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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 87

Describe how the endocrine system's release of cortisol affects an athlete's movement efficiency during periods of prolonged stress.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Cortisol released by the adrenal glands increases blood glucose levels to provide energy for movement during stress.
  • Prolonged high cortisol levels can break down muscle protein for energy, potentially reducing movement efficiency.
  • Extended periods of elevated cortisol can lead to fatigue and decreased performance as energy systems become depleted.
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Sample Answer

  • Cortisol released by the adrenal glands increases blood glucose levels to provide energy for movement during stress.
  • Prolonged high cortisol levels can break down muscle protein for energy, potentially reducing movement efficiency.
  • Extended periods of elevated cortisol can lead to fatigue and decreased performance as energy systems become depleted.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 86

Outline how the digestive system responds to acute stress during participation in a competitive sports event.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The digestive system slows down or stops digestion as blood is diverted to muscles and vital organs during the stress response.
  • The mouth becomes dry as saliva production decreases, making it harder to digest food during competition.
  • Stress hormones can cause nausea or “butterflies” in the stomach as the digestive system responds to the fight or flight response.
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Sample Answer

  • The digestive system slows down or stops digestion as blood is diverted to muscles and vital organs during the stress response.
  • The mouth becomes dry as saliva production decreases, making it harder to digest food during competition.
  • Stress hormones can cause nausea or “butterflies” in the stomach as the digestive system responds to the fight or flight response.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 85 MC

Which statement best describes how protein intake affects the endocrine system's ability to support movement?

  1. The thyroid gland increases metabolism to break down protein for immediate energy
  2. The adrenal glands produce adrenaline to convert protein into glucose during exercise
  3. The pituitary gland releases growth hormone to store protein as fat for later use
  4. The pancreas releases insulin to help transport amino acids to muscles for repair
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Consider Option D: The pancreas releases insulin to help transport amino acids to muscles for repair

  • This accurately describes how the endocrine system (through insulin release from the pancreas) helps utilise protein for movement efficiency by facilitating amino acid transport.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: While the thyroid affects metabolism, protein is not typically used for immediate energy; this is primarily the role of carbohydrates.
  • B is incorrect: While adrenaline is produced during exercise, it primarily mobilizes glucose from glycogen stores rather than converting protein.
  • C is incorrect: While growth hormone is involved in protein metabolism, proteins are not stored as fat; they are used for tissue repair and building.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 84

Analyse how the interaction between fat-soluble vitamins and dietary fats impacts movement efficiency. In your response, refer to specific examples.  (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

The digestive system

  • Requires dietary fats to effectively absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), showing the interrelationship between nutrient absorption and movement.
  • Vitamin D absorbed through this process enables calcium absorption and bone health, directly affecting movement quality.

The endocrine system

  • Uses vitamin D as a hormone to influence muscle strength and coordination.
  • Optimal vitamin D levels enhance muscle protein synthesis leading to improved movement efficiency, while deficiency causes weakness.
  • Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant protecting cell membranes during exercise, with absorption dependent on dietary fat intake.
  • This antioxidant protection maintains muscle cell integrity during intense movement, supporting sustained performance and reducing exercise damage.
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Sample Answer

The digestive system

  • Requires dietary fats to effectively absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), showing the interrelationship between nutrient absorption and movement.
  • Vitamin D absorbed through this process enables calcium absorption and bone health, directly affecting movement quality.

The endocrine system

  • Uses vitamin D as a hormone to influence muscle strength and coordination.
  • Optimal vitamin D levels enhance muscle protein synthesis leading to improved movement efficiency, while deficiency causes weakness.
  • Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant protecting cell membranes during exercise, with absorption dependent on dietary fat intake.
  • This antioxidant protection maintains muscle cell integrity during intense movement, supporting sustained performance and reducing exercise damage.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 83

Discuss how protein intake affects muscle function and movement efficiency. Include reference to timing of intake in your response.  (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Protein intake significantly affects muscle function and movement efficiency through several mechanisms.

