title: Endurance Exercise: Normal Physiology and Limitations Imposed by Pathological Processes (Part 1).
abstract: In brief: Endurance exercise induces significant and rapid changes in many physiological functions. To maintain homeostasis, adaptations in the oxygen transport and delivery chain are necessary. Increases in minute ventilation and diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane enhance oxygenation of blood in the lungs. Parallel changes in cardiac output, muscle blood flow, and arteriovenous oxygen difference increase oxygen transport and delivery. Pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases can limit oxygen transport and/or delivery, while muscle diseases can impair oxygen delivery.
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Frontera
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Adams