Balance: The ability to maintain control of body position, whether still or moving.
Baroreceptor: A receptor in blood vessels that detects changes in blood pressure.
Basal ganglia: A group of brain structures involved in movement control and coordination.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR): The minimum energy required to sustain basic body functions at rest.
Behavioural objective: A clear, specific statement of what a learner should be able to do.
Bernoulli's Principle: A principle in fluid dynamics stating that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. Applied to lift generation (e.g., in discus or ski jumping).
Beta oxidation: The process of breaking down fatty acids for energy during aerobic activity.
Biceps brachii: A muscle in the upper arm responsible for elbow flexion.
Bilateral Transfer: The improvement in performance of a skill on one side of the body as a result of practice with the other side.
Biomechanical analysis: Study of human movement using mechanical principles.
Biomechanics: The science of movement and the forces acting on the body.
Biomotor abilities: Core physical attributes such as strength, speed, endurance, and coordination.
Biopsy: A medical procedure to remove tissue for analysis (e.g., muscle fibre typing).
Biopsy needle: A tool used to extract tissue samples from muscle.
Blood doping: A banned method of increasing red blood cell count to enhance performance.
Blood flow: The movement of blood through the circulatory system.
Blood Glucose Concentration: The amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon to maintain energy supply.
Blood lactate: A form of lactic acid found in the blood during anaerobic exercise.
Blood pressure: The force exerted by blood on artery walls, measured in systolic and diastolic values.
Blood vessels: Tubes (arteries, veins, capillaries) that carry blood throughout the body.
Body composition: The proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in the body.
Body dysmorphia: A mental health condition where someone is obsessed with perceived body flaws.
Body image: An individual’s perception of their physical appearance.
Body mass index (BMI): A calculation using height and weight to assess body size.
Bodyweight training: Strength exercises using the individual's own weight for resistance.
Bone density: The strength and thickness of bones, often influenced by exercise.
Bone marrow: The soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Bone mineral content: The amount of mineral in bone tissue, important for skeletal strength.
Bone remodelling: The continuous process of bone renewal and repair.
Boundary conditions: Constraints or limits that influence how skills are performed in context.
Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal resting heart rate, often seen in trained athletes.
Brainstem: The part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord, controlling basic life functions.
Bronchi: Airways in the lungs that carry air from the trachea to the bronchioles.
Bronchodilator: A drug that widens the air passages in the lungs, used in asthma treatment.
Bronchioles: Smaller branches of the bronchi that direct air to the alveoli.
Buoyancy: The upward force water exerts on an object, important in aquatic activities.
Buffering capacity: The body’s ability to neutralise acid buildup during exercise.
Build-up phase: A training stage where volume or intensity is gradually increased.
Burst training: High-intensity, short-duration effort followed by recovery.
Biomechanical efficiency: The effectiveness of movement with minimal wasted energy.
Blood glucose: The level of sugar in the bloodstream, used for energy.
Bioelectrical impedance: A method for estimating body composition using electrical currents.
Back extension: A movement or exercise that strengthens the muscles of the lower back.
Balance training: Exercises designed to improve postural control and coordination.
Behavioural psychology: The study of how thoughts and actions affect sports performance.
Ballistic stretching: A form of stretching that involves bouncing movements to push muscles beyond their normal range.
Band resistance training: Using elastic bands to provide resistance during exercise.
Beats per minute (BPM): A measure of heart rate or tempo in music and training.
Bilateral transfer: The transfer of a learned skill from one side of the body to the other.
Blending: Combining different types of training or learning methods to enhance skill development.
Biomechanical overload: Excess mechanical stress placed on the body during movement or training.
