Author: Glossary
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Exobiology
The biological science of the universe, exclusive of our planet.
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Exoantigen
A soluble antigen found on the surface of a microorganism, identified in the supernatant of a culture of that organism.
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Exigency
A situation requiring immediate management.
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Exhumation
Removal of a dead body from the grave after it has been buried.
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Exfoliatin
A toxin, produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for the major dermatological changes in staphylococcal “scalded skin” syndrome in neonates and adults.
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Exercise tolerance test
A measure of cardiovascular (or cardiopulmonary) fitness, in which people exert themselves while having their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiographic response monitored. A treadmill or ergometer is typically used as the testing device. The amount of exercise the patient must perform is increased gradually over several minutes, until the patient experiences excessive…
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Exercise capacity
The ability of a person to increase oxygen uptake above his or her oxygen uptake at rest. While lying comfortably in bed each individual’s body uses a basal (resting) level of oxygen to perform basic metabolic functions. This level of oxygen usage is referred to as one metabolic equivalent, or informally, as 1 MET. While…
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Therapeutic exercise
Scientific application of physical activity as an intervention for 1) improving function, general health, and sense of well-being in patients; 2) preventing complications and further functional loss; or 3) improving or maintaining functional performance in healthy clients. Therapeutic exercise interventions may include techniques to improve motion, strength, motor control, muscle and cardiopulmonary endurance, and efficiency,…
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Stretching exercise
A therapeutic exercise maneuver, using physiological principles, designed to increase joint range of motion or extensibility of pathologically shortened connective tissue structures.
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Stabilization exercise
The application of fluctuating resistance loads while the patient stabilizes the part being trained in a symptom-free position. Exercises begin easily so that control is maintained, and progress in duration, intensity, speed, and variety.