The digestive system

  • breaks down proteins into amino acids, which are essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Timing of intake is crucial – consuming protein within 30 minutes post-exercise optimises muscle recovery and adaptation.
  • Pre-exercise protein consumption helps maintain positive nitrogen balance during activity.

The endocrine system

  • responds to protein intake by releasing hormones like insulin and growth hormone that regulate protein synthesis.
  • This hormonal response enhances muscle repair and strengthening, leading to improved movement efficiency over time.
  • Inadequate protein intake can result in reduced muscle mass and compromised movement patterns due to insufficient resources for repair and maintenance.
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Sample Answer

Protein intake significantly affects muscle function and movement efficiency through several mechanisms.

The digestive system

  • breaks down proteins into amino acids, which are essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Timing of intake is crucial – consuming protein within 30 minutes post-exercise optimises muscle recovery and adaptation.
  • Pre-exercise protein consumption helps maintain positive nitrogen balance during activity.

The endocrine system

  • responds to protein intake by releasing hormones like insulin and growth hormone that regulate protein synthesis.
  • This hormonal response enhances muscle repair and strengthening, leading to improved movement efficiency over time.
  • Inadequate protein intake can result in reduced muscle mass and compromised movement patterns due to insufficient resources for repair and maintenance.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 82

Explain how carbohydrates as a macronutrient support efficient movement during both aerobic and anaerobic activities.  (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Role of carbohydrates:

  • Support efficient movement by providing glucose as the primary energy source for both aerobic and anaerobic activities.

During aerobic activities:

  • Carbohydrates are broken down through the digestive system
  • Stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver, providing a steady energy supply.
  • Example long distance running.

For anaerobic activities:

  • Muscle glycogen is rapidly converted to ATP through the glycolytic system, enabling explosive movements.
  • Example sprinting.

Without adequate carbohydrate stores:

  • Both types of activities would be compromised due to early onset fatigue and reduced power output.
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Sample Answer

Role of carbohydrates:

  • Support efficient movement by providing glucose as the primary energy source for both aerobic and anaerobic activities.

During aerobic activities:

  • Carbohydrates are broken down through the digestive system
  • Stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver, providing a steady energy supply.
  • Example long distance running.

For anaerobic activities:

  • Muscle glycogen is rapidly converted to ATP through the glycolytic system, enabling explosive movements.
  • Example sprinting.

Without adequate carbohydrate stores:

  • Both types of activities would be compromised due to early onset fatigue and reduced power output.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 81 MC

A netball player has been diagnosed with low iron levels.
Which macronutrient combination would best support iron absorption to improve their movement efficiency?

  1. Lean red meat with leafy green vegetables
  2. Brown rice with kidney beans
  3. Yoghurt with fresh fruit
  4. Pasta with cheese sauce
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Consider Option A:  Lean red meat with leafy green vegetables

  • Lean red meat provides haem iron while vitamin C from green vegetables aids absorption.
  • This combination optimises the digestive system’s ability to absorb iron for improved oxygen transport and movement efficiency.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: While both contain iron, this combination contains only non-haem iron which is less readily absorbed, and lacks vitamin C to enhance absorption.
  • C is incorrect: While fruit provides vitamin C, dairy calcium can actually inhibit iron absorption, making this a poor combination for improving iron levels.
  • D is incorrect: This combination contains minimal iron and the calcium in cheese can inhibit iron absorption from other dietary sources.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 80 MC

Which of the following correctly identifies the role of micronutrients in supporting an athlete's movement efficiency?

