A Primer for the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism [Hardcover]

Christopher B. Scott (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1603273824 | ISBN-13: 978-1603273824 | Publication Date: October 9, 2008 | Edition: 1

The subject of thermodynamics is rarely found in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology textbooks. Yet this material is fundamental to any serious inquisition concerning energy exchange. This book provides a fresh approach to the study of energy expenditure by introducing the latest concepts in open system thermodynamics and cellular to whole-body energy exchange. The text traces biological energy exchange, from the molecules in the food we eat to the energy demands of rest, physical exertion and its recovery. The carefully researched text advances traditional exercise physiology concepts by incorporating contemporary thermodynamic and cellular physiology principles into the context of a ‘working’ metabolism. This book is written for upper level undergraduate and graduate students, but will also appeal to exercise physiologists, registered dieticians and nutritionists, and applies to cardiac rehabilitation, exercise science and health fitness programs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The subject of thermodynamics is rarely found in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology textbooks. Yet this material is fundamental to any serious inquisition concerning energy exchange. This book provides a fresh approach to the study of energy expenditure by introducing the latest concepts in open system thermodynamics and cellular to whole-body energy exchange. A journey is undertaken by the reader, beginning with what energy is and where the energy in glucose is found, and ending with the concept of high versus low intensity exercise in augmenting weight loss. The text traces biological energy exchange, from the molecules in the food we eat to the energy demands of rest, physical exertion and its recovery. Because of life’s continuous need for exchanges to take place with the environment, metabolism is proposed to be as much an act of engineering as it is biochemistry. The carefully researched text advances traditional exercise physiology concepts by incorporating contemporary thermodynamic and cellular physiology principles into the context of a ‘working’ metabolism. This book is written for upper level undergraduate and graduate students, but will also appeal to exercise physiologists, registered dieticians and nutritionists, and applies to cardiac rehabilitation, exercise science and health fitness programs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Humana Press; 1 edition (October 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603273824
• ISBN-13: 978-1603273824
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,503,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Thermodynamics of Living Systems, February 22, 2011

By 

Edward J. Behrman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Primer for the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism (Hardcover)

We recommend this book for its exposition of the thermodynamics of living systems and in particular for its renewed emphasis on the idea that matter and energy changes are largely driven by gradients. We found Chapter 10 most instructive due to the quantitative perspectives on both the enthalpy and entropy changes in glycolysis. Most standard texts deal only with Gibbs free energy changes with the result that it is not obvious where the energy for ATP synthesis comes from during this process. Scott makes it clear in Table 10.1 that entropy changes are important. In addition, the concluding deliberations on energy expenditures during different physiological states are thought-provoking. It is curious that the publisher refers to Dr. Scott as the editor when he is the sole author.
E. J. Behrman & V. Gopalan, The Ohio State University.