Exercise: Distance Treadmill Running

Exercise: Distance Treadmill Running

When we are challenged with any physical task, the human body responds through a series of integrated changes in function that involve most, if not all, of its physiologic systems. Movement requires activation and control of the musculoskeletal system; the cardiovascular and respiratory systems provide the ability to sustain this movement over extended periods.

Physiological Responses:

From experience I know that while on the treadmill before long my chest is heaving, my lungs are bursting, my heart is pounding, I get hot, sweat profusely, and the previously coordinated movement of my limbs start to falter; my muscles ache and my brain tells me to stop.

Within minutes of starting this strenuous exercise the body temperature can rise by several degrees Celsius, and activation of thermoregulatory heat loss mechanisms (principally sweating and opening up of skin blood vessels) becomes essential in order to keep the body as cool as possible.

Certainly, exercise is a challenge to homeostasis.

Heart rate increases to pump more blood to the muscles all over the body which are working harder. Therefore, your cardiac output increases. The heart rate and the cardiac output are proportional to each other.

www.medicdirectsport.com detailed that "The energy requirements of muscle during exercise are met not only by an alteration in intramuscular metabolism, but also by integrated activity of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems."

The body produces lactic acid whenever it breaks down carbohydrates for energy. We use energy when we exercise therefore lactic acid is produced when we exercise.

www.cytosport.com detailed that "When the body makes lactic acid, it splits into lactate ion (lactate) and hydrogen ion. Hydrogen ion is the acid in lactic acid. It interferes with electrical signals in your muscles and nerves, slows energy reactions, and impairs muscle contractions."

So hydrogen ion is to blame for fatigue rather than the lactate which provides fuels for many tissues, helps use dietary carbohydrates, and serves as fuel for liver production of glucose and glycogen.