Molecular adaptation to training

Programmes

• BSc Sport Exercise and Health Sciences

Level

Year Two

Regular exercise and training leads to increases alterations in daily energy requirements and fuel oxidation. Much of this adaption at the whole body level is due to molecular alteration in the skeletal muscle which influences important muscle qualities such as strength and endurance. This module will examine current approaches used to study training adaptation, from whole-body systemic markers, through to gene and protein modification in skeletal muscle. Special attention will be given to the mechanisms that lead to these adaptations, specificity in adaptation resulting from endurance and resistance training, and examine the interaction between exercise and diet to improve skeletal muscle performance during health and disease.

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Describe the adaptations that may occur as a result of endurance, resistance and combined training.
• Discuss the key methodological approaches to understanding skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise.
• Discuss the mechanisms of muscle deconditioning that occur through adverse health events and inactivity
• Discuss the concept of training interference and understand the physiological and nutritional conditions to maximise the training response.

Assessment

Practical assessment - 30 minute total exam time