SmarterEd

Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 797 MC

During a progressively increasing exercise test, an athlete's blood lactate levels are measured at regular intervals. At which point would blood lactate levels begin to show a significant exponential increase?

  1. When the anaerobic threshold is reached
  2. When exercise intensity exceeds 85% of maximum heart rate
  3. As soon as any exercise begins, regardless of intensity
  4. When the aerobic threshold is reached
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A: 

  • Blood lactate levels remain relatively stable with small increases until the anaerobic threshold (lactate threshold) is reached.
  • At this point, lactate production exceeds the body’s ability to clear it, resulting in exponential accumulation in the bloodstream.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: 85% of maximum heart rate approximates the threshold for many, but heart rate doesn’t directly determine lactate accumulation; it varies by individual.
  • C is incorrect: Lactate is produced during all exercise, but at lower intensities, clearance mechanisms prevent significant accumulation.
  • D is incorrect: The aerobic threshold causes only a slight increase in lactate levels, not the exponential increase described.

\(\Rightarrow A\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 365

Explain how understanding physiological responses to aerobic training could be applied to design an effective aerobic training program for a beginner.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • Set initial intensity below the lactate threshold to prevent excessive fatigue and promote adherence
  • Gradually increase duration before intensity to develop basic cardiorespiratory endurance
  • Include monitoring of heart rate to ensure training occurs at appropriate intensity (e.g., 60-70% of maximum heart rate)
  • Design rest periods based on ventilation and heart rate recovery to ensure adequate recovery between sessions
  • Apply the principle of progressive overload by incrementally increasing exercise demands as physiological adaptations occur
  • Incorporate variety in training modalities to address all components of the cardiorespiratory system while maintaining motivation
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Set initial intensity below the lactate threshold to prevent excessive fatigue and promote adherence
  • Gradually increase duration before intensity to develop basic cardiorespiratory endurance
  • Include monitoring of heart rate to ensure training occurs at appropriate intensity (e.g., 60-70% of maximum heart rate)
  • Design rest periods based on ventilation and heart rate recovery to ensure adequate recovery between sessions
  • Apply the principle of progressive overload by incrementally increasing exercise demands as physiological adaptations occur
  • Incorporate variety in training modalities to address all components of the cardiorespiratory system while maintaining motivation

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 360

Outline the immediate physiological responses to aerobic training.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • Heart rate increases to deliver more oxygen to working muscles
  • Ventilation rate increases to take in more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
  • Cardiac output increases as both heart rate and stroke volume rise to meet increased oxygen demand
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Heart rate increases to deliver more oxygen to working muscles
  • Ventilation rate increases to take in more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
  • Cardiac output increases as both heart rate and stroke volume rise to meet increased oxygen demand

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 357 MC

During a 30 minute jog, a student recorded an increase in their cardiac output. This change is primarily due to:

  1. Decreased blood pressure
  2. Increased respiratory rate
  3. Increased heart rate and stroke volume
  4. Decreased peripheral resistance
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C: Increased heart rate and stroke volume

  • Cardiac output increases during aerobic exercise due to both increased heart rate and stroke volume.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Blood pressure typically increases (not decreases) during exercise.
  • B is incorrect: Respiratory rate increases but doesn’t directly cause cardiac output increase.
  • D is incorrect: Peripheral resistance decreases but isn’t the primary cause of increased cardiac output.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 356 MC

Which statement correctly describes the immediate physiological response to aerobic training?

  1. Decreased heart rate and increased stroke volume
  2. Increased heart rate and cardiac output
  3. Decreased ventilation rate and blood lactate levels
  4. Increased stroke volume and decreased cardiac output
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: During aerobic training, heart rate and cardiac output both increase immediately to supply working muscles with more oxygen.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Heart rate increases not decreases during exercise.
  • C is incorrect: Ventilation rate increases (not decreases) during aerobic exercise.
  • D is incorrect: Both stroke volume and cardiac output increase during exercise.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 354

