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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)

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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 362

Describe the relationship between heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output during aerobic training.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Cardiac output increases during aerobic training due to increases in both heart rate and stroke volume
  • Heart rate increases proportionally to exercise intensity, often reaching 120-180 beats per minute depending on fitness and intensity
  • Stroke volume increases initially but plateaus at moderate intensity exercise
  • The relationship can be expressed as Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume, showing how both components contribute to increased blood flow
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Cardiac output increases during aerobic training due to increases in both heart rate and stroke volume
  • Heart rate increases proportionally to exercise intensity, often reaching 120-180 beats per minute depending on fitness and intensity
  • Stroke volume increases initially but plateaus at moderate intensity exercise
  • The relationship can be expressed as Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume, showing how both components contribute to increased blood flow

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 360

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

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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
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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.

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
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B: Increased heart rate and cardiac output

  •  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 355

Olympic swimming coach Michelle is monitoring her athlete's lactate levels during training to help prepare for the upcoming 200m freestyle event.

  1. Describe the relationship between exercise intensity and lactate production during swimming training.   (3 marks)
  2. Explain TWO immediate physiological responses that occur alongside changes in lactate levels during high-intensity swimming.   (3 marks)
  3. Outline ONE benefit of monitoring lactate levels during swimming training.   (2 marks)
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Sample Answer 

a.   Relationship between exercise intensity and lactate production

  • At low swimming intensities (easy warm-up pace), lactate levels remain close to resting values (1-2 mmol/L) as the aerobic system adequately meets energy demands.
  • As swimming intensity increases to moderate levels, there is a gradual increase in lactate production, though the body can still effectively clear most lactate produced.
  • During high-intensity swimming (race pace), lactate levels rise significantly (may exceed 8-10 mmol/L) as the glycolytic energy system becomes the primary energy provider, producing lactate as a by-product.

b.   Immediate physiological responses –  Any TWO of the following

  • Heart rate increases substantially during high-intensity swimming as the cardiovascular system works to deliver more oxygen to working muscles, rising in proportion to the increase in lactate levels.
  • Ventilation rate (breathing rate) increases dramatically alongside rising lactate levels, as the swimmer attempts to take in more oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, often resulting in the characteristic gasping for air seen at the end of a race.
  • Stroke volume may initially increase but then plateau during very high-intensity swimming when lactate levels are highest.
  • Cardiac output increases proportionally with intensity to support greater oxygen demand and assist with lactate clearance.

c.   Benefit – Any ONE of the following

  • Monitoring lactate levels allows the coach to precisely determine appropriate training intensities for specific energy system development, ensuring the swimmer trains at the correct intensity to improve performance in the 200 m event.
  • Lactate testing provides objective feedback about the swimmer’s physiological response to training, allowing for adjustments to training volume and intensity based on individual adaptations rather than subjective feelings of effort.
  • Regular lactate monitoring can track improvements in the swimmer’s fitness, with lower lactate levels at the same swimming speed indicating enhanced aerobic capacity and efficiency.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

 a.   Relationship between exercise intensity and lactate production

  • At low swimming intensities (easy warm-up pace), lactate levels remain close to resting values (1-2 mmol/L) as the aerobic system adequately meets energy demands.
  • As swimming intensity increases to moderate levels, there is a gradual increase in lactate production, though the body can still effectively clear most lactate produced.
  • During high-intensity swimming (race pace), lactate levels rise significantly (may exceed 8-10 mmol/L) as the glycolytic energy system becomes the primary energy provider, producing lactate as a by-product.

b.   Immediate physiological responses – Any TWO of the following

  • Heart rate increases substantially during high-intensity swimming as the cardiovascular system works to deliver more oxygen to working muscles, rising in proportion to the increase in lactate levels.
  • Ventilation rate (breathing rate) increases dramatically alongside rising lactate levels, as the swimmer attempts to take in more oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, often resulting in the characteristic gasping for air seen at the end of a race.
  • Stroke volume may initially increase but then plateau during very high-intensity swimming when lactate levels are highest.
  • Cardiac output increases proportionally with intensity to support greater oxygen demand and assist with lactate clearance.

c.   Benefit – Any ONE of the following

  • Monitoring lactate levels allows the coach to precisely determine appropriate training intensities for specific energy system development, ensuring the swimmer trains at the correct intensity to improve performance in the 200 m event.
  • Lactate testing provides objective feedback about the swimmer’s physiological response to training, allowing for adjustments to training volume and intensity based on individual adaptations rather than subjective feelings of effort.
  • Regular lactate monitoring can track improvements in the swimmer’s fitness, with lower lactate levels at the same swimming speed indicating enhanced aerobic capacity and efficiency.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 350

Analyse the relationship between lactate levels and other immediate physiological responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT).   (7 marks)

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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.   (7 marks)

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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 324

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

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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.   (7 marks)

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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)

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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 321

Compare the heart rate responses to aerobic and anaerobic training.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Aerobic training

  • HR increases steadily and is maintained at a moderate level (approximately 60-80% of maximum heart rate).
  • For example, during a 30-minute jog, heart rate may increase to 140-160 bpm and remain relatively stable.
  • HR can be sustained at moderate levels for extended periods as the body can continuously supply oxygen to meet energy demands.

