Evaluate how different types of training affect the immediate response of stroke volume and how these responses contribute to performance in endurance and power-based sports. (8 marks)
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Sample Answer
- During moderate-intensity aerobic training (e.g., continuous running at 60-70% maximum heart rate), stroke volume increases by 50-60% from resting values to deliver more blood per heart beat
- This increase occurs because more blood returns to the heart (venous return) through the muscular pump effect and the heart contracts more forcefully
- In high-intensity anaerobic training (e.g., sprint intervals), heart rate increases dramatically, which reduces filling time between beats, resulting in a smaller increase in stroke volume
- For endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists, the larger stroke volume response during aerobic training directly improves cardiac output, supplying working muscles with oxygen more efficiently
- The link between stroke volume and cardiac output (CO = SV × HR) means endurance athletes can maintain the same cardiac output with lower heart rates, conserving energy
- For power athletes in sports like weightlifting or sprinting, the immediate stroke volume response is less significant as performance depends more on the ATP-PCr and glycolytic energy systems
- In mixed sports like football or basketball, the ability to quickly increase stroke volume during transitions between high and moderate intensities helps maintain performance during the entire match
- Training adaptations that enhance the immediate stroke volume response are more beneficial for endurance performance than power performance as they directly improve oxygen transport efficiency
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Sample Answer
- During moderate-intensity aerobic training (e.g., continuous running at 60-70% maximum heart rate), stroke volume increases by 50-60% from resting values to deliver more blood per heart beat
- This increase occurs because more blood returns to the heart (venous return) through the muscular pump effect and the heart contracts more forcefully
- In high-intensity anaerobic training (e.g., sprint intervals), heart rate increases dramatically, which reduces filling time between beats, resulting in a smaller increase in stroke volume
- For endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists, the larger stroke volume response during aerobic training directly improves cardiac output, supplying working muscles with oxygen more efficiently
- The link between stroke volume and cardiac output (CO = SV × HR) means endurance athletes can maintain the same cardiac output with lower heart rates, conserving energy
- For power athletes in sports like weightlifting or sprinting, the immediate stroke volume response is less significant as performance depends more on the ATP-PCr and glycolytic energy systems
- In mixed sports like football or basketball, the ability to quickly increase stroke volume during transitions between high and moderate intensities helps maintain performance during the entire match
- Training adaptations that enhance the immediate stroke volume response are more beneficial for endurance performance than power performance as they directly improve oxygen transport efficiency