Edexcel GCSE Physical Education key terms

A cell within skeletal muscle that contracts to produce force.

The size or circumference of a muscle.

An increase in muscle size.

The slight tension maintained in muscles at rest, which helps support posture.

The ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions over time without tiring.

An increase in the size of a skeletal muscle following training.

The greatest force a muscle or muscle group can produce.

The bones, muscles and associated tissues that work together to support the body and enable movement.

A pain-relieving drug that can mask the pain of an injury, allowing a performer to continue participating without the injury having healed.

An addictive substance found in tobacco.

Reference results from a group of people, used to judge an individual's score relative to a suitable comparison group, often matched by age and sex.

A substance obtained from food that the body needs for energy, growth, repair or normal functioning.

Having excessive body fat to a degree that significantly increases the risk of health problems.

Based on observable facts or measurements rather than personal opinion.

Watching an activity and recording information about what happens.

The greatest weight a performer can lift once using correct technique, often abbreviated to 1RM.

A skill performed in a changing, unpredictable environment, requiring the performer to react and adjust.

To make performance as effective as possible, helping a performer fulfil their potential.

The ideal body weight for an individual, taking account of their physical characteristics and the demands of their activity or sporting role.

A condition in which bones become less dense and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures.

Having a higher proportion of body fat than is healthy.

Training excessively without enough recovery, which can harm health and increase injury risk.

An injury caused by repeated stress on a part of the body over time.

Having body weight above the recommended range for a person's height.

Blood with a relatively high oxygen content, usually travelling from the lungs towards body tissues.

The extra oxygen required after exercise to help the body recover, including breaking down lactic acid following anaerobic activity.

The proportion of a defined population taking part in an activity, often expressed as a percentage.

A proportion expressed out of 100, allowing groups of different sizes to be compared.