Which term refers to the efficiency of the body's ability to perform work over an extended period?

The term that refers to the efficiency of the body's ability to perform work over an extended period is cardiovascular endurance. This concept focuses on how well the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during prolonged physical activity. It emphasizes the importance of sustained exercise capability, which allows individuals to engage in activities such as running, cycling, or swimming for longer durations without excessive fatigue.

This measure of endurance is crucial for overall fitness and is directly related to the body’s capacity to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. Individuals with high cardiovascular endurance can maintain a given intensity of exercise for longer periods, making it a key component of fitness training programs aimed at improving performance in endurance sports and activities.

In contrast, muscular strength relates specifically to the amount of force that a muscle or group of muscles can exert in a single effort, while functional fitness encompasses a broader evaluation of physical capabilities for daily living tasks. Power, on the other hand, refers to the combination of strength and speed, focusing on how quickly work can be performed in high-intensity, short-duration activities.