Explain how you could use physiological data collected during an aerobic training investigation to draw valid conclusions about the relationship between training intensity and improvement in aerobic capacity. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer
- Calculate the percentage improvement in aerobic capacity measures (VO₂ max, lactate threshold) for participants training at different intensity zones (low, moderate, high) to determine which intensity produces optimal adaptations.
- Analyse heart rate data during training sessions to verify that participants maintained their assigned training intensities, ensuring conclusions about intensity-related effects are based on actual training loads experienced.
- Examine whether a dose-response relationship exists by plotting training intensity against improvements, determining if benefits increase linearly with intensity or if there’s an optimal range beyond which returns diminish.
- Control for and account for confounding variables such as training volume and frequency when analysing the intensity relationship, ensuring conclusions specifically isolate the effect of intensity rather than other training factors.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- Calculate the percentage improvement in aerobic capacity measures (VO₂ max, lactate threshold) for participants training at different intensity zones (low, moderate, high) to determine which intensity produces optimal adaptations.
- Analyse heart rate data during training sessions to verify that participants maintained their assigned training intensities, ensuring conclusions about intensity-related effects are based on actual training loads experienced.
- Examine whether a dose-response relationship exists by plotting training intensity against improvements, determining if benefits increase linearly with intensity or if there’s an optimal range beyond which returns diminish.
- Control for and account for confounding variables such as training volume and frequency when analysing the intensity relationship, ensuring conclusions specifically isolate the effect of intensity rather than other training factors.