HMS, BM EQ-Bank 780

Tom is a 400m sprinter who has been incorporating anaerobic interval training into his program.

Describe the physiological responses that occur during anaerobic interval training and explain how these benefit Tom's event performance. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

During high-intensity work intervals, Tom’s muscles rapidly deplete ATP-PCr stores and increase glycolytic activity.
- Leads to lactate accumulation that his body must clear during recovery phases.
His heart rate quickly rises to near maximal levels during work intervals and remains elevated during recovery periods.
- Enhances his cardiovascular system’s ability to handle repeated anaerobic efforts.
The training creates oxygen debt during work intervals that must be repaid during recovery.
- Improves his body’s ability to tolerate and recover from the oxygen deficit experienced during a 400m race.
These adaptations benefit Tom by increasing his anaerobic capacity and lactate tolerance, allowing him to maintain higher speeds during the latter portions of his 400m event when fatigue typically occurs.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

During high-intensity work intervals, Tom’s muscles rapidly deplete ATP-PCr stores and increase glycolytic activity.
- Leads to lactate accumulation that his body must clear during recovery phases.
His heart rate quickly rises to near maximal levels during work intervals and remains elevated during recovery periods.
- Enhances his cardiovascular system’s ability to handle repeated anaerobic efforts.
The training creates oxygen debt during work intervals that must be repaid during recovery.
- Improves his body’s ability to tolerate and recover from the oxygen deficit experienced during a 400m race.
These adaptations benefit Tom by increasing his anaerobic capacity and lactate tolerance, allowing him to maintain higher speeds during the latter portions of his 400m event when fatigue typically occurs.