| adenosine triphosphate (ATP) | The main
energy currency for cells. ATP energy is used
to promote ion pumping, enzyme activity, and
muscular contraction.
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| adenosine diphosphate (ADP) | A breakdown
product of ATP. ADP is synthesized into
ATP using energy from foodstuffs and a phosphate
group (abbreviated Pi).
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| phosphocreatine (PCr) | A high-energy
compound that can be used to re-form ATP. It
is used primarily during bursts of activity, such
as lifting and jumping.
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| creatine | An organic (i.e. carbon-containing)
molecule in muscle cells that serves as a part
of a high-energy compound (termed creatine
phosphate or phosphocreatine) capable of
synthesizing ATP from ADP.
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| pyruvic acid | A three-carbon compound
formed during glucose metabolism; also
called pyruvate.
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| lactic acid | A three-carbon acid formed during
anaerobic cell metabolism; a partial breakdown
product of glucose; also called lactate.
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| carbohydrate loading | A process in which a
very high carbohydrate intake is consumed for
6 days before an athletic event while tapering
exercise duration in an attempt to increase
muscle glycogen stores.
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| stress fracture | A fracture that occurs from
repeated jarring of a bone. Common sites
include bones of the foot.
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| heat exhaustion | The first stage of
heat-related illness that occurs because of
depletion of blood volume from fluid loss by
the body. This increases body temperature
and can lead to headache, dizziness, muscle
weakness, and visual disturbances, among
other effects.
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| heat cramps | A frequent complication of
heat exhaustion. They usually occur in people
who have experienced large sweat losses from
exercising for several hours in a hot climate and
have consumed a large volume of water. The
cramps occur in skeletal muscles and consist of
contractions for 1 to 3 minutes at a time.
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| heatstroke | Heatstroke can occur when
internal body temperature reaches 104°F.
Sweating generally ceases if left untreated,
and blood circulation is greatly reduced.
Nervous system damage may ensue, and
death is likely. Often the skin of individuals
who suffer heatstroke is hot and dry.
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| ergogenic | Work-producing. An ergogenic
aid is a mechanical, nutritional, psychological,
pharmacological, or physiological substance
or treatment that is intended to directly
improve exercise performance.
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