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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 185 MC

A gymnast performing a 90-second floor routine begins to experience muscular fatigue during their final tumbling pass. What is the MOST likely cause?

  1. Accumulation of lactic acid
  2. Depletion of ATP stores
  3. Depletion of muscle glycogen
  4. Insufficient oxygen availability
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Consider Option A:  Accumulation of lactic acid

  • This high-intensity activity predominantly utilises the glycolytic energy system, resulting in lactic acid accumulation that interferes with muscle contraction efficiency during the final elements.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: ATP depletion occurs in very short efforts (<10 sec)
  • C is incorrect: Glycogen depletion occurs in longer endurance events 
  • D is incorrect: Oxygen debt occurs but isn’t primary cause of fatigue