A physiological metric quantifying an individual’s ability to tolerate, recover from, and positively adapt to a specific volume and intensity of physical exercise or psychological stress. This capacity is directly influenced by the resilience of the neuroendocrine system and the efficiency of anabolic recovery processes. A high absorption capacity allows for greater training stimulus and superior performance gains.
Origin
This term is a cornerstone of exercise physiology and performance endocrinology, linking the external stressor (“training load”) to the internal biological response (“absorption capacity”). It acknowledges that the body’s ability to process stress is a limiting factor in both physical performance and overall health. Hormonal balance is a critical, measurable component of this adaptive reserve.
Mechanism
The capacity is mediated by the dynamic balance between catabolic hormones like cortisol and anabolic hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone, and DHEA. A high absorption capacity indicates a rapid and efficient post-exercise shift toward anabolism, characterized by robust protein synthesis and glycogen repletion. The mechanism relies on a resilient HPA axis and optimized gonadal hormone output to effectively manage and recover from systemic stress.
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