATP and phosphocreatine for short bursts or glycolysis for high-intensity efforts up to about two minutes.

Progressive overload

Gradually increasing training demand by raising load, repetitions, sets, frequency or reducing rest, so the body adapts without excessive stress or injury.

FITT principle

A way to plan training by setting Frequency of sessions, Intensity of effort, Time or duration of each session, and Type of exercise used.

Maximum heart rate estimate

A simple estimate of maximal heart rate found by subtracting a person's age in years from 220, used to calculate training intensity zones.

Reversibility

The principle that fitness gains are lost when training stops; endurance capacity declines noticeably within a few weeks of inactivity, while strength declines more slowly.

Borg RPE scale

A rating of perceived exertion scale running from 6 to 20, where 6 means rest and 20 means maximal effort; 12 to 14 is roughly moderate intensity.

Warm-up purpose

Raising muscle temperature and blood flow, increasing joint mobility and preparing the nervous system, which improves performance and lowers injury risk.

Muscular endurance

The ability of a muscle or group to repeatedly contract against a resistance over time, tested by activities such as repeated press-ups or sit-ups.

Open skill

A skill performed in an unpredictable environment where the performer must adapt to changing conditions, such as receiving a pass in a game.

Cognitive stage of learning

The first stage of skill learning, where the beginner thinks consciously about technique, makes many errors and needs clear demonstration and feedback.

Blocked practice

Repeating the same skill continuously before moving to another; it improves early performance but gives weaker long-term retention than random practice.

Knowledge of results

Extrinsic feedback about the outcome of a movement, such as whether a shot scored or how far a jump travelled, rather than about technique.

Inverted-U theory

The idea that performance improves as arousal rises to a moderate optimum and then declines if arousal becomes too high or too low.

Observational learning

Learning by watching a model, which works when the learner attends, retains the information, can physically reproduce it and is motivated to do so.

SMART goal

A goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, recorded and time-phased, giving clear targets such as improving a sprint time within eight weeks.

Body mass index

A ratio of mass in kilograms to height in metres squared; 25 to 29.9 is classed overweight and 30 or above obese, though it ignores muscle mass.

RICE treatment

First aid for acute soft-tissue injury: Rest, Ice applied for short periods, Compression to limit swelling, and Elevation of the injured limb.

Heat stroke signs

A medical emergency shown by hot dry skin, confusion, collapse and very high body temperature; it requires urgent cooling and medical help.

Blood doping

Increasing red blood cell count by transfusion or hormones such as EPO to raise oxygen delivery; it is banned and risks dangerous blood clotting.

Concussion management

Any suspected concussion means immediate removal from play, assessment by a medical professional, rest, and a gradual return only after clearance.

Dehydration effects

Fluid loss raises heart rate and body temperature and reduces endurance, skill and concentration; dark urine and thirst are warning signs.

Objective performance data

Measurable, repeatable information such as times, distances and counts, which is less affected by observer opinion than subjective rating scales.

Notational analysis

Recording the frequency and location of actions during performance, such as passes completed or turnovers, to build an objective performance profile.

Performance profile

A chart, often a radar diagram, scoring each performance component on a scale so strengths and priority weaknesses are easy to compare.

Test validity

The extent to which a fitness test measures the component it claims to measure, for example a sprint test for speed rather than endurance.

Test reliability

The extent to which a test gives consistent results when repeated under the same conditions, equipment and protocol.

Skill phases

The preparation, execution and follow-through stages of a movement; analysing each phase helps locate the cause of a technical fault.