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Understanding the disease process of coronary heart disease (CHD) allows us to anticipate, detect and treat its dysfunction before CHD worsens. Epidemiology has assisted us by collating several biomarkers that filters out individuals at risk of CHD. The following will cover these risk factors in more depth, in an attempt to broaden our understanding of…
Pathophysiology helps us understand the pathology and physiology behind diseased and disordered systems of the body. In my last post, I covered roles of the cardiovascular system and the diseased states that occurred within it. Now, I would like to cover the pathophysiology behind these diseased states, as a precursor to anticipate, treat and prevent…
The cardiovascular system serves many important functions, and supports every other physiological system. The more positive adaptation the cardiovascular system experiences, the more proficient it can fulfill its roles. Conversely, a diseased cardiovascular system will hinder all other physiological processes. I would like to briefly review the functions of the cardiovascular system, look deeper into…
Children and adults share similar biochemical and physiological characteristics. However, “similar” should not be confused with “identical.” I would like to review some of these characteristics, identify similarities, and attempt to show subtleties that exist between these two age groups. Childhood might be defined as the period of time between the first birthday and adolescence,…
Neurological adaptations drive strength gains in preadolescent resistance training. Although children can improve strength and force development, limitations within their own physiology does exist. I would like to review these limitations, and explore solutions to circumvent them. Resistance training in children is accompanied by several physiological adaptations such as improved maximal oxygen uptake, body composition,…
Positive outcomes with periodized and supervised strength programs for youth are well documented. However, the physiological pathway to force production among children is somewhat different than that of adults. I would like to review, in more detail, those mechanisms behind preadolescent strength adaptations. Strength gains are precursors to improved power and athleticism in sport (Kenney,…
Research shows unequivocal evidence that exercise has benefits on many biomarkers of the human movement system. However, interpretation and dissemination of evidence have, at times, become skewed. I would like to move through a brief history of preadolescent exercise, the misconceptions that followed it, and contemporary support for youth resistance training. The term “youth” uses…
Cold environments have the potential to hamper performance and safety in both recreational and competitive individuals. I live in a colder environment in Newfoundland, and many of my clients engage in outdoor winter activities. I would like to define cold injuries, review predisposing factors, and cover preventative strategies to attenuate these risks. Cold injuries can…
In my previous posts, I outlined how hot and humid climates increase the rate of dehydration during exercise. I also provided strategies to maintain proper fluid balance in these conditions. I would now like to explore the concept of heat acclimation and methods to overcome and adapt to hot environments. Heat acclimation can be defined…
In my previous post, I outlined how hot and humid climates increase the rate of dehydration during exercise, as well as at rest. Although replenishment and maintenance of fluid balance is integral in maintaining homeostasis, content of fluids are of equal importance. During moderate to intense exercise, carbohydrates become a primary contributor to energy production…