Which key organization of exercise physiology was established in 1948?

The American Physiological Society, established in 1887, plays a crucial role in publishing research and advancing the knowledge of physiology, including exercise physiology. However, the key organization specifically tied to the development and formalization of exercise physiology as a distinct field was the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), which was founded in 1954.

In contrast, the Harvard Fatigue Laboratory, established in 1927, was significant for its early research on the physiological responses to exercise, but it is not the organization established in 1948. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which conducts and supports medical research, is a broader organization that oversees various health-related research initiatives and is not limited to exercise physiology.

Thus, while the American Physiological Society is a significant entity in the broader landscape of exercise physiology, the correct answer to the question about the key organization established in 1948 is not C. Instead, it is necessary to identify that the ACSM, though established later, has become the leading organization focused specifically on sports medicine and exercise physiology. The answer expected from the question should reflect the importance of recognizing the historical timeline and context of these organizations within the field of exercise physiology.