A student conducted research on the effects of a 12-week aerobic training program on stroke volume and cardiac output in adolescents. The results showed significant improvements in both measures at rest and during submaximal exercise, but the degree of improvement was strongly influenced by participants' initial fitness levels.
Evaluate TWO potential further research questions that could be explored based on these findings, justifying the scientific merit and practical application of each. (8 marks)
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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar
- “How long do the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output last after the cessation of the aerobic training program?” would investigate the duration of physiological adaptations when training stops.
- This question has scientific merit as it explores whether these cardiovascular adaptations are temporary or more permanent, helping us understand how the body maintains training effects.
- Practically, this could help determine how frequently training needs to occur to maintain cardiovascular benefits, which is useful for designing physical education programs that balance different activities throughout the school year.
- “Do different types of aerobic training (swimming, running, cycling) produce similar improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output for adolescents with similar fitness levels?” examines the effect of training mode on physiological responses.
- The scientific merit lies in understanding whether the cardiovascular system adapts similarly regardless of training type or if certain forms of exercise produce greater adaptations.
- Practically, this could help identify the most effective types of aerobic activities to include in school-based fitness programs, especially for adolescents who might have preferences for certain activities.
- “Is there a relationship between the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output and changes in resting heart rate following the training program?” investigates connections between different physiological adaptations.
- This question has scientific merit as it examines whether cardiovascular adaptations occur proportionally or independently, deepening our understanding of how the body responds to aerobic training.
- The practical application includes potentially using simpler measurements (like resting heart rate) to track training adaptations when more complex measurements of stroke volume and cardiac output aren’t feasible in school settings.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar
- “How long do the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output last after the cessation of the aerobic training program?” would investigate the duration of physiological adaptations when training stops.
- This question has scientific merit as it explores whether these cardiovascular adaptations are temporary or more permanent, helping us understand how the body maintains training effects.
- Practically, this could help determine how frequently training needs to occur to maintain cardiovascular benefits, which is useful for designing physical education programs that balance different activities throughout the school year.
- “Do different types of aerobic training (swimming, running, cycling) produce similar improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output for adolescents with similar fitness levels?” examines the effect of training mode on physiological responses.
- The scientific merit lies in understanding whether the cardiovascular system adapts similarly regardless of training type or if certain forms of exercise produce greater adaptations.
- Practically, this could help identify the most effective types of aerobic activities to include in school-based fitness programs, especially for adolescents who might have preferences for certain activities.
- “Is there a relationship between the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output and changes in resting heart rate following the training program?” investigates connections between different physiological adaptations.
- This question has scientific merit as it examines whether cardiovascular adaptations occur proportionally or independently, deepening our understanding of how the body responds to aerobic training.
- The practical application includes potentially using simpler measurements (like resting heart rate) to track training adaptations when more complex measurements of stroke volume and cardiac output aren’t feasible in school settings.