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HMS, BM 2022 HSC 6 MC

A person started to feel numb on one side of their body. They had blurred vision and difficulty speaking.

Which disease was this person likely to be experiencing?

  1. Coronary heart disease
  2. Cerebrovascular disease
  3. Congenital heart disease
  4. Peripheral vascular disease
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Consider Option B:  Cerebrovascular disease

  • One-sided numbness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, are classic signs of a stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, affecting both the nervous and circulatory systems.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Coronary heart disease primarily affects the heart muscle with chest pain symptoms
  • C is incorrect: Congenital heart disease is present from birth
  • D is incorrect: Peripheral vascular disease mainly affects blood vessels in the limbs

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 69

Compare and contrast the effects of peripheral arterial disease and deep vein thrombosis on movement performance, and outline appropriate exercise modifications for each condition.  (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

PAD and DVT characteristics:

  • PAD causes predictable cramping pain during exercise due to reduced arterial flow.
  • DVT presents as leg pain/swelling with risk of clot movement during activity.

Exercise limitations:

  • PAD restricts duration through pain.
  • DVT requires avoiding movement until stabilised.

Safety modifications:

  • PAD needs rest breaks at pain onset.
  • DVT starts with upper body focus only.

Intensity guidelines:

  • PAD: moderate (40 – 60% HRmax).
  • DVT: very low (20 – 30% HRmax) initially.

Movement adaptations:

  • PAD uses walking intervals.
  • DVT progresses from seated to standing exercises.

Medical clearance:

  • Both require medical approval and monitoring for exercise progression.
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Sample Answer

PAD and DVT characteristics:

  • PAD causes predictable cramping pain during exercise due to reduced arterial flow.
  • DVT presents as leg pain/swelling with risk of clot movement during activity.

Exercise limitations:

  • PAD restricts duration through pain.
  • DVT requires avoiding movement until stabilised.

Safety modifications:

  • PAD needs rest breaks at pain onset.
  • DVT starts with upper body focus only.

Intensity guidelines:

  • PAD: moderate (40 – 60% HRmax).
  • DVT: very low (20 – 30% HRmax) initially.

Movement adaptations:

  • PAD uses walking intervals.
  • DVT progresses from seated to standing exercises.

Medical clearance:

  • Both require medical approval and monitoring for exercise progression.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 68

Analyse how iron deficiency anemia impacts both submaximal and maximal exercise performance, and explain two strategies that could be implemented to minimise these effects. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Reduced oxygen carrying capacity effects:

  • Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin concentration, significantly decreasing the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to working muscles during both rest and exercise.

Impact on aerobic energy system:

  • The reduced oxygen delivery to muscles forces greater reliance on anaerobic energy systems, leading to earlier onset of fatigue and increased lactate production during exercise.

Increased heart rate at submaximal intensities:

  • To compensate for reduced oxygen carrying capacity, the heart rate increases more than normal at any given submaximal workload to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Decreased VO2 max:

  • Maximum oxygen uptake is significantly reduced due to the limited oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, typically decreasing by 10 – 20% depending on the severity of anemia.

Dietary iron supplementation strategy:

  • Iron supplementation should be prescribed by a healthcare provider, typically starting with 65 – 100mg of elemental iron daily, preferably in the form of ferrous sulfate.

Timing of iron-rich meals with vitamin C:

  • Iron-rich foods (like lean red meat, legumes, and leafy greens) alongside vitamin C sources (citrus fruits, bell peppers) enhances iron absorption by up to 300%.

Training modifications during treatment:

  • Exercise intensity and duration should be reduced during initial treatment phases, with a gradual return to normal training loads as hemoglobin levels improve over 4 – 8 weeks.
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Sample Answer

Reduced oxygen carrying capacity effects:

  • Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin concentration, significantly decreasing the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to working muscles during both rest and exercise.

Impact on aerobic energy system:

  • The reduced oxygen delivery to muscles forces greater reliance on anaerobic energy systems, leading to earlier onset of fatigue and increased lactate production during exercise.

