Dictionary
Any terms you may be unsure of can be found in the A - Z listing.
N - Z
N O P Q
R S T U
V W X Y Z
Biomechanical - How the body applies force on itself and to other bodies which it comes into contact with. How the body is affected by external forces.
Biopsychosocial - the study of biological, psychological, and social factors, which all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness.
Cardiopulmonary - Pertaining to the lungs and heart.
Cardio respiratory - The ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity.
Cardiovascular - Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular endurance - The ability to sustain a large blood flow to active muscles.
Cardiovascular fitness - The ability of the heart and blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues and muscles during sustained exercise.
Cardiovascular system - A system in the body consisting of the heart, blood vessels and blood that delivers nutrients to the bodies various cells and removes waste products.
Edema (Oedema) - Swelling in the body caused by fluid leaving the blood stream and collecting in the tissues.
Energy expenditure - The amount of energy used in an activity. The most common limit of energy expenditure is the kilocalorie. The daily energy expenditure of an individual is based on gender, metabolic rate, body mass, body composition and activity levels.
Exercise physiology - The study of the physiological factors which affect participation in physical activity and the application of physiological principles to explore and improve the participation in physical activity.
Holistic health - This is a philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment. While frequently associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broad view of patient care.
Homeostasis - Balance of all body systems.
Hydro-therapy - The use of water to treat disorder. The use of water as a exercise medium after surgery, immobilisation or illness, hydro-therapy assists in regaining mobility or physical fitness.
Hydro dynamics - The mathematical study of forces, energy and pressure of liquid in motion.
Hydrodynamic drag - The drag force which resists the movement of the body through water.
Hydrodynamic lift force - The lift force developed in water.
Kinesiology - Study of the art and science of human movement.
Lymph - A fluid similar to blood plasma.
Lymphoedema - Excess fluid called Lymph collects in tissues causing swelling.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) - An advanced form of massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body.
Musculoskeletal system - The body system comprises both the muscular and skeletal system.
Myofascial - The fibrous tissue that encloses and separates layers of muscles.
Neurological - To do with the nerves or nervous system.
Neuromusculoskeletal - Pertaining to or involving the nerves muscles and bones.
Oedema (Edema) - Swelling in the body caused by fluid leaving the blood stream and collecting in the tissues.
Osteoporosis - A disease characterised by decreased bone mineral content that increases bone porosity and causes them to become more brittle and more inclined to fracture. Osteoporosis is an age related disease which primarily affects postmenopausal women.
PARQ - Physical activity readiness questionnaire.
Physiological - Pertaining to or involving the mind, mental activity and behaviour.
Psychosocial - Behaviour and mental activities of individuals and groups which influence and determine their relationships.
Rheumatoid arthritis - A chronic inflammation disorder which primarily affects the joints, but may also affect tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles and bone.
Sclerodema - A chronic degenerative autoimmune disorder that leads to the over production of collagen in the body's connective tissue. The word 'sclerodema' means 'hardening of the skin' and refers to one of the possible physical affects of this disease.
Serotonin - A hormone also called S-hydroxytryptomine in the pineal gland, blood platelets, the digestive tract and the brain. Serotonin acts both as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells and that causes blood vessels to narrow.
Spasmodic - Relative to, affected by or having the character of a spasm, convulsive. Intermittent involuntary muscular contractions.
Venous - Of, relative to or contained in the veins.