Compare TWO different methods for measuring oxygen consumption during aerobic training. (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer
Metabolic cart versus fitness tracker
- A metabolic cart with mask and gas analysers directly measures oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output providing precise VO₂ data, while fitness trackers estimate oxygen consumption based on heart rate and movement patterns.
- Direct measurement via metabolic cart provides gold-standard accuracy but requires expensive equipment and restricts normal movement patterns during exercise.
- Fitness trackers offer convenience and continuous monitoring during various activities but have limited accuracy, typically 10-20% error compared to direct measurement.
- Metabolic carts can identify precise aerobic thresholds through gas exchange analysis while fitness trackers can only estimate these based on heart rate algorithms.
- Both methods require proper calibration, but metabolic carts need more extensive technical expertise to operate correctly and interpret the resulting data.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Metabolic cart versus fitness tracker
- A metabolic cart with mask and gas analysers directly measures oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output providing precise VO₂ data, while fitness trackers estimate oxygen consumption based on heart rate and movement patterns.
- Direct measurement via metabolic cart provides gold-standard accuracy but requires expensive equipment and restricts normal movement patterns during exercise.
- Fitness trackers offer convenience and continuous monitoring during various activities but have limited accuracy, typically 10-20% error compared to direct measurement.
- Metabolic carts can identify precise aerobic thresholds through gas exchange analysis while fitness trackers can only estimate these based on heart rate algorithms.
- Both methods require proper calibration, but metabolic carts need more extensive technical expertise to operate correctly and interpret the resulting data.