Oxygen debt

Definition

Oxygen debt is the amount of extra oxygen that muscles need to recover after strenuous exercise. It compensates for the lack of oxygen available during rapid muscle activity by repaying the oxygen used from reserves.

Related terms

Aerobic respiration: The process of producing cellular energy involving oxygen.

Anaerobic respiration: The process of generating energy without using oxygen, typically occurring during intense muscle activity.

Lactic acid: A byproduct of anaerobic respiration that accumulates in muscles during strenuous exercise and contributes to muscle fatigue