Explain how lactate levels respond to different training intensities and how these responses relate to other immediate physiological adaptations during exercise. Use specific examples to support your answer.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • During low-intensity exercise, lactate levels remain relatively stable and close to resting values as the aerobic energy system can meet the body’s energy demands
  • As exercise intensity increases to moderate levels, there is a slight increase in lactate production, but the body is still able to remove or utilise most of the lactate produced
  • During high-intensity exercise, lactate levels rise significantly as the body increasingly relies on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production
  • The sensation of muscle burning during intense exercise is partly due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions associated with lactate production
  • Rising lactate levels coincide with increases in heart rate, as both respond to the increasing energy demands of the working muscles
  • Ventilation rate also increases in response to higher exercise intensities and is indirectly related to lactate accumulation, as the body attempts to supply more oxygen
  • For example, a basketball player performing repeated sprints during a game would experience elevated lactate levels, accompanied by increased heart rate and breathing rate, which all contribute to the feeling of fatigue
  • After exercise ceases, lactate levels gradually return toward baseline as the body clears lactate through various mechanisms, including conversion back to glucose in the liver
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • During low-intensity exercise, lactate levels remain relatively stable and close to resting values as the aerobic energy system can meet the body’s energy demands
  • As exercise intensity increases to moderate levels, there is a slight increase in lactate production, but the body is still able to remove or utilise most of the lactate produced
  • During high-intensity exercise, lactate levels rise significantly as the body increasingly relies on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production
  • The sensation of muscle burning during intense exercise is partly due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions associated with lactate production
  • Rising lactate levels coincide with increases in heart rate, as both respond to the increasing energy demands of the working muscles
  • Ventilation rate also increases in response to higher exercise intensities and is indirectly related to lactate accumulation, as the body attempts to supply more oxygen
  • For example, a basketball player performing repeated sprints during a game would experience elevated lactate levels, accompanied by increased heart rate and breathing rate, which all contribute to the feeling of fatigue
  • After exercise ceases, lactate levels gradually return toward baseline as the body clears lactate through various mechanisms, including conversion back to glucose in the liver

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 353 MC

During a fitness test, which of the following observations indicates a significant increase in lactate levels as an immediate physiological response to training?

  1. A decrease in heart rate during the first minute of recovery
  2. An increase in breathing rate during high-intensity exercise
  3. A feeling of muscle burning during intense exercise
  4. A decrease in oxygen consumption during moderate exercise
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: The feeling of muscle burning during intense exercise is a common sensation associated with lactate accumulation in the muscles, which is an immediate physiological response to high-intensity training.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Decreased heart rate during recovery relates to cardiovascular recovery, not lactate levels
  • B is incorrect: Increased breathing rate relates to ventilation response, not directly to lactate
  • D is incorrect: Oxygen consumption increases, not decreases, during exercise

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 350

Analyse the relationship between lactate levels and other immediate physiological responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT).   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

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
Show Worked Solution

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 344

Analyse the relationship between cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume as immediate physiological responses to a 30-minute continuous aerobic training session.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

Cardiac output relationship to heart rate and stroke volume:

  • Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume
  • All three increase immediately at the onset of exercise

Initial response (first few minutes):

  • Heart rate increases rapidly due to nervous system stimulation
  • Stroke volume increases due to increased venous return from muscle contractions
  • These combined changes result in rapid increase in cardiac output

Mid-session response:

  • Heart rate may continue to increase gradually
  • Stroke volume typically stabilises after initial increase
  • Cardiac output reaches a relatively steady state appropriate for the exercise intensity

Physiological mechanisms:

  • Increased heart rate results from decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic stimulation
  • Increased stroke volume results from greater ventricular filling and stronger heart contractions
  • These adaptations ensure sufficient blood flow to meet the oxygen demands of working muscles

Interrelationship

  • The relationship between these variables ensures the body can maintain the required exercise intensity throughout the training session
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Cardiac output relationship to heart rate and stroke volume:

  • Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume
  • All three increase immediately at the onset of exercise

Initial response (first few minutes):

  • Heart rate increases rapidly due to nervous system stimulation
  • Stroke volume increases due to increased venous return from muscle contractions
  • These combined changes result in rapid increase in cardiac output

Mid-session response:

  • Heart rate may continue to increase gradually
  • Stroke volume typically stabilises after initial increase
  • Cardiac output reaches a relatively steady state appropriate for the exercise intensity

Physiological mechanisms:

