HMS, BM EQ-Bank 78

Discuss the relationship between dehydration, digestive function and hormonal balance during a 400 m sprint race. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Structure solution using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Sample Answer

Benefits of system responses:

[P] On one hand, stress hormones optimise performance by redirecting blood flow away from digestion.
[E] This ensures maximum oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles during the sprint.
[Ev] Adrenaline and cortisol shut down digestive processes, prioritising muscle function for explosive power.
[L] This demonstrates how hormonal changes support sprint performance through resource allocation.
[P] A key advantage is ADH (antidiuretic hormone) release helps preserve fluid balance during intense effort.
[E] This hormone reduces urine production to maintain blood volume despite sweating.
[Ev] Even in a short 400m race, ADH prevents excessive fluid loss that could impair performance.
[L] This shows how hormonal adaptations protect against dehydration’s negative effects.

Challenges of system responses:

[P] Turning to the opposing view, suppressed digestive function can cause gastrointestinal distress during sprinting.
[E] Reduced blood flow and halted digestion may trigger nausea or cramping.
[Ev] Athletes often experience “butterflies” or stomach discomfort that can affect focus and technique.
[L] This reveals how digestive shutdown, while necessary, creates performance challenges.
[P] From another angle, rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss disrupt hormonal signalling pathways.
[E] This interference affects muscle contraction efficiency and energy metabolism.
[Ev] Even 2% dehydration can impair sprint times through compromised neuromuscular function.
[L] Nevertheless, this demonstrates the delicate balance required between fluid status and hormonal control.

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Sample Answer

Benefits of system responses:

[P] On one hand, stress hormones optimise performance by redirecting blood flow away from digestion.
[E] This ensures maximum oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles during the sprint.
[Ev] Adrenaline and cortisol shut down digestive processes, prioritising muscle function for explosive power.
[L] This demonstrates how hormonal changes support sprint performance through resource allocation.
[P] A key advantage is ADH (antidiuretic hormone) release helps preserve fluid balance during intense effort.
[E] This hormone reduces urine production to maintain blood volume despite sweating.
[Ev] Even in a short 400m race, ADH prevents excessive fluid loss that could impair performance.
[L] This shows how hormonal adaptations protect against dehydration’s negative effects.

Challenges of system responses:

[P] Turning to the opposing view, suppressed digestive function can cause gastrointestinal distress during sprinting.
[E] Reduced blood flow and halted digestion may trigger nausea or cramping.
[Ev] Athletes often experience “butterflies” or stomach discomfort that can affect focus and technique.
[L] This reveals how digestive shutdown, while necessary, creates performance challenges.
[P] From another angle, rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss disrupt hormonal signalling pathways.
[E] This interference affects muscle contraction efficiency and energy metabolism.
[Ev] Even 2% dehydration can impair sprint times through compromised neuromuscular function.
[L] Nevertheless, this demonstrates the delicate balance required between fluid status and hormonal control.