Explain how cardiorespiratory endurance supports overall health and athletic performance, including two specific ways it can be developed. (6 marks)
--- 18 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer – Other answers possible with similar detail
- Cardiorespiratory endurance supports health and performance because it ensures efficient oxygen delivery to working muscles through improved cardiac output. This occurs when the heart pumps more blood per beat during exercise. As a result, enhanced delivery systems support both daily activities and athletic performance by preventing premature fatigue.
- The reason this works is that improved respiratory function enables adequate oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. Blood vessels become more efficient at delivering fuel to working muscles. Consequently, better circulation supports sustained performance and faster recovery.
- Development occurs through progressive aerobic training that builds endurance through gradual increases in duration and intensity. Activities like running or cycling start at comfortable levels and progress by adding 5-10% more time weekly. This approach results in systematic cardiovascular improvements.
- Alternatively, this develops through interval training that alternates between high-intensity work and active recovery periods. Such methods work because they improve both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems simultaneously. Sessions might include 4-minute hard efforts followed by 2-minute recovery periods, which enables positive cardiovascular changes.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Other answers possible with similar detail
- Cardiorespiratory endurance supports health and performance because it ensures efficient oxygen delivery to working muscles through improved cardiac output. This occurs when the heart pumps more blood per beat during exercise. As a result, enhanced delivery systems support both daily activities and athletic performance by preventing premature fatigue.
- The reason this works is that improved respiratory function enables adequate oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. Blood vessels become more efficient at delivering fuel to working muscles. Consequently, better circulation supports sustained performance and faster recovery.
- Development occurs through progressive aerobic training that builds endurance through gradual increases in duration and intensity. Activities like running or cycling start at comfortable levels and progress by adding 5-10% more time weekly. This approach results in systematic cardiovascular improvements.
- Alternatively, this develops through interval training that alternates between high-intensity work and active recovery periods. Such methods work because they improve both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems simultaneously. Sessions might include 4-minute hard efforts followed by 2-minute recovery periods, which enables positive cardiovascular changes.