  • Increased heart rate results from decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic stimulation
  • Increased stroke volume results from greater ventricular filling and stronger heart contractions
  • These adaptations ensure sufficient blood flow to meet the oxygen demands of working muscles

Interrelationship

  • The relationship between these variables ensures the body can maintain the required exercise intensity throughout the training session

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 335

Explain how stroke volume changes during a 45-minute moderate-intensity aerobic training session and why these changes occur.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • Stroke volume increases rapidly at the start of the session as the sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing heart contractility.
  • The increase in stroke volume is due to increased venous return through the muscular pump mechanism.
  • During steady-state exercise, stroke volume stabilises as cardiac output meets oxygen demands.
  • During prolonged exercise, stroke volume may gradually decrease due to factors such as dehydration and reduced venous return.
  • Post-exercise, stroke volume gradually returns to resting levels as the heart’s activity normalizes and returns to its pre-exercise state.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Stroke volume increases rapidly at the start of the session as the sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing heart contractility.
  • The increase in stroke volume is due to increased venous return through the muscular pump mechanism.
  • During steady-state exercise, stroke volume stabilises as cardiac output meets oxygen demands.
  • During prolonged exercise, stroke volume may gradually decrease due to factors such as dehydration and reduced venous return.
  • Post-exercise, stroke volume gradually returns to resting levels as the heart’s activity normalizes and returns to its pre-exercise state.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 333 MC

Which of the following training methods would be MOST effective in increasing stroke volume for a swimmer training for a 1500 m event?

  1. Continuous training at 70% of maximum heart rate
  2. High-intensity interval training at 90% of maximum heart rate
  3. Sprint training at maximum intensity for 10 seconds
  4. Weight training with heavy loads and low repetitions
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Continuous aerobic training at moderate intensity (70% MHR) is most effective for increasing stroke volume as it promotes adaptations in the heart’s ability to pump more blood per beat.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: HIIT primarily improves anaerobic capacity rather than maximising stroke volume
  • C is incorrect: Sprint training primarily develops the ATP-PCr energy system, not stroke volume
  • D is incorrect: Weight training primarily improves strength, not stroke volume

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 331

Evaluate how ventilation rate interacts with other physiological responses during incremental exercise to exhaustion. Include in your response measures coaches could use to monitor these interactions.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • Ventilation rate increases progressively during incremental exercise to meet increasing metabolic demands, starting from 12-15 breaths per minute at rest to potentially exceeding 50 breaths per minute at maximal effort.
  • Ventilation rate increases along with heart rate initially, both responding to the need to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • As exercise intensity increases further, ventilation rate increases more rapidly to remove carbon dioxide produced during high-intensity exercise.
  • This increase in ventilation rate occurs around the same time lactate levels begin to rise significantly, marking the shift from predominantly aerobic to increasing anaerobic energy production.
  • At this point, ventilation rate increases sharply while exercise becomes more difficult to maintain,
  • Coaches can monitor these responses through several methods:
    • Observing breathing patterns during different exercise intensities
    • Using the talk test to estimate exercise intensity (difficulty speaking in full sentences indicates higher intensity)
    • Measuring recovery time of ventilation rate after exercise stops
    • Using simple tools to count breathing rates during training sessions
  • Understanding these relationships helps coaches design training programs that develop an athlete’s ability to handle different exercise intensities effectively.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Ventilation rate increases progressively during incremental exercise to meet increasing metabolic demands, starting from 12-15 breaths per minute at rest to potentially exceeding 50 breaths per minute at maximal effort.
  • Ventilation rate increases along with heart rate initially, both responding to the need to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • As exercise intensity increases further, ventilation rate increases more rapidly to remove carbon dioxide produced during high-intensity exercise.
  • This increase in ventilation rate occurs around the same time lactate levels begin to rise significantly, marking the shift from predominantly aerobic to increasing anaerobic energy production.
  • At this point, ventilation rate increases sharply while exercise becomes more difficult to maintain,
  • Coaches can monitor these responses through several methods:
    • Observing breathing patterns during different exercise intensities
    • Using the talk test to estimate exercise intensity (difficulty speaking in full sentences indicates higher intensity)
    • Measuring recovery time of ventilation rate after exercise stops
    • Using simple tools to count breathing rates during training sessions
  • Understanding these relationships helps coaches design training programs that develop an athlete’s ability to handle different exercise intensities effectively.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 324

