Analyse the relationship between lactate levels and other immediate physiological responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT). (8 marks)
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- During HIIT, lactate levels increase rapidly during high-intensity intervals as the body relies heavily on glycolytic energy systems, causing an accumulation of lactate in the muscles and bloodstream
- Heart rate increases proportionally with exercise intensity, with a correlation between elevated heart rate and increased lactate production during high-intensity intervals
- Ventilation rate (breathing rate) increases to expel carbon dioxide and supply more oxygen, with rapid breathing during intense exercise periods coinciding with rising lactate levels
- Stroke volume initially increases but may plateau or slightly decrease during very high-intensity intervals when lactate levels are at their highest
- Cardiac output increases to deliver more oxygen to working muscles and help remove lactate, showing a direct relationship with rising lactate concentrations
- Recovery intervals allow partial clearance of lactate as the body returns toward homeostasis, demonstrating the dynamic relationship between work and recovery periods
- For example, a soccer player performing sprint intervals would experience rapid increases in lactate levels, heart rate, and ventilation during sprints, with partial recovery during rest periods
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Sample Answer
- During HIIT, lactate levels increase rapidly during high-intensity intervals as the body relies heavily on glycolytic energy systems, causing an accumulation of lactate in the muscles and bloodstream
- Heart rate increases proportionally with exercise intensity, with a correlation between elevated heart rate and increased lactate production during high-intensity intervals
- Ventilation rate (breathing rate) increases to expel carbon dioxide and supply more oxygen, with rapid breathing during intense exercise periods coinciding with rising lactate levels
- Stroke volume initially increases but may plateau or slightly decrease during very high-intensity intervals when lactate levels are at their highest
- Cardiac output increases to deliver more oxygen to working muscles and help remove lactate, showing a direct relationship with rising lactate concentrations
- Recovery intervals allow partial clearance of lactate as the body returns toward homeostasis, demonstrating the dynamic relationship between work and recovery periods
- For example, a soccer player performing sprint intervals would experience rapid increases in lactate levels, heart rate, and ventilation during sprints, with partial recovery during rest periods