Is exercise physiology a real science?

Abstract

Exercise physiology has not always been held with the same regard as other scientific disciplines. Despite the often held view that it is confined to the study of sport, exercise physiology has contributed to some of the most important scientific advances, particularly in understanding metabolic function. The physiological stress of exercise provides a unique model to understand the regulation of energy expenditure, gene expression, and glucose utilisation. In the future, it will also be required to better understand how physical inactivity contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Therefore, the contribution of exercise physiology to the advancement of scientific knowledge should not be underestimated.

Keywords:

• Exercise physiology
• Physical activity
• Metabolism
• Gene expression
• Mitochondrial function
• Glucose transport

Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the 3U Biomedical Research (DCU-NUI Maynooth-RCSI).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Donal J. O'Gorman

Dr Donal O'Gorman is an exercise physiologist who established, and is director of, the Centre for Preventive Medicine (CPM) at Dublin City University (DCU). The CPM integrates basic, translational, and applied research to reduce the development and progression of common clinical conditions. He also leads the 3U Diabetes Research Consotium, an initiative integrating the research expertise of DCU, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and the National University of Ireland Maynooth. Dr O'Gorman's research focuses on metabolic physiology, in particular the whole body regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure as well as the cellular regulation of gene expression and mitochondrial function.