Analyse how different intensity levels of exercise affect the heart rate response in a trained versus untrained individual.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • During a progressive exercise test, heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume interact to meet the increasing metabolic demands of the working muscles.
  • Early stages (low intensity)
    • Heart rate increases linearly from resting levels (60-80 bpm) to approximately 110-130 bpm.
    • Cardiac output increases primarily due to increased stroke volume, which may increase from 70-80 ml/beat at rest to 100-120 ml/beat.
  • Moderate intensity
    • Heart rate continues to increase linearly (130-160 bpm) and stroke volume may reach its maximum capacity (120-150 ml/beat in average individuals).
    • The continued increase in cardiac output at this stage is primarily due to increasing heart rate.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum heart rate)
    • Stroke volume typically plateaus while heart rate continues to increase, approaching maximum levels (170-200 bpm depending on age).
    • Cardiac output continues to rise due to increasing heart rate despite stable stroke volume.
  • Very high intensity exercise
    • Less time is available for ventricular filling between beats, which may cause a slight decrease in stroke volume.
    • The heart compensates by further increasing heart rate to maintain or increase cardiac output.
  • The relationship between these variables demonstrates an effective compensatory mechanism that allows the cardiovascular system to meet metabolic demands efficiently.
  • In untrained individuals, heart rate increases more rapidly and stroke volume plateaus at a lower level
  • In trained individuals, require higher heart rates to achieve the same cardiac output.
  • The interrelationship between heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume demonstrates how the cardiovascular system adapts during exercise, with cardiac output increasing through changes in both heart rate and stroke volume to meet the body’s changing oxygen demands.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • During a progressive exercise test, heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume interact to meet the increasing metabolic demands of the working muscles.
  • Early stages (low intensity)
    • Heart rate increases linearly from resting levels (60-80 bpm) to approximately 110-130 bpm.
    • Cardiac output increases primarily due to increased stroke volume, which may increase from 70-80 ml/beat at rest to 100-120 ml/beat.
  • Moderate intensity
    • Heart rate continues to increase linearly (130-160 bpm) and stroke volume may reach its maximum capacity (120-150 ml/beat in average individuals).
    • The continued increase in cardiac output at this stage is primarily due to increasing heart rate.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum heart rate)
    • Stroke volume typically plateaus while heart rate continues to increase, approaching maximum levels (170-200 bpm depending on age).
    • Cardiac output continues to rise due to increasing heart rate despite stable stroke volume.
  • Very high intensity exercise
    • Less time is available for ventricular filling between beats, which may cause a slight decrease in stroke volume.
    • The heart compensates by further increasing heart rate to maintain or increase cardiac output.
  • The relationship between these variables demonstrates an effective compensatory mechanism that allows the cardiovascular system to meet metabolic demands efficiently.
  • In untrained individuals, heart rate increases more rapidly and stroke volume plateaus at a lower level
  • In trained individuals, require higher heart rates to achieve the same cardiac output.
  • The interrelationship between heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume demonstrates how the cardiovascular system adapts during exercise, with cardiac output increasing through changes in both heart rate and stroke volume to meet the body’s changing oxygen demands.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 323