Increased heart rate at submaximal intensities:

  • To compensate for reduced oxygen carrying capacity, the heart rate increases more than normal at any given submaximal workload to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Decreased VO2 max:

  • Maximum oxygen uptake is significantly reduced due to the limited oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, typically decreasing by 10 – 20% depending on the severity of anemia.

Dietary iron supplementation strategy:

  • Iron supplementation should be prescribed by a healthcare provider, typically starting with 65 – 100mg of elemental iron daily, preferably in the form of ferrous sulfate.

Timing of iron-rich meals with vitamin C:

  • Iron-rich foods (like lean red meat, legumes, and leafy greens) alongside vitamin C sources (citrus fruits, bell peppers) enhances iron absorption by up to 300%.

Training modifications during treatment:

  • Exercise intensity and duration should be reduced during initial treatment phases, with a gradual return to normal training loads as hemoglobin levels improve over 4 – 8 weeks.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 67

Explain how the cardiovascular system adapts to exercise at altitude (2500 m) over both short-term (24 - 48 hours) and long-term (3+ weeks) periods.  (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Initial responses – Increased ventilation rate and depth:

  • The body immediately responds to lower oxygen partial pressure at altitude by increasing breathing rate and depth (hyperventilation) to maximize oxygen uptake in the lungs.

Short-term adaptations – increased heart rate and cardiac output:

  • Heart rate increases to compensate for reduced oxygen availability, while cardiac output rises to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues, typically seen within the first 24 – 48 hours at altitude.

Long-term adaptations – increased EPO production:

  • The kidneys detect lower oxygen levels and increase production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Increased red blood cell production and hemoglobin concentration:

  • Over 3+ weeks, the bone marrow responds to elevated EPO levels by producing more red blood cells, leading to a 10 – 15% increase in total hemoglobin concentration.

Enhanced oxygen carrying capacity:

  • The increased number of red blood cells and hemoglobin molecules significantly improves the blood’s ability to transport oxygen from the lungs to working muscles.

Improved capillarisation in muscle tissue:

  • New capillaries develop within muscle tissue to enhance oxygen delivery and removal of waste products, though this adaptation typically takes several weeks to develop fully.

Discussion of oxygen partial pressure effects:

  • The reduced partial pressure of oxygen at 2500m (approximately 75% of sea level) triggers these adaptations as the body attempts to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation despite the thinner air.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Initial responses – Increased ventilation rate and depth:

  • The body immediately responds to lower oxygen partial pressure at altitude by increasing breathing rate and depth (hyperventilation) to maximize oxygen uptake in the lungs.

Short-term adaptations – increased heart rate and cardiac output:

  • Heart rate increases to compensate for reduced oxygen availability, while cardiac output rises to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues, typically seen within the first 24-48 hours at altitude.

Long-term adaptations – increased EPO production:

  • The kidneys detect lower oxygen levels and increase production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Increased red blood cell production and hemoglobin concentration:

  • Over 3+ weeks, the bone marrow responds to elevated EPO levels by producing more red blood cells, leading to a 10-15% increase in total hemoglobin concentration.

Enhanced oxygen carrying capacity:

  • The increased number of red blood cells and hemoglobin molecules significantly improves the blood’s ability to transport oxygen from the lungs to working muscles.

Improved capillarisation in muscle tissue:

  • New capillaries develop within muscle tissue to enhance oxygen delivery and removal of waste products, though this adaptation typically takes several weeks to develop fully.

Discussion of oxygen partial pressure effects:

  • The reduced partial pressure of oxygen at 2500m (approximately 75% of sea level) triggers these adaptations as the body attempts to maintain adequate tissue oxygenation despite the thinner air.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 66 MC

Which vascular condition most directly impacts exercise performance through reduced blood flow to working muscles?