Anaerobic training

  • HR increases rapidly to near-maximum levels (approximately 80-95% of maximum heart rate).
  • For example, during sprint intervals, heart rate may quickly rise to 170-190 bpm.
  • As HR quickly reach near-maximal levels they can only be maintained briefly as oxygen demand exceeds supply, causing rapid fatigue.

Recovery heart rate

  • After aerobic training HR typically returns to normal more quickly than after intense anaerobic training.
  • HR during aerobic training is more sustainable for longer periods, whereas anaerobic training can only be maintained for shorter durations due to rapid fatigue and oxygen debt.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Aerobic training

  • HR increases steadily and is maintained at a moderate level (approximately 60-80% of maximum heart rate).
  • For example, during a 30-minute jog, heart rate may increase to 140-160 bpm and remain relatively stable.
  • HR can be sustained at moderate levels for extended periods as the body can continuously supply oxygen to meet energy demands.

Anaerobic training

  • HR increases rapidly to near-maximum levels (approximately 80-95% of maximum heart rate).
  • For example, during sprint intervals, heart rate may quickly rise to 170-190 bpm.
  • As HR quickly reach near-maximal levels they can only be maintained briefly as oxygen demand exceeds supply, causing rapid fatigue.

Recovery heart rate

  • After aerobic training HR typically returns to normal more quickly than after intense anaerobic training.
  • HR during aerobic training is more sustainable for longer periods, whereas anaerobic training can only be maintained for shorter durations due to rapid fatigue and oxygen debt.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 320

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

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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 318 MC

During an athletics training session, a coach observes a sprinter's heart rate. Which of the following is the most likely immediate physiological response to high-intensity sprint training?

  1. Decreased heart rate
  2. Increased heart rate
  3. Decreased cardiac output
  4. No change in heart rate
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B: Increased heart rate

  • Immediate increase in heart rate to supply working muscles with oxygen and nutrients.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Heart rate increases not decreases during exercise.
  • C is incorrect: Cardiac output increases not decreases during exercise.
  • D is incorrect: Heart rate changes in response to exercise, it does not remain the same.

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.   (10 marks)

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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)

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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.   (7 marks)

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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.
  •  
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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 314

Explain how immediate cardiac responses differ between resistance training and endurance training.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer 

Heart rate response:

  •  Endurance training
    • Heart rate increases and maintains a steady elevated level for extended periods
  • Resistance training
    • Heart rate spikes during each set then partially recovers during rest periods between sets.

Stroke volume changes:

  • Endurance training
    • Sustained increase in stroke volume throughout the session
  • Resistance training
    • Temporary increases in stroke volume during lifting phases with returns toward normal during rest periods.

Blood pressure:

  • Resistance training causes greater increases in blood pressure than endurance training, especially during lifting phases when muscles contract forcefully and compress blood vessels.

Cardiac output patterns:

  • Resistance training
    • Produces varying cardiac output with peaks during lifting and lower values during rest intervals.
  • Endurance training
    • Maintains elevated cardiac output consistently throughout the session

Venous return:

  • Resistance training
    • May temporarily restrict blood flow during intense muscle contractions.
  • Endurance training
    • Promotes continuous venous return through rhythmic muscle contractions

Recovery between efforts:

  • Resistance training
    • Allows partial cardiac recovery between sets as heart rate and blood pressure decrease during rest intervals.
  • Endurance training
    • Requires continuous cardiac work with minimal recovery 
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Sample Answer

Heart rate response:

  •  Endurance training
    • Heart rate increases and maintains a steady elevated level for extended periods
  • Resistance training
    • Heart rate spikes during each set then partially recovers during rest periods between sets.

Stroke volume changes:

  • Endurance training
    • Sustained increase in stroke volume throughout the session
  • Resistance training
    • Temporary increases in stroke volume during lifting phases with returns toward normal during rest periods.

Blood pressure:

  • Resistance training causes greater increases in blood pressure than endurance training, especially during lifting phases when muscles contract forcefully and compress blood vessels.

Cardiac output patterns:

  • Resistance training
    • Produces varying cardiac output with peaks during lifting and lower values during rest intervals.
  • Endurance training
    • Maintains elevated cardiac output consistently throughout the session

Venous return:

  • Resistance training
    • May temporarily restrict blood flow during intense muscle contractions.
  • Endurance training
    • Promotes continuous venous return through rhythmic muscle contractions

Recovery between efforts:

  • Resistance training
    • Allows partial cardiac recovery between sets as heart rate and blood pressure decrease during rest intervals.
  • Endurance training
    • Requires continuous cardiac work with minimal recovery 

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 311

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

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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.
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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 308 MC

The table shows physiological data collected from an athlete during a training session.

Which statement best explains the relationship between these physiological responses during training?

  1. Heart rate and stroke volume decrease at the same rate during exercise
  2. Cardiac output increases mainly due to increases in stroke volume
  3. Heart rate continues to increase throughout exercise while stroke volume plateaus
  4. Cardiac output decreases as heart rate increases during training
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Consider Option C: Heart rate continues to increase throughout exercise while stroke volume plateaus

  • The data shows heart rate continually increasing from 120 to 160 bpm while stroke volume increases initially but plateaus at 110 mL.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: The data shows heart rate increasing and stroke volume increasing then plateauing, not decreasing.
  • B is incorrect: Cardiac output increases due to both heart rate and stroke volume initially, but primarily due to heart rate in later stages.
  • D is incorrect: Cardiac output increases, not decreases, as heart rate increases.