HMS, BM EQ-Bank 424 MC

A research study investigating the relationship between aerobic training and stress hormone levels found that participants with the greatest improvements in aerobic capacity also showed the largest reductions in cortisol levels at rest. However, the study didn't measure cortisol levels during exercise.

Which of the following represents the most sophisticated further research question based on these findings?

Does aerobic training reduce stress hormone levels during everyday activities?
Are cortisol reductions maintained if aerobic training is discontinued?
Would resistance training show similar effects on cortisol levels as aerobic training?
How do changes in cortisol during exercise relate to improvements in resting cortisol levels following aerobic training?

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Consider Option D: How do changes in cortisol during exercise relate to improvements in resting cortisol levels following aerobic training?

This option directly represents the most sophisticated further research question as it builds directly on the gap identified in the original study (not measuring cortisol during exercise) while maintaining focus on the relationship between aerobic capacity improvements and cortisol regulation.
This question seeks to understand the physiological mechanisms that link training adaptations to hormone regulation.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Broadens the scope to everyday activities rather than focusing on understanding the exercise-specific response.
B is incorrect: Looks at maintenance effects rather than deepening understanding of the mechanisms.
C is incorrect: Shifts focus to a different type of training rather than building on the findings about aerobic training.