  1. Peripheral arterial disease
  2. Deep vein thrombosis
  3. Varicose veins
  4. High blood pressure
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A:  Peripheral arterial disease

  • PAD directly reduces blood flow to muscles through arterial narrowing

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: DVT affects deep veins, not arterial supply to muscles
  • C is incorrect: Affects superficial veins, minimal impact on muscle blood flow
  • D is incorrect: While it affects circulation, doesn’t directly reduce blood flow as

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 65 MC

An athlete with iron deficiency anemia would most likely experience: 

  1. Decreased stroke volume only
  2. Decreased ventilation rate only
  3. Increased blood pressure and decreased cardiac output
  4. Increased heart rate and decreased oxygen carrying capacity
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Consider Option D:  Increased heart rate and decreased oxygen carrying capacity

  • Lower haemoglobin leads to reduced oxygen carrying capacity, heart rate increases to compensate

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Stroke volume isn’t directly affected by iron deficiency
  • B is incorrect: Capillarisation is a long-term adaptation
  • C is incorrect: Blood pressure typically decreases in anemia

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 64 MC

During exercise at high altitude (3000 m above sea level), which of the following adaptations occurs first in the body?

  1. Increased production of red blood cells
  2. Increased breathing rate and depth
  3. Increased cardiac output
  4. Increased capillarisation
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B:  Increased breathing rate and depth

  • The immediate response to high altitude is hyperventilation to compensate for lower oxygen partial pressure

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: RBC production (erythropoiesis) takes several days to weeks
  • C is incorrect: While cardiac output increases, it’s secondary to respiratory changes
  • D is incorrect: Capillarisation is a long-term adaptation

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 63

Analyse how the interrelationship between the respiratory and circulatory systems can contribute to improved endurance performance in athletes.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The respiratory and circulatory systems work synergistically to enhance endurance performance through several adaptations and mechanisms.
  • When functioning together efficiently, significant improvement an athlete’s aerobic capacity and endurance capabilities can be achieved.
  • The respiratory system adapts by increasing vital capacity and strengthening respiratory muscles.
  • This allows for greater tidal volume and more efficient gaseous exchange in the alveoli.
  • The increased efficiency of oxygen diffusion from alveoli to pulmonary capillaries means more oxygen is available for working muscles.  
  • The circulatory system simultaneously adapts by increasing stroke volume and cardiac efficiency.
  • The pulmonary circulation becomes more efficient at managing increased blood flow
  • The systemic circulation develops greater capillarisation in working muscles
  • Improved vascularity enhances both oxygen delivery and waste product removal.

These adaptations working together result in:

  • Improved oxygen delivery to working muscles
  • Enhanced removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products
  • Greater efficiency in matching ventilation with perfusion
  • Increased endurance capacity through better oxygen utilization

The interrelationship between systems

  • Means that improvements in one system directly benefit the other → compound effect
    • that enhances overall endurance performance.
    • evidenced by increased VO2 max
    • delayed onset of fatigue in trained athletes
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • The respiratory and circulatory systems work synergistically to enhance endurance performance through several adaptations and mechanisms.
  • When functioning together efficiently, significant improvement an athlete’s aerobic capacity and endurance capabilities can be achieved.
  • The respiratory system adapts by increasing vital capacity and strengthening respiratory muscles.
  • This allows for greater tidal volume and more efficient gaseous exchange in the alveoli.
  • The increased efficiency of oxygen diffusion from alveoli to pulmonary capillaries means more oxygen is available for working muscles.  
  • The circulatory system simultaneously adapts by increasing stroke volume and cardiac efficiency.
  • The pulmonary circulation becomes more efficient at managing increased blood flow
  • The systemic circulation develops greater capillarisation in working muscles
  • Improved vascularity enhances both oxygen delivery and waste product removal.

These adaptations working together result in:

  • Improved oxygen delivery to working muscles
  • Enhanced removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products
  • Greater efficiency in matching ventilation with perfusion
  • Increased endurance capacity through better oxygen utilization

The interrelationship between systems

  • Means that improvements in one system directly benefit the other → compound effect
    • that enhances overall endurance performance.
    • evidenced by increased VO2 max
    • delayed onset of fatigue in trained athletes

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 62

Explain how the respiratory and circulatory systems work together to support an athlete during a 5 km run.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

During a 5 km run:

Respiratory and circulatory systems work together to meet increased oxygen demands and remove waste products.

Respiratory system

  • increases breathing rate and depth to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal through the alveoli.
  • Simultaneously, the circulatory system increases heart rate and stroke volume to transport more oxygenated blood to working muscles through the systemic circulation.