Analyse how different intensity levels of exercise affect the heart rate response in a trained versus untrained individual.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • At rest
    • Trained individuals typically have lower resting heart rates (40-60 bpm) compared to untrained individuals (70-80 bpm) due to physiological adaptations including increased stroke volume and cardiac efficiency.
  • Low-intensity exercise (40-50% of maximum heart rate)
    • Trained individuals experience a smaller increase in heart rate compared to untrained individuals for the same workload.
    • A trained individual may reach 100-110 bpm while an untrained person might reach 120-130 bpm.
  • Moderate intensities (60-70% of maximum heart rate)
    • Trained individuals maintain lower heart rates while performing the same absolute workload, demonstrating greater efficiency in oxygen delivery and utilisation.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum heart rate)
    • The trained individual still maintains a lower heart rate for the same workload, but both will approach their maximum heart rates during very intense exercise.
  • Recovery heart rate
    • Significantly faster in trained individuals, who may see their heart rates decrease by 30-40 bpm in the first minute after exercise compared to 15-25 bpm for untrained individuals.
    • Differences attributed to the trained individual’s increased stroke volume, allowing the heart to pump more blood per beat, requiring fewer beats to deliver the same cardiac output.
    • Trained individuals also have enhanced parasympathetic nervous system function, allowing for quicker heart rate recovery after exercise ceases.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • At rest
    • Trained individuals typically have lower resting heart rates (40-60 bpm) compared to untrained individuals (70-80 bpm) due to physiological adaptations including increased stroke volume and cardiac efficiency.
  • Low-intensity exercise (40-50% of maximum heart rate)
    • Trained individuals experience a smaller increase in heart rate compared to untrained individuals for the same workload.
    • A trained individual may reach 100-110 bpm while an untrained person might reach 120-130 bpm.
  • Moderate intensities (60-70% of maximum heart rate)
    • Trained individuals maintain lower heart rates while performing the same absolute workload, demonstrating greater efficiency in oxygen delivery and utilisation.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum heart rate)
    • The trained individual still maintains a lower heart rate for the same workload, but both will approach their maximum heart rates during very intense exercise.
  • Recovery heart rate
    • Significantly faster in trained individuals, who may see their heart rates decrease by 30-40 bpm in the first minute after exercise compared to 15-25 bpm for untrained individuals.
    • Differences attributed to the trained individual’s increased stroke volume, allowing the heart to pump more blood per beat, requiring fewer beats to deliver the same cardiac output.
    • Trained individuals also have enhanced parasympathetic nervous system function, allowing for quicker heart rate recovery after exercise ceases.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 322

Explain how exercise intensity affects immediate heart rate response during physical activity.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • Heart rate increases in direct proportion to exercise intensity to meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles.
  • Low-intensity exercise (40-50% of maximum)
    • Heart rate increases moderately from resting levels as the body can easily meet oxygen demands aerobically.
  • Moderate intensities (60-70% of maximum)
    • Heart rate increases more significantly as the cardiovascular system works harder to deliver oxygen to working muscles.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum)
    • Heart rate approaches maximal levels as the body attempts to maintain adequate oxygen delivery despite increasing oxygen deficit.
  • The sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline during intense exercise, further stimulating heart rate increase.
  • These immediate heart rate responses enable the body to adjust cardiac output according to the metabolic demands of the exercise being performed.
  • For example, a runner performing interval training would experience rapid heart rate increases during sprint portions (potentially reaching 170-190 bpm) and partial recovery during jogging intervals (decreasing to perhaps 120-140 bpm).
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Heart rate increases in direct proportion to exercise intensity to meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles.
  • Low-intensity exercise (40-50% of maximum)
    • Heart rate increases moderately from resting levels as the body can easily meet oxygen demands aerobically.
  • Moderate intensities (60-70% of maximum)
    • Heart rate increases more significantly as the cardiovascular system works harder to deliver oxygen to working muscles.
  • High-intensity exercise (80-90% of maximum)
    • Heart rate approaches maximal levels as the body attempts to maintain adequate oxygen delivery despite increasing oxygen deficit.
  • The sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline during intense exercise, further stimulating heart rate increase.
  • These immediate heart rate responses enable the body to adjust cardiac output according to the metabolic demands of the exercise being performed.
  • For example, a runner performing interval training would experience rapid heart rate increases during sprint portions (potentially reaching 170-190 bpm) and partial recovery during jogging intervals (decreasing to perhaps 120-140 bpm).

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 320

Outline the immediate heart rate response when an individual begins aerobic exercise.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

  • When an individual begins aerobic exercise, there is an immediate increase in heart rate.
  • This occurs due to increased stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system.
  • The heart rate increases in proportion to exercise intensity to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • When an individual begins aerobic exercise, there is an immediate increase in heart rate.
  • This occurs due to increased stimulation from the sympathetic nervous system.
  • The heart rate increases in proportion to exercise intensity to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 317

Analyse how the immediate physiological responses to high-intensity interval training differ from those during continuous moderate-intensity training. In your answer, address cardiac, respiratory, and metabolic responses.   (12 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

Heart rate

  • HIIT
    • HR rises to near-maximum levels during work intervals
    • Partially recovers during rest periods, creating a fluctuating pattern.
  • CMIT
    • Steady elevated heart rate maintained throughout the session.

