A student investigated changes in lactate threshold following an 8-week high-intensity interval training program in recreational runners. The results showed an average 9% improvement in the speed at lactate threshold, but no significant change in maximum heart rate.
Identify TWO further research questions that could be explored based on these findings, explaining how each builds on the original study. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar
- “Would a longer duration training program (e.g., 12 or 16 weeks) continue to improve lactate threshold at the same rate?” This question directly builds on the findings by exploring the duration aspect of the training program and whether improvements would plateau or continue over extended periods.
- “How do these improvements in lactate threshold relate to changes in submaximal exercise performance during activities like 5km running or cycling tests?” This question connects the physiological measurement to practical outcomes that are observable and measurable in real-world aerobic training scenarios and performance.
- “Would different types of high-intensity interval training (varying work-to-rest ratios) produce different improvements in lactate threshold compared to the original training protocol?” This question examines how modifying the exercise protocol might influence the physiological responses observed in the original study and training effects.
- “Is there a correlation between initial fitness levels and the magnitude of improvement in lactate threshold following the 8-week training program in recreational runners?” This question explores individual differences in physiological responses to the same training stimulus and factors that might predict training success and improvement.
- “Would the same high-intensity interval training program produce similar lactate threshold improvements in untrained individuals compared to the recreational runners in the study?” This question investigates whether fitness level affects the magnitude of physiological responses to interval training protocols and aerobic capacity improvements across different populations.
- “How do changes in lactate threshold relate to improvements in other physiological markers such as VO2 max, resting heart rate, stroke volume, or recovery time?” This question examines the relationship between different physiological responses and whether lactate threshold improvements correspond with other cardiovascular and respiratory training responses.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar
- “Would a longer duration training program (e.g., 12 or 16 weeks) continue to improve lactate threshold at the same rate?” This question directly builds on the findings by exploring the duration aspect of the training program and whether improvements would plateau or continue over extended periods.
- “How do these improvements in lactate threshold relate to changes in submaximal exercise performance during activities like 5km running or cycling tests?” This question connects the physiological measurement to practical outcomes that are observable and measurable in real-world aerobic training scenarios and performance.
- “Would different types of high-intensity interval training (varying work-to-rest ratios) produce different improvements in lactate threshold compared to the original training protocol?” This question examines how modifying the exercise protocol might influence the physiological responses observed in the original study and training effects.
- “Is there a correlation between initial fitness levels and the magnitude of improvement in lactate threshold following the 8-week training program in recreational runners?” This question explores individual differences in physiological responses to the same training stimulus and factors that might predict training success and improvement.
- “Would the same high-intensity interval training program produce similar lactate threshold improvements in untrained individuals compared to the recreational runners in the study?” This question investigates whether fitness level affects the magnitude of physiological responses to interval training protocols and aerobic capacity improvements across different populations.
- “How do changes in lactate threshold relate to improvements in other physiological markers such as VO2 max, resting heart rate, stroke volume, or recovery time?” This question examines the relationship between different physiological responses and whether lactate threshold improvements correspond with other cardiovascular and respiratory training responses.