An understanding of the role of skeletal muscles for whole-body physiological functioning exercise is essential when examining the impact of nutrition and physical training for sports for performance.
This module develops critical knowledge of muscle function and energy demands, the use of carbohydrate, lipids and proteins as energy sources, the metabolic pathways, the nature of metabolic limitations in skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of nutrition and ergogenic aids (e.g. polyphenols, carbohydrates, beta-alanine, creatine) for optimal function of skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of proteins for muscle mass and the relationships between nutritional interventions, signalling pathways and training adaptations in skeletal muscle.
The application of this knowledge to athletic training and sport with divergent exercise intensity and exercise demands will be discussed within both theoretical and practical contexts.
