Exercise physiology in the 1990's: mechanistically defining the exercise model.

Definition of the exercise model via a mechanistic approach is a goal which should be of high priority among sport researchers in the 1990's, in an attempt to further qualify previous phenomenological observations of exercising man. Prolonged argument on the "theory-versus-practice" issue is one which is counter-productive in the advancement of knowledge in our discipline, and must be addressed and resolved. With specific emphasis on the neuromuscular control of movement, current research literature suggests that the components limiting to human performance may reside in the muscle, motoneurone and in the supraspinal of movement. Mechanistically defining the limits in each component, related to patterns of movement during exercise, may soon herald a reclassification of exercise types and their limits, defined by the particular system involved. Similarly, new evidence on adaptations throughout the neuromuscular system calls for a systematic study of these adaptations, how they influence structure and function of cell and organ systems, and their effects on the performance of the voluntarily exercising human. A mechanistic approach to these problems, using "simple" experimental models to more precisely define cause-effect, are justifiable and necessary in our field on the basis of the potential applicability of such information in the fields of design of exercise programmes, and the evaluation of their effectiveness, for normal and special populations. The problems associated with increased academic specialization and the communication gap which might result, are not inevitable. An enhancement of the proliferation of this knowledge and its interpretation in practical terms will result through our own awareness of the necessity of doing this, and through sensitization of our students to this issue.