Stroke volume

  • HIIT
    • Reaches high levels during intense work intervals when the heart contracts forcefully.
    • Decreases during recovery periods.
  • CMIT
    • Increases to a moderate level and remains relatively consistent throughout the session.

Cardiac output

  • HIIT
    • Alternates between very high levels during work intervals and moderate levels during recovery
  • CMIT
    • Steady moderate cardiac output throughout training.

Blood pressure

  • HIIT
    • Sharp increases during work intervals with incomplete recovery between intervals 
  • CMIT
    • Moderate but stable increase in blood pressure.

Breathing rate

  • HIIT
    • Becomes very rapid during intense work intervals
    • Remains elevated during recovery periods as the body attempts to restore oxygen levels.
  • CMIT
    • Increases to a moderate level that matches the steady exercise intensity.

Oxygen consumption

  • HIIT
    • Repeatedly switches between very high demands during work intervals and recovery periods where the body attempts to repay oxygen deficit.
  • CMIT
    • Establishes a steady oxygen consumption that matches the consistent workload.

Lactate production

  • HIIT
    • Exceeds the body’s ability to remove it during intense intervals, causing lactate to accumulate throughout the session
  • CMIT
    • Production and removal remain relatively balanced, maintaining lactate at lower steady levels.

Energy systems

  • HIIT
    • Heavily relies on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems during the intense intervals.
  • CMIT
    • Primarily uses the aerobic energy system throughout the session.

Muscle fibre recruitment

  • HIIT
    • Activates both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibres during high-intensity intervals
  • CMIT
    • Predominantly recruits slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant fibres.

Recovery patterns

  • HIIT
    • The body requires longer to return to resting levels due to greater physiological disruption
  • CMIT
    • Typically occurs more quickly since physiological systems weren’t pushed to their limits.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Heart rate

  • HIIT
    • HR rises to near-maximum levels during work intervals
    • Partially recovers during rest periods, creating a fluctuating pattern.
  • CMIT
    • Steady elevated heart rate maintained throughout the session.

Stroke volume

  • HIIT
    • Reaches high levels during intense work intervals when the heart contracts forcefully.
    • Decreases during recovery periods.
  • CMIT
    • Increases to a moderate level and remains relatively consistent throughout the session.

Cardiac output

  • HIIT
    • Alternates between very high levels during work intervals and moderate levels during recovery
  • CMIT
    • Steady moderate cardiac output throughout training.

Blood pressure

  • HIIT
    • Sharp increases during work intervals with incomplete recovery between intervals 
  • CMIT
    • Moderate but stable increase in blood pressure.

Breathing rate

  • HIIT
    • Becomes very rapid during intense work intervals
    • Remains elevated during recovery periods as the body attempts to restore oxygen levels.
  • CMIT
    • Increases to a moderate level that matches the steady exercise intensity.

Oxygen consumption

  • HIIT
    • Repeatedly switches between very high demands during work intervals and recovery periods where the body attempts to repay oxygen deficit.
  • CMIT
    • Establishes a steady oxygen consumption that matches the consistent workload.

Lactate production

  • HIIT
    • Exceeds the body’s ability to remove it during intense intervals, causing lactate to accumulate throughout the session
  • CMIT
    • Production and removal remain relatively balanced, maintaining lactate at lower steady levels.

Energy systems

  • HIIT
    • Heavily relies on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems during the intense intervals.
  • CMIT
    • Primarily uses the aerobic energy system throughout the session.

Muscle fibre recruitment

  • HIIT
    • Activates both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibres during high-intensity intervals
  • CMIT
    • Predominantly recruits slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant fibres.

Recovery patterns

  • HIIT
    • The body requires longer to return to resting levels due to greater physiological disruption
  • CMIT
    • Typically occurs more quickly since physiological systems weren’t pushed to their limits.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 316

Evaluate how monitoring immediate physiological responses during different types of training sessions can be used to optimise individual training programs.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

Heart rate

  • Monitoring during training provides immediate feedback about exercise intensity.
  • Allows athletes to train within specific heart rate zones that target improvements in either aerobic fitness or anaerobic capacity.
  • Monitoring how quickly heart rate returns to normal between exercise intervals helps identify an athlete’s recovery ability.
  • Can indicate when they need more rest to prevent excessive fatigue.

