SYLLABUS

I. Orientation

"Fatigue" refers to the inability to sustain a given workload. Theoretically, fatigue may derive from limitations anywhere in the chain of command from motor unit recruitment in the brain to cross-bridge formation in the working muscle. Actually, fatigue is a spectrum of physiological responses between two extreme cases: the fatigue of brief anaerobic exercise and the fatigue of prolonged aerobic exercise. This course this quarter will examine in detail the metabolic cause of fatigue in prolonged exercise, namely glycogen depletion, as well as the effect that training, diet, and gender may have in modulating fatigue. In addition we will examine the role that the thermoregulatory system plays in limiting long term work.

II. Schedule

Week Topic

1 Organization

2, 3, 4 Overview of metabolism

5 Effect of aerobic training on fuel metabolism

6, 7 Effect of diet on fuel metabolism

8, 9 Cardiovascular Function: Thermoregulation

10 ACSM Conference

11 Final examination

III. Procedure

For weeks 2-6 and 8 students will discuss assigned readings on related basic and applied physiology. The discussions will be lead by a faculty member. The last part of these sessions will conclude with a 15-20 minute written test on major concepts. In the second part of some or all of these sessions, a student or faculty member may present a 20-30 minute oral report on a selected research article, as if reporting his or her own work at a professional conference. During weeks 7 and 9 each student will present at least one such report. Each presentation will be followed by rebuttal by another student or faculty member and then general discussion, including commentary on the content and style of the speaker's presentation. We may also discuss one to two additional articles at time permits. Audio-visual materials and equipment will be provided.

IV. Reading Assignments

Reading assignments will be announced one week in advance.

V. Grading

Students will be graded on the their performance in exams, presentations, and class discussions. These criteria will be weighted as follows.

6 Tests 30%

Research Presentations 15%

Participation in Class Discussions 30%

Final Examination 25%

Total 100%

Note:

Grading is cumulative from zero, not subtractive from 100%. So you cannot do yourself harm by speaking up. In particular, there is no penalty for revealing your ignorance in discussions. Use the discussions to clarify uncertainties prior to the tests.

VI. Office Hours (Irvine 053, 593-2286)

Thursday 11:00 - 12:00 and by appointment.

VII. Academic Dishonesty

Students are encouraged to study together and to share their knowledge freely with one another. It is acceptable (and recommended) that students have someone else critique their presentations in advance, just as professionals generally ask for criticism before making presentations and submitting research reports. For tests and exams, however, no assistance from other students or outside sources is allowed. In accordance with the Ohio University Student Handbook, academic misconduct will result minimally in the issuance of a failing grade for the exercise involved and may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the summary issuance of a failing grade for the course.