2nd Edition
by Vassilis Mougios
Exercise Biochemistry brings
an admittedly difficult and technical subject to life. Extremely user-
and student-friendly, it is written in conversational style by Vassilis
Mougios, who poses and then answers questions as if in conversation with
a student. Mougios does an excellent job of making the information
interesting by using simple language without compromising scientific
accuracy and content. He also uses ample analogies, related works of
art, and numerous illustrations to drive home his points for readers.
The result is that Exercise Biochemistry
is a highly informative and illuminating text on the effects of
exercise on molecular-level functioning. It presents the basics of
biochemistry as well as in-depth coverage of exercise biochemistry. The
book uses key terms, sidebars, and questions and problems posed at the
end of each chapter to facilitate learning. It also covers metabolism,
endocrinology, and assessment all in one volume, unlike other exercise
biochemistry books.
In exploring all of these topics, Exercise Biochemistry
makes the case for exercise biochemistry to have a stand-alone
textbook. In fact, this book will encourage more universities to
introduce exercise biochemistry courses to their curricula. Having the
necessary topics of basic biochemistry in a single volume will
facilitate the work of both instructors and students.
Exercise Biochemistry
will also be useful to graduate students in sport science who have not
been formally introduced to exercise biochemistry during their
undergraduate programs. Additionally, it can supplement exercise
physiology textbooks with its coverage of the molecular basis of
physiological processes. This book is also for physical education and
sport professionals who have an interest in how the human body functions
during and after exercise. And this book is addressed to health
scientists who are interested in the transformations in human metabolism
brought about by physical activity.
The book is organized in four parts. Part I
introduces readers to biochemistry basics, including chapters on
metabolism, proteins, nucleic acids and gene expression, and
carbohydrates and lipids. Part II consists of two chapters that explore neural control of movement and muscle contraction. The essence of the book is found in part III,
which details exercise metabolism in its six chapters. Included are
chapters on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism in exercise;
compounds of high phosphoryl transfer potential; effects of exercise on
gene expression; and integration of exercise metabolism. In part IV,
the author focuses on biochemical assessment of people who exercise,
with chapters on iron status, metabolites, and enzymes and hormones.
Simple biochemical tests are provided to assess an athlete's health and
performance.
Exercise Biochemistry
is a highly readable book that serves as a source for understanding how
exercise changes bodily functions. The text is useful for both students
and practitioners alike.
