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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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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C: Increased heart rate and stroke volume

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

Other Options:

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

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 338

Evaluate how different types of training affect the immediate response of stroke volume and how these responses contribute to performance in endurance and power-based sports.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • During moderate-intensity aerobic training (e.g., continuous running at 60-70% maximum heart rate), stroke volume increases by 50-60% from resting values to deliver more blood per heart beat
  • This increase occurs because more blood returns to the heart (venous return) through the muscular pump effect and the heart contracts more forcefully
  • In high-intensity anaerobic training (e.g., sprint intervals), heart rate increases dramatically, which reduces filling time between beats, resulting in a smaller increase in stroke volume
  • For endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists, the larger stroke volume response during aerobic training directly improves cardiac output, supplying working muscles with oxygen more efficiently
  • The link between stroke volume and cardiac output (CO = SV × HR) means endurance athletes can maintain the same cardiac output with lower heart rates, conserving energy
  • For power athletes in sports like weightlifting or sprinting, the immediate stroke volume