The pulmonary circulation

  • facilitates efficient gas exchange as deoxygenated blood from working muscles enters the pulmonary arteries
  • flows through capillaries surrounding alveoli where it becomes oxygenated then returns to the heart via pulmonary veins
  • oxygenated blood is then pumped through the systemic circulation to deliver oxygen to the working muscles and remove metabolic waste products
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Sample Answer

During a 5 km run:

Respiratory and circulatory systems work together to meet increased oxygen demands and remove waste products.

Respiratory system

  • Respiratory system increases breathing rate and depth to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal through the alveoli.

The circulatory system

  • Simultaneously, increases heart rate and stroke volume to transport more oxygenated blood to working muscles through the systemic circulation.
  • The pulmonary circulation facilitates efficient gas exchange as deoxygenated blood from working muscles enters the pulmonary arteries
  • flows through capillaries surrounding alveoli where it becomes oxygenated then returns to the heart via pulmonary veins
  • oxygenated blood is then pumped through the systemic circulation to deliver oxygen to the working muscles and remove metabolic waste products

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 61

Outline how gaseous exchange occurs in the alveoli during submaximal exercise.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

During submaximal exercise:

  • Oxygen diffuses from high concentration in the alveoli to low concentration in the pulmonary capillaries.
  • Simultaneously, carbon dioxide diffuses from high concentration in the blood to low concentration in the alveoli.
  • This process is enhanced by the thin walls of both alveoli and capillaries, and the large surface area provided by millions of alveoli.
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Sample Answer

During submaximal exercise:

  • Oxygen diffuses from high concentration in the alveoli to low concentration in the pulmonary capillaries.
  • Simultaneously, carbon dioxide diffuses from high concentration in the blood to low concentration in the alveoli.
  • This process is enhanced by the thin walls of both alveoli and capillaries, and the large surface area provided by millions of alveoli.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 60 MC

During high-intensity exercise, what best explains why an athlete's breathing rate increases?

  1. To increase tidal volume in the pulmonary arteries
  2. To decrease carbon dioxide levels in the alveoli
  3. To meet increased oxygen demands of working muscles
  4. To reduce blood flow through the pulmonary circuit
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C:  To meet increased oxygen demands of working muscles

  • Breathing rate increases primarily to meet the increased oxygen demands of working muscles during intense exercise

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Tidal volume refers to air volume, not blood in pulmonary arteries
  • B is incorrect: While CO2 removal increases, this is a result not the primary reason
  • D is incorrect: Blood flow through pulmonary circuit actually increases during exercise

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 59 MC

Which statement correctly describes the exchange of gases during exercise?

  1. Carbon dioxide diffuses from high concentration in the blood to low concentration in the alveoli
  2. Oxygen diffuses from low concentration in the alveoli to high concentration in the blood
  3. Carbon dioxide moves from low concentration in the blood to high concentration in the alveoli
  4. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs primarily in the bronchioles
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Consider Option A:  Carbon dioxide diffuses from high concentration in the blood to low concentration in the alveoli

  • Carbon dioxide diffuses from high concentration in blood to low concentration in alveoli following concentration gradient

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Oxygen diffuses from high concentration in alveoli to low concentration in blood
  • C is incorrect: Reverses the concentration gradient for carbon dioxide
  • D is incorrect: Gas exchange occurs primarily in the alveoli, not bronchioles

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 58 MC

During a 400m sprint, an athlete's oxygen demand increases. Which sequence correctly shows the pathway of oxygen from inhalation to the working muscles?

  1. Alveoli → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Systemic circulation
  2. Alveoli → Pulmonary artery → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Systemic circulation
  3. Bronchi → Pulmonary vein → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Systemic circulation
  4. Bronchi → Pulmonary artery → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Systemic circulation
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A:  Alveoli → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Systemic circulation

This shows the correct pathway

  • Oxygen diffuses into the alveoli
  • Enters pulmonary veins (oxygenated blood)
  • Flows to left atrium then ventricle
  • Lastly entering systemic circulation to reach muscles

