Exercise Prescription

The cardiovascular and pulmonary systems respond to an acute bout of aerobic exercise by augmenting oxygen delivery to active skeletal muscle in an attempt to meet the energy requirements for a given level of physical stress. The capacity to increase oxygen delivery and utilization in response to aerobic exercise depends on several factors, including age, sex, fitness level, genetic variability, and disease status. Furthermore, regular participation in aerobic exercise over a prolonged period results in numerous positive adaptations to the physiological systems involved. As a result, the ability of these physiological systems to deliver and use the oxygen needed for aerobic activity is enhanced.

An impressive body of literature demonstrates the importance of aerobic exercise training to an individual's health. Participation in a regular exercise program ...