Breathing Rate

  • Observation helps identify when an athlete transitions from comfortable aerobic exercise to more challenging anaerobic work.
  • Allows coaches to design sessions that target specific energy systems.

Lactate levels

  • Measuring during training can determine an athlete’s lactate threshold.
  • Helps coaches set appropriate training intensities that improve the body’s ability to clear lactate during exercise.

Comparison to the same training

  • Comparison of heart rate response to the same training over time provides evidence of improvement.
  • A lower heart rate for the same exercise intensity indicates enhanced cardiovascular fitness.
  • Different athletes respond differently to the same training.
    • Some might show rapid heart rate increases with minimal lactate buildup.
    • Others might have the opposite response—highlighting the need for individualised training programs.

Physiological responses to different training

  • Monitoring across different types of training (such as intervals, continuous runs, or circuit training) helps identify which training methods are most effective for each individual athlete.

Tracking changes in responses

  • Tracking changes over a training season provides objective evidence of improvement or plateaus.
  • Allows coaches to modify training programs accordingly rather than following generic plans.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Heart rate

  • Monitoring during training provides immediate feedback about exercise intensity.
  • Allows athletes to train within specific heart rate zones that target improvements in either aerobic fitness or anaerobic capacity.
  • Monitoring how quickly heart rate returns to normal between exercise intervals helps identify an athlete’s recovery ability.
  • Can indicate when they need more rest to prevent excessive fatigue.

Breathing Rate

  • Observation helps identify when an athlete transitions from comfortable aerobic exercise to more challenging anaerobic work.
  • Allows coaches to design sessions that target specific energy systems.

Lactate levels

  • Measuring during training can determine an athlete’s lactate threshold.
  • Helps coaches set appropriate training intensities that improve the body’s ability to clear lactate during exercise.

Comparison to the same training

  • Comparison of heart rate response to the same training over time provides evidence of improvement.
  • A lower heart rate for the same exercise intensity indicates enhanced cardiovascular fitness.
  • Different athletes respond differently to the same training.
    • Some might show rapid heart rate increases with minimal lactate buildup.
    • Others might have the opposite response—highlighting the need for individualised training programs.

Physiological responses to different training

  • Monitoring across different types of training (such as intervals, continuous runs, or circuit training) helps identify which training methods are most effective for each individual athlete.

Tracking changes in responses

  • Tracking changes over a training season provides objective evidence of improvement or plateaus.
  • Allows coaches to modify training programs accordingly rather than following generic plans.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 315

Analyse the relationship between exercise intensity and the immediate responses of heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output during a training session.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

Heart rate response:

  • At the beginning of training, heart rate increases rapidly from resting levels as the body immediately responds to the demand for increased blood flow to working muscles.
  • As exercise intensity increases from light to moderate, heart rate continues to rise in proportion to the intensity of the exercise to deliver more oxygen to muscles that need it.
  • At high training intensities, heart rate approaches its maximum, with the rate of increase slowing as it nears the individual’s maximum heart rate.

Stroke volume response:

  • When training begins, stroke volume increases from resting levels as more blood returns to the heart and the heart contracts more forcefully.
  • As intensity increases to moderate levels, stroke volume continues to increase due to stronger heart contractions and greater venous return from active muscles.
  • At high training intensities, stroke volume typically levels off and may even slightly decrease when heart rate becomes very high, limiting the time for the heart to fill between beats.

Cardiac output response:

  • Cardiac output, which is heart rate multiplied by stroke volume, increases progressively with exercise intensity to meet the increasing oxygen demands of working muscles.
  •  
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Heart rate response:

  • At the beginning of training, heart rate increases rapidly from resting levels as the body immediately responds to the demand for increased blood flow to working muscles.
  • As exercise intensity increases from light to moderate, heart rate continues to rise in proportion to the intensity of the exercise to deliver more oxygen to muscles that need it.
  • At high training intensities, heart rate approaches its maximum, with the rate of increase slowing as it nears the individual’s maximum heart rate.

