Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Muscle Performance01:27

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiac Output01:17

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance01:29

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure01:17

Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure

Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Gamma ray sterilization of delta inulin adjuvant particles (Advax™) makes minor, partly reversible structural changes without affecting adjuvant activity.

Vaccine·2013
Same author

Oral motor feeding in the neonatal intensive care unit: exploring perceptions of parents and occupational therapists.

Occupational therapy in health care·2013
Same author

Potentiation of photodynamic therapy of cancer by complement: the effect of gamma-inulin.

British journal of cancer·2006
Same author

Production of oxygen by electronically induced dissociations in ice.

The Journal of chemical physics·2005
Same author

The production of oxidants in Europa's surface.

Astrobiology·2004
Same author

Use of gamma-inulin/liposomes/Vitamin E adjuvant combination in contraceptive vaccines.

International journal of pharmaceutics·2003

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
11:15

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise

Published on: March 20, 2012

Some bio-medical mechanisms in athletic prowess.

E Y S A Morrison1, P D Cooper

  • 1School of Graduate Studies and Research, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica. errol.morrison@bluecross.com.jm

The West Indian Medical Journal
|November 8, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Natural selection may have enhanced athletic performance in African-Americans through genetic adaptations in muscle biology and oxygen transport, influenced by the sickle cell gene. These adaptations offer anatomical and biochemical advantages for superior athleticism.

More Related Videos

Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Procedures Using the Modified Bergström Technique
07:20

Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Procedures Using the Modified Bergström Technique

Published on: September 10, 2014

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
04:28

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization

Published on: May 18, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
11:15

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise

Published on: March 20, 2012

Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Procedures Using the Modified Bergström Technique
07:20

Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Procedures Using the Modified Bergström Technique

Published on: September 10, 2014

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
04:28

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization

Published on: May 18, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Human genetics
  • Exercise physiology
  • Anthropology

Background:

  • Hypothesized concentration of somato-genetic variations in Afrocentric populations over centuries.
  • Displacement from West Africa to the New World as a key factor in selection pressures.
  • Observed athletic prowess in African-Americans linked to these variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the hypothesis that natural selection concentrated specific genetic and phenotypic traits in Afrocentric peoples.
  • To investigate the role of these traits in the athletic performance of African-Americans.
  • To examine the influence of compensatory mechanisms, particularly related to the sickle cell gene, on athletic advantages.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of somato-genetic patterns in muscle-fibre biology.
  • Examination of biochemical metabolic pathways.
  • Assessment of pulmonary physiology and oxygen transport mechanisms.
  • Consideration of the sickle cell gene's impact on oxygen availability and muscle adaptation.

Main Results:

  • Variations in muscle biology, metabolism, and lung function are hypothesized to be concentrated by natural selection.
  • Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics are linked to the athletic prowess observed in African-Americans.
  • Compensatory mechanisms related to the sickle cell gene influence oxygen transport and tissue availability.
  • Reduced oxygen and myoglobin in fast-twitch muscle fibers may confer an advantage in rapid energy regeneration.

Conclusions:

  • Anatomical and biochemical advantages in muscle support outstanding athletic performance in individuals of Afrocentric descent.
  • The interplay between genetic adaptations, sickle cell trait, and physiological mechanisms contributes to enhanced athleticism.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex genetic and physiological underpinnings of athletic performance in this population.