  1. Providing immediate energy for muscle contractions
  2. Supporting enzyme production and oxygen transport
  3. Storing energy for prolonged exercise sessions
  4. Building and repairing damaged muscle tissue
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Consider Option B: Supporting enzyme production and oxygen transport

  • Micronutrients like B vitamins and iron are essential for enzyme function and oxygen transport, supporting efficient movement.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: This is the role of macronutrients, specifically carbohydrates. Micronutrients do not provide energy.
  • C is incorrect: Energy storage is primarily the function of macronutrients, particularly fats and carbohydrates stored as glycogen.
  • D is incorrect: This is primarily the role of protein, a macronutrient, not micronutrients.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 79

Evaluate how vitamin D status affects the interrelationship between endocrine function and calcium absorption during resistance training.  (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

The interrelationship manifests through multiple mechanisms:

Hormonal Effects:

  • Parathyroid hormone increases calcium release from bones when blood levels are low
  • Calcitonin prevents excessive calcium loss during intense training sessions
  • Vitamin D is converted to its active form by liver and kidney enzymes

Digestive Impacts:

  • Vitamin D enables calcium absorption in the small intestine through specific transport proteins
  • Phosphate must be absorbed alongside calcium for effective bone mineralisation
  • The intestine increases its absorption capacity in response to regular training

Training Implications:

  • Adequate vitamin D ensures calcium is available for bone strengthening during resistance training
  • Low vitamin D status impairs the strength of muscle contractions due to poor calcium regulation
  • Post-exercise recovery requires sufficient calcium for muscle repair processes

System Integration:

  • Calcium absorption cannot occur without proper hormone function
  • Low calcium levels trigger increased hormone production to maintain blood calcium
  • Both systems must work effectively to support training adaptations
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Sample Answer

The interrelationship manifests through multiple mechanisms:

Hormonal Effects:

  • Parathyroid hormone increases calcium release from bones when blood levels are low
  • Calcitonin prevents excessive calcium loss during intense training sessions
  • Vitamin D is converted to its active form by liver and kidney enzymes

Digestive Impacts:

  • Vitamin D enables calcium absorption in the small intestine through specific transport proteins
  • Phosphate must be absorbed alongside calcium for effective bone mineralisation
  • The intestine increases its absorption capacity in response to regular training

Training Implications:

  • Adequate vitamin D ensures calcium is available for bone strengthening during resistance training
  • Low vitamin D status impairs the strength of muscle contractions due to poor calcium regulation
  • Post-exercise recovery requires sufficient calcium for muscle repair processes

System Integration:

  • Calcium absorption cannot occur without proper hormone function
  • Low calcium levels trigger increased hormone production to maintain blood calcium
  • Both systems must work effectively to support training adaptations

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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Sample Answer

The sprint creates multiple system interactions:

Pre-race:

  • Stress hormones increase
  • Digestive processes slow
  • Blood flow redirects

During race:

  • ADH levels rise with dehydration
  • Digestive activity minimises
  • Electrolyte balance changes

Recovery phase:

  • Hormone levels normalise
  • Digestive function returns
  • Rehydration enables system recovery
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Sample Answer

The sprint creates multiple system interactions:

Pre-race:

  • Stress hormones increase
  • Digestive processes slow
  • Blood flow redirects

During race:

  • ADH levels rise with dehydration
  • Digestive activity minimises
  • Electrolyte balance changes

Recovery phase:

  • Hormone levels normalise
  • Digestive function returns
  • Rehydration enables system recovery

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 77

Analyse how iron deficiency could affect both the endocrine and digestive systems during endurance training.  (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Iron deficiency impacts multiple systems during endurance training:

Endocrine Effects:

  • Reduced thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism
  • Impaired growth hormone function affecting recovery
  • Altered cortisol response to exercise stress

Digestive Effects:

  • Decreased enzyme production affecting nutrient breakdown
  • Reduced nutrient absorption capacity
  • Impaired energy availability for gut function

These combined effects lead to:

  • Reduced training capacity
  • Impaired recovery
  • Compromised adaptation to training load
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Sample Answer

Iron deficiency impacts multiple systems during endurance training:

Endocrine Effects:

  • Reduced thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism
  • Impaired growth hormone function affecting recovery
  • Altered cortisol response to exercise stress

Digestive Effects:

  • Decreased enzyme production affecting nutrient breakdown
  • Reduced nutrient absorption capacity
  • Impaired energy availability for gut function

These combined effects lead to:

  • Reduced training capacity
  • Impaired recovery
  • Compromised adaptation to training load

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 76

Explain how growth hormone and cortisol interact during a high-intensity interval training session.  (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

