Author: Glossary
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Steady state
An exercise state in which the body is able to supply the oxygen needed for exercise and oxygen supply meets oxygen demand. After the first 3-4 minutes of exercise, oxygen uptake has reached an adequate level to meet the oxygen demand of the tissue; heart rate, cardiac output and pulmonary ventilation have attained fairly constant…
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Static stretching
Stretching to the point of pain, backing off slightly, and holding the elongated position. Elicits the inverse stretch reflex arc and facilitates muscle relaxation. Held, nonbounce muscle contraction in which muscle tension is sustained throughout the stretch. A form of stretching in which the muscle to be stretched is slowly put into a position of…
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Static contraction
Contraction in which opposing muscles contract against each other and prevent movement. Muscle develops tension without changing length. A muscle contraction that produces an increase in muscle tension but does not cause meaningful limb displacement or joint displacement and therefore, does not result in movement of the skeleton. Isometric contraction.
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Stabilizers
Muscles that surround the joint and contract to fixate or stabilize the area, enabling another limb or body part to exert force and move. Also known as fixators. A food additive that thickens, prevents separation, prevents flavor deterioration, retards oxidation by increasing the viscosity and gives a smoother consistency to the product, such as, agar…
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Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Injury to the spinal cord caused by disease or trauma; usually results in para- or quadraplegia. An injury in which the spinal cord is traumatized or transected.
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Spheroidal or ball-and-socket joint
A ball-shaped surface articulates with a cup-shaped surface. Examples: hip, shoulder. A joint where the round end of a long bone is attached to a cup-shaped hollow in another bone in such a way that the long bone can move in almost any direction.
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Speed
The rate at which a movement or activity can be performed. Ability to move the whole body quickly. For various components of an x-ray imaging system, a comparison of the amount of radiation required to produce the image is needed. There is often a trade-off between radiation dose to the patient and the overall image…
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Spasticity
Stiff or rigid muscles with exaggerated, deep tendon. The condition can interfere with walking, movement, or speech. A marked hypertonicity or continual over-contraction of muscles, causing stiffness, awkwardness, and motor incoordination. A condition in which a limb resists passive movement. Spasticity, a type of muscle hyperactivity, is a disorder associated with a lesion of the…
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Somatic nervous system
A part of the peripheral nervous system made up of efferent somatic fibers that run between the central nervous system and the skeletal muscles. The part of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for actions under a person’s control. Component of the peripheral nervous system that innervates the skeletal muscles, the skin, and the…
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Soluble fiber
Able to dissolve in water, soluble fiber assists in lowering blood cholesterol levels and slows the digestive process to allow for great absorption of nutrients. Pectins, gums, and certain hemicelluloses. They lower the absorption of cholesterol, regulate blood sugars, remove toxic chemicals and carcinogens from the body. Any dietary fiber that dissolves in water. Examples…