Stroke volume response:

  • When training begins, stroke volume increases from resting levels as more blood returns to the heart and the heart contracts more forcefully.
  • As intensity increases to moderate levels, stroke volume continues to increase due to stronger heart contractions and greater venous return from active muscles.
  • At high training intensities, stroke volume typically levels off and may even slightly decrease when heart rate becomes very high, limiting the time for the heart to fill between beats.

Cardiac output response:

  • Cardiac output, which is heart rate multiplied by stroke volume, increases progressively with exercise intensity to meet the increasing oxygen demands of working muscles.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 313

Describe the immediate physiological responses of the respiratory system during an incremental training session from rest to maximum effort.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • At rest before training begins, ventilation rate is relatively low as the body’s oxygen demand is minimal.
  • At the onset of low-intensity exercise, both breathing frequency and depth increase to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • As training intensity increases to moderate levels, ventilation continues to rise proportionally with exercise intensity to maintain oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide.
  • At higher intensities, ventilation increases more rapidly as the body attempts to remove additional carbon dioxide produced when lactic acid is buffered in the blood.
  • At maximum training intensity, ventilation reaches its highest rate as the respiratory system works at its capacity to meet the oxygen demands of high-intensity exercise.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • At rest before training begins, ventilation rate is relatively low as the body’s oxygen demand is minimal.
  • At the onset of low-intensity exercise, both breathing frequency and depth increase to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • As training intensity increases to moderate levels, ventilation continues to rise proportionally with exercise intensity to maintain oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide.
  • At higher intensities, ventilation increases more rapidly as the body attempts to remove additional carbon dioxide produced when lactic acid is buffered in the blood.
  • At maximum training intensity, ventilation reaches its highest rate as the respiratory system works at its capacity to meet the oxygen demands of high-intensity exercise.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 312

Explain the immediate changes to lactate levels that occur during high-intensity sprint training.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer 

  • At the onset of high-intensity sprint training, lactate levels begin to rise rapidly as the body uses the lactic acid energy system for immediate energy production.
  • During sprinting, the body produces lactate faster than it can remove it, causing lactate to build up in the blood and muscles.
  • As lactate accumulates during repeated sprints, it leads to increased acidity in the muscles, affecting performance and contributing to fatigue.
  • Between sprint intervals, lactate levels may slightly decrease during recovery periods but generally continue to rise throughout the training session.
  • Immediately after the training session, lactate levels remain high before gradually returning to normal during the recovery period.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • At the onset of high-intensity sprint training, lactate levels begin to rise rapidly as the body uses the lactic acid energy system for immediate energy production.
  • During sprinting, the body produces lactate faster than it can remove it, causing lactate to build up in the blood and muscles.
  • As lactate accumulates during repeated sprints, it leads to increased acidity in the muscles, affecting performance and contributing to fatigue.
  • Between sprint intervals, lactate levels may slightly decrease during recovery periods but generally continue to rise throughout the training session.
  • Immediately after the training session, lactate levels remain high before gradually returning to normal during the recovery period.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 311

Outline TWO immediate cardiac responses to a training session.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following

  • Heart rate increases immediately when training begins, causing the heart to beat faster to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • Stroke volume increases during training, meaning more blood is pumped out of the heart with each beat.
  • Cardiac output (amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute) increases during training to supply more blood to muscles that are being used.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following

  • Heart rate increases immediately when training begins, causing the heart to beat faster to deliver more oxygen to working muscles.
  • Stroke volume increases during training, meaning more blood is pumped out of the heart with each beat.
  • Cardiac output (amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute) increases during training to supply more blood to muscles that are being used.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 307 MC

During an intense training session, an athlete's ventilation rate increases. What is the primary reason for this immediate physiological response?

  1. To increase oxygen delivery to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide
  2. To increase oxygen delivery to the lungs
  3. To decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood
  4. To reduce heart rate during exercise
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A:  To increase oxygen delivery to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide

  • Ventilation rate increases to deliver more oxygen to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide produced during exercise.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Ventilation increases oxygen delivery to working muscles, not just the lungs
  • C is incorrect: Ventilation increases to remove carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen, not just decrease carbon dioxide.
  • D is incorrect: Increased ventilation doesn’t reduce heart rate during exercise.

\(\Rightarrow A\)