P‑wave – The part of an ECG representing atrial depolarisation.

Plyometrics – Jumping exercises that build explosive muscular power.

Progressive overload – Gradually increasing training demand for strength and performance gains.

Periodisation – Dividing training into phases (e.g. macro-, meso-, microcycles) to peak for competition.

Peak power – The highest force × velocity output during a movement.

Passive stretching – Increasing range of motion using external force, not muscle action.

Proprioception – The sense of body position and movement via sensory receptors.

Pulmonary ventilation – The process of breathing air in and out of the lungs.

Pulmonary diffusion – Gas exchange between alveoli and blood in the lungs.

Phosphocreatine – A rapid energy source in muscle used for short, intense exercise.

Phosphagen system – The ATP-PC energy pathway supplies immediate energy.

Psychological readiness – The mental state of preparedness to perform.

Perceived exertion (RPE) – A subjective scale rating exercise intensity.

Physiology – The study of how the body functions during rest and exercise.

Pathogenesis – The process of disease development, including sports injuries.

Peer coaching – Learning through guided interaction and feedback from peers.

Pacing strategy – Planning speed or effort during endurance events.

Pectoralis major – A chest muscle involved in pushing movements.

Pulse rate – The number of heartbeats per minute, felt at pulse points.

Platelet – A blood component involved in clotting for injury repair.

Polyunsaturated fat – A heart‑healthy dietary fat important for energy and recovery.

Pituitary gland – A hormone gland that controls growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Power – Work done per unit of time (force × velocity).

Post‑activation potentiation – Temporary increase in muscle power after intense activation.

Posture – The alignment of body segments, important for movement and injury prevention.

Performance analysis – Using data or video to evaluate and improve athlete performance.

Peer feedback – Observational assessment and advice from classmates or teammates.

Polarised training – A training plan with mainly low- and high-intensity workouts.

Predicted VO₂ max – An estimated maximal oxygen uptake based on submaximal testing results.

Precision – The consistency of repeated performance or measurements.

Protraction – A forward movement of a body part, such as the scapula, moving away from the spine along the rib cage.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) – Advanced stretching combining contraction and relaxation.

Protein synthesis – Building new muscle proteins after exercise.

Progressive agility drills – Exercises where change-of-direction demands increase progressively.

Psychomotor skill – A movement skill requiring decision-making and physical execution.

Plasticity – The nervous system’s ability to change through practice or injury (neuroplasticity).

Pronation – A rotational movement that turns a body part inward or downward from its standard anatomical position.

Prophylactic bracing – Wearing protective gear to prevent joint injury.

Plyometric chain – A linked series of rapid, eccentric-to-concentric muscle actions.

Proprioceptive training – Activities (e.g. balance boards) that enhance body awareness.

Power output – The rate of energy production during performance (e.g. watts).

Peak oxygen uptake – The maximal rate of oxygen consumption; another term for VO₂ max.

Plasma volume – The fluid part of blood, affected by training and hydration.

Plateau – A temporary period of no improvement in performance or fitness.

P‑Value – A statistical measure indicating the likelihood that results occurred by chance.

Primary mover – The main muscle responsible for a particular movement.

Posterior chain – The muscles along the back of the body used in posture and movement.

Post‑game recovery – Physical and mental recovery strategies following competition.

Push‑pull ratio – The balance of strength between pushing and pulling movements.

Psychoneuroimmunology – A field studying how stress and performance affect the immune system.

Physical literacy – The competence, confidence, and motivation to be active for life.

Plyo‑stretch – A plyometric stretch in which muscles are contracted before stretching.

Pump training – High-repetition resistance training inducing muscle swelling (“the pump”).

Power endurance – The ability to sustain high-intensity output for an extended time.

Period strength – Strength work carried out at specific phases in the bone’s structure during skeletal loading.

Pragmatic evaluation – Practical assessment of interventions in applied sport settings.

Push-ups – A body-weight exercise building upper body and core strength.

Planetary model – A framework for integrated athlete support systems (coach, medical, etc.).

Performance ceiling – The maximum potential of an athlete based on current factors.

Pelvic tilt – The orientation of the pelvis that affects posture and lumbar spine alignment.

Patellar tendonitis – Overuse inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap (“jumper’s knee”).

Peak height velocity – The fastest rate of growth during an adolescent growth spurt.

Plyometric depth jump – A jump used to measure explosive strength, dropping from a height and then rebounding.

Powerlifting – A strength sport focusing on squat, bench press, and deadlift maxes.

Pacer test – A field test measuring maximal aerobic fitness via back-and-forth shuttle runs.

Par-Q – A questionnaire used to screen participants before physical activity.

Passive insufficiency – When a muscle cannot stretch enough to allow full movement due to the opposing agonist.

Pre-competition routine – The behavioural and mental prep performed right before competition.

Placebo – An inert intervention given to compare effects in studies.

Postural control – The ability to maintain balance during movement or standing.

Pectoralis minor – A chest muscle responsible for scapular depression and stability.

Powerband – Elastic bands used to add resistance and variability in strength training.

Point-of-force application – The exact spot where force is applied to move an object or body part.

Plyo-meter – Equipment (e.g. box) used for measuring jump height in plyometric testing.

Psychobiological model – A dopamine-based framework for endurance performance limitations.

Peak torque – The maximum rotational force a joint produces during isokinetic testing.

Plyometric intensity – The degree of difficulty or impact level in plyometric exercises.

Performance profile – A breakdown of an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses across multiple variables.

Profile of Mood States (POMS) – A psychological questionnaire used to assess mood in athletes.

Peak blood lactate – The highest lactate concentration reached during or after exercise.

Periosteum – The connective tissue covering bone is important for growth and healing.