Biologic regulation of physical activity

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

Biologic regulation of physical activity

Thomas W. Rowland

Human Kinetics, c2017

Available at  / 2 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-197) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are well documented, yet many people continue to struggle with sedentary behavior and obesity. In Biologic Regulation of Physical Activity, Dr. Thomas W. Rowland posits a distinct possibility of the existence of a central biologic controller of activity. If harnessed, this mechanism could lead to breakthroughs in health science professionals' quest for more effective ways of helping people be more active and, as a result, healthier. Rowland is one of the most well-respected pediatric cardiologists in the United States. He has authored three other books and more than 150 journal articles and has served in several key national leadership positions in pediatric medicine. In Biologic Regulation of Physical Activity, Rowland uses his expertise, along with numerous references and direct quotes from expert witnesses, to provide a detailed account of how current research may support the existence of a biologic regulator-a mechanism in the brain that involuntarily controls biological processes-associated with physical activity. Rowland proposes a possible mechanism for such a control and explores the implications of this theory. This developing area of research and theory offers a new lens through which health professionals and those who research issues related to obesity, physical activity adherence, and sedentary behaviors can view their work. The book moves methodically through the research, rationale, and implications of a biologic regulator of physical activity. In part I, Surveying the Evidence, readers are guided through a litany of research-both on humans and on animals-that provides support for the existence of a biologic regulator. This section synthesizes evidence from an interdisciplinary perspective, covering research on topics such as behavioral disorders, brain damage, lifetime activity patterns, and sex differences. Part II, Rationale and Mechanisms details the possible biologic explanation for control of energy output through activity and proposes a mechanism by which it might function in order to maintain an energy in-energy out balance. The hypothesis presented in this section is that the body has a need for energy balance that leads to activity regulation, similar to how the body regulates appetite. In part III, Implications of Biologic Regulation of Activity, some clear implications from current research, which may help health science professionals in their treatment and prevention efforts against patients' obesity and inactivity, are discussed. Rowland also poses some critical questions for further research, if indeed a biologic controller of activity exists, such as how much effect a biologic controller might have on activity level as compared to environmental factors and whether this biologic regulator could be altered. This book will initiate further discussion, examination, and research into the idea that physical activity may be, at least in part, controlled by a central biologic regulator. Further study may lead to a widespread realization that there is an involuntary biologic regulator of activity that, once fully understood, could lead researchers to discover alternative interventions in the fight against inactivity and obesity.

Table of Contents

Part I. Surveying the Evidence Chapter 1. Nature of Physical Activity Measuring Physical Activity Categorizing Physical Activity Chapter 2. Physical Activity Through the Life Span Human Beings Physical Activity of Animals Chapter 3. Effects of Sex Sexual Maturation Sex Differences in Infancy Chapter 4. Neurochemical Models Dopamine Other Neurochemical Mediators Chapter 5. Perturbations of Brain Function Lesions in Animal Brains Craniopharyngioma Anorexia Nervosa Restless Legs Syndrome Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Chapter 6. Organized Variability Animal Circadian Rhythms Human Circadian Rhythms Other Variability Chapter 7. Genetic Influences Familial and Twin Studies Animal Selection Genetic Markers Epigenetic Influences Chapter 8. Physical Activity Play Function of Physical Play Neurological Basis Part II. Rationale and Mechanisms Chapter 9. Activity Regulation and the Need for Energy Balance Energy Balance as a Biological Need Role of Physical Activity in Energy Balance Biologic Origin of Other Contributors to Energy Balance Parallel Decline With Aging Compensatory Responses in Energy Balance Chapter 10. Mechanisms for Biologic Control Feedback Systems Proposed Biologic Control System for Habitual Physical Activity Activity-Stat Versus Energy-Stat Part III. Implications of Biologic Regulation of Activity Chapter 11. Responses to Activity Interventions Compensatory Changes in Physical Activity Compensatory Changes in Caloric Intake Long-Term Changes in Physical Activity Habits Implications for Health Promotion Chapter 12. Understanding Obesity: The Biologic Perspective First Law of Thermodynamics Obesity as an Error in Energy Balance Behavioral Explanations for Energy Imbalance Genetic Explanations for Energy Imbalance Implications for Treatment and Prevention Chapter 13. Altering the Biologic Control of Activity Plasticity of Biologic Set Points Can Cognitive Will Override Biologic Control? Can Hedonistic Behavior Override Biologic Control? Role of Spontaneous Physical Activity and NEAT Pharmacological Manipulation of Physical Activity Regulators

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top