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood
  • C is incorrect: Right side of heart receives deoxygenated blood and bronchi are air passages not involved in blood flow
  • D is incorrect: Combines multiple errors – wrong blood vessels and wrong side of heart

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 57

Analyse how the structure of the respiratory and circulatory systems work together to support performance in a rock climber during a difficult ascent.  (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Bronchi branching increases surface area for gas exchange
  • Capillary networks around alveoli optimise oxygen transfer
  • Heart chambers coordinate blood flow with breathing
  • Intercostal muscles expand ribcage as intensity increases
  • Blood vessels in arms dilate to meet grip demands
  • Sustained climbing requires matched system efficiency
  • Recovery between moves allows system adjustment
  • Both systems adapt to changing body positions
  • Performance limited if either system reaches capacity
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Sample Answer

  • Bronchi branching increases surface area for gas exchange
  • Capillary networks around alveoli optimise oxygen transfer
  • Heart chambers coordinate blood flow with breathing
  • Intercostal muscles expand ribcage as intensity increases
  • Blood vessels in arms dilate to meet grip demands
  • Sustained climbing requires matched system efficiency
  • Recovery between moves allows system adjustment
  • Both systems adapt to changing body positions
  • Performance limited if either system reaches capacity

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 56

Describe how the heart's structure supports blood flow during a 400m sprint.  (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Four chambers separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
  • Thick ventricular walls enable forceful contractions
  • Valve system prevents backflow during intense activity
  • Coronary arteries supply heart muscle during increased demand
  • Chamber size allows increased stroke volume
  • Elastic arterial walls help maintain blood pressure
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Sample Answer

  • Four chambers separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
  • Thick ventricular walls enable forceful contractions
  • Valve system prevents backflow during intense activity
  • Coronary arteries supply heart muscle during increased demand
  • Chamber size allows increased stroke volume
  • Elastic arterial walls help maintain blood pressure

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 55

Explain how the diaphragm's structure supports efficient movement during a tennis serve.  (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Dome shape allows full contraction during forceful movements
  • Muscle fibres enable powerful contraction for deep breathing
  • Attaches to lower ribs providing stable anchor point
  • Coordinated movement increases lung capacity during serve action
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Sample Answer

  • Dome shape allows full contraction during forceful movements
  • Muscle fibres enable powerful contraction for deep breathing
  • Attaches to lower ribs providing stable anchor point
  • Coordinated movement increases lung capacity during serve action

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 54 MC

During a netball game, which sequence accurately shows how the respiratory and circulatory systems work together in the goal shooter's muscles?

  1. Decreased lung capacity → slower blood flow → reduced oxygen to muscles
  2. Steady breathing rate → reduced heart rate → increased muscle oxygen
  3. Increased breathing rate → enhanced blood flow → greater oxygen delivery
  4. Rapid breathing → decreased circulation → higher muscle oxygen
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C: Increased breathing rate → enhanced blood flow → greater oxygen delivery

  • Shows correct relationship between systems during sport-specific movement

Incorrect Options:

  • Other options contain physiologically incorrect relationships

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 53 MC

During steady-state running, which statement correctly identifies how the respiratory and circulatory systems structure enables oxygen delivery to working leg muscles?

  1. Bronchioles constrict while capillaries dilate in muscles
  2. Alveoli and surrounding capillaries maximize gas exchange
  3. Airways narrow while blood vessels expand in lungs
  4. Bronchi expand while blood flow decreases to muscles
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B: Alveoli and surrounding capillaries maximize gas exchange

  • Correctly shows the structural relationship enabling efficient gas exchange

Incorrect Options:

  • A: Bronchioles don’t constrict during exercise
  • C: Airways don’t narrow during exercise
  • D: Blood flow increases not decreases to muscles

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 52 MC

A volleyball player performs a jump serve. Which respiratory system change enables efficient movement?

  1. Decreased gas exchange at the site of alveoli
  2. Reduced breathing rate during acceleration
  3. Increased pulmonary ventilation as muscles activate
  4. Slower respiratory rate with muscle contraction
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C: Gaseous exchange increases in alveoli

  • Links increased ventilation with muscle activation for movement

Incorrect Options:

  • Other options incorrectly suggest decreases/reductions during activity