During HIIT training:

  • Growth hormone increases to enhance fat metabolism and protein synthesis
  • Cortisol rises to maintain blood glucose through gluconeogenesis
  • The hormones work antagonistically on protein metabolism:
    • Growth hormone promotes protein synthesis
    • Cortisol increases protein breakdown
  • This interaction affects both performance and recovery
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Sample Answer

During HIIT training:

  • Growth hormone increases to enhance fat metabolism and protein synthesis
  • Cortisol rises to maintain blood glucose through gluconeogenesis
  • The hormones work antagonistically on protein metabolism:
    • Growth hormone promotes protein synthesis
    • Cortisol increases protein breakdown
  • This interaction affects both performance and recovery

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 75

Describe the impact of exercise-induced thermal stress on digestive enzyme production.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Exercise-induced thermal stress affects digestive enzyme production by:

  • Reducing secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas
  • Decreasing salivary amylase production
  • Impairing the efficiency of existing enzymes These changes can affect nutrient breakdown during and after exercise.
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Sample Answer

Exercise-induced thermal stress affects digestive enzyme production by:

  • Reducing secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas
  • Decreasing salivary amylase production
  • Impairing the efficiency of existing enzymes These changes can affect nutrient breakdown during and after exercise.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 74 MC

A badminton player in a five-set match shows declining performance. Which combination of factors most likely explains this?

  1. Increased insulin, reduced glucose uptake
  2. Elevated cortisol, impaired digestion
  3. Enhanced adrenaline, improved absorption
  4. Improves nutrient transport
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Consider Option B: Elevated cortisol, impaired digestion

  • Prolonged stress hormones affect digestive function and energy availability.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Insulin typically decreases during exercise.
  • C is incorrect: Absorption decreases during intense exercise.
  • D is incorrect: This combination is physiologically contradictory.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 73 MC

Which statement best explains how chronic stress affects zinc absorption?

  1. Increases intestinal permeability
  2. Reduces absorption efficiency
  3. Enhances enzyme production
  4. Improves nutrient transport
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Consider Option B: Reduces absorption efficiency

  • Chronic stress impairs nutrient absorption through multiple mechanisms.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Stress typically decreases intestinal absorption capability.
  • C is incorrect: Stress impairs digestive enzyme production.
  • D is incorrect: Stress compromises rather than improves nutrient transport.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 72 MC

During a two-hour mountain bike ride, which process would support sustained energy release?

  1. Enhanced glucagon production
  2. Decreased liver glycogen breakdown
  3. Increased insulin secretion
  4. Reduced cortisol release
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Consider Option A:  Enhanced glucagon production

  • Glucagon helps maintain blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Glycogen must be broken down to maintain blood glucose.
  • C is incorrect: Insulin decreases during exercise to allow glucose mobilisation.
  • D is incorrect: Cortisol typically increases during prolonged exercise.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 71 MC

A triathlete experiences stomach cramps in the final leg of their race. This is most likely due to:

  1. Excess enzyme production
  2. Reduced digestive activity
  3. Increased blood flow to the gut
  4. Enhanced nutrient absorption
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Consider Option B:  Reduced digestive activity

  • Blood diversion from digestive system to working muscles during intense exercise reduces digestive function.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Enzyme production actually decreases during intense exercise.
  • C is incorrect: Blood flow is diverted away from digestive system during exercise.
  • D is incorrect: Absorption decreases during intense exercise due to reduced blood flow.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 70 MC

An archer notices their hands shaking before competition. This response is primarily caused by which hormone?

  1. Insulin
  2. Thyroxine
  3. Epinephrine
  4. Growth hormone
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Consider Option C:  Epinephrine

  • Epinephrine is released during stress causing physical symptoms including trembling through activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Insulin decreases blood glucose and does not cause shaking. It’s primarily involved in glucose storage, not stress response.
  • B is incorrect: While thyroxine affects metabolism, it doesn’t cause acute stress responses like shaking.
  • D is incorrect: Involved in tissue repair and growth, not acute stress responses.