Physiological Adaptation: Body’s Response to Training
Theories of Physiological Adaptation
This section explores key theories related to physiological adaptation, particularly concerning overcompensation.
The Charge-Phase Theory suggests that an inadequate load can lead to overtraining.
Similarly, in the Recovery Phase, a lack of alternation between work and recovery can hinder adaptation and lead to further issues.
Arnold Schultz’s Threshold Principle
This principle posits that each athlete possesses a unique threshold. Stimuli that are too weak (below the threshold) do not sufficiently excite organ function and thus do not contribute to training. Conversely, very strong stimuli that exceed the threshold but remain within the maximum tolerance can induce adaptation. However, if these strong stimuli are repeated too frequently, they can lead to a state of overcompensation.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), also known as the ‘Stress Act,’ describes the organism’s adaptive response to any threatening stimulus or disruption of biological balance. Its phases include the Alarm Phase and the Resistance Phase, during which the body either adapts or reaches Exhaustion. A favorable outcome of this phenomenon is known as supercompensation.
Phases of Organic Effort & Recovery
The process of organic extra effort involves distinct phases, leading to adaptation and potentially overcompensation. These phases include:
1. Input Phase
This functional phase marks the transition from rest (sleep) to activity. It is a state of heterostasis (meaning the organic balance is disrupted) because not all physiological functions begin simultaneously. Anaerobic processes predominate here due to an initial lack of correlation between oxygen supply and demand (inadequate circulatory adjustment).
Neutral State
Occurring before the stabilization phase, the Neutral State is characterized by a significant reduction in work capacity as the body has not yet fully regulated all mechanical functions.
Second Wind
During Second Wind, the body successfully restores mechanical efficiency and more effectively regulates circulatory, respiratory, and muscular functions, leading to a state of equilibrium.
2. Stabilization Phase (Steady State)
This phase, also known as the Stable State, is predominantly aerobic. All physiological systems achieve a steady state of operation.
3. Fatigue Phase
The Fatigue Phase results from the depletion of energy reserves and the accumulation of lactic acid, occurring when aerobic capacity is exceeded.
4. Recovery Phase
The Recovery Phase begins immediately after exercise completion. It is a crucial process of regeneration and cellular rebalancing that occurs following the physiological changes induced by intense physical activity.
Understanding Physiological Adaptation
Physiological adaptation is a fundamental biological process. It is defined in two ways:
- The process by which human beings adapt to natural conditions of life, work, and other environmental factors. This leads to morphological and functional improvements in the body, along with a potential increase in vital and non-specific capabilities to withstand extreme environmental stimuli.
- The capacity of living organisms to maintain a constant balance in their functions despite the continuous influence of stimuli. This is achieved through functional changes that occur within each of their organs and systems.
Types of Exercises
While not detailed here, common exercise types include central and concentric movements.
Principles for Permanent Physiological Change
Achieving permanent physiological changes in the body relies on several key principles:
Stress Level or Stimulus Level
This refers to the tension produced in the body when subjected to a specific stimulus.
The Tendency to Maintain Balance (Homeostasis)
This describes the dynamic equilibrium between processes that contribute to the maintenance and those that tend towards the destruction of a biological system. If a stimulus disturbs this organic balance, it leads to heterostasis.
The Effect of Training
These are the physiological changes that occur within the body as a direct result of the training process.