Eccentric contraction – A muscle lengthens under tension while controlling movement.
Ecological dynamics – A theory of motor learning that focuses on environment, task, and performer interactions.
Effector – A muscle or gland that responds to nerve signals by producing movement or action.
Efferent pathway – Nerve signals that travel from the central nervous system to the muscles.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A recording of the heart’s electrical activity.
Electromyography (EMG) – A test that measures electrical activity produced by muscles.
Electrolyte balance – Maintaining correct levels of minerals like sodium and potassium in body fluids.
Elite performance – The highest level of competitive achievement in sport.
Ellipsoid joint – A synovial joint allowing movement in two planes, like the wrist.
Emotional arousal – Heightened physical and mental alertness influenced by emotion.
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings or perspectives of athletes or teammates.
End plate – The area where a motor neuron connects with a muscle fibre.
End systolic volume – The amount of blood left in the heart after it contracts.
End-diastolic volume – The volume of blood in the ventricle before it contracts.
Endocrine system – A system of glands that releases hormones to regulate body functions.
Endomysium – The connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibres.
Endorphins – Chemicals released during exercise that reduce pain and enhance mood.
Endurance – The ability to sustain physical effort over an extended period.
Energy balance – The relationship between calories consumed and calories expended.
Energy expenditure – The total amount of energy used by the body during activity.
Energy intake – The total amount of energy consumed from food and drink.
Energy substrate – A fuel source, like glucose or fat, used to produce energy.
Environmental constraint – An external factor (like weather or surface) that influences movement.
Epidemiology – The study of how physical activity and health conditions affect populations.
Epimysium – The outer connective tissue layer that wraps around a whole muscle.
Epiphyseal plate – The growth area at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents.
Equilibrium – A state of balance between opposing forces or actions.
Ergogenic benefit – A performance-enhancing effect provided by a training method or substance.
Ergogenic device – Any piece of equipment or tool used to improve training or recovery.
Ergogenic food – A nutritional item consumed to enhance physical performance.
Ergogenic technique – A method or practice that improves physical or psychological performance.
Ergometer – A device used to measure work output during physical exercise (e.g. rowing machine).
Ergophysiology – The study of how exercise affects the body’s physical functions.
Error correction – The process of identifying and adjusting technique after a mistake.
Ethical practice – Acting in a fair, respectful, and responsible way in sport and coaching.
Eversion – Turning the sole of the foot outward away from the midline.
Evidence-based coaching – Making coaching decisions based on research, data, and athlete feedback.
Exercise adherence – The ability of an individual to stick to a training or fitness programme.
Exercise economy – The amount of energy needed to perform a movement at a given speed.
Exercise intensity – The level of effort required by an activity, often measured by heart rate or RPE.
Exercise physiology – The study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity.
Exercise prescription – A structured plan outlining type, duration, intensity, and frequency of exercise.
Exhalation – The process of breathing out carbon dioxide from the lungs.
Exogenous carbohydrate – Carbohydrates consumed from outside the body, such as in food or drink.
Expectancy theory – A motivation theory suggesting performance is influenced by expected outcomes.
Explosive strength – The ability to generate maximum force in minimal time.
Explosive training – Exercise that improves speed and power through rapid muscle contractions.
Extension – A movement that increases the angle between two bones at a joint.
Extrinsic feedback – Performance information provided by an external source like a coach or video.
Extrinsic motivation – Drive to perform based on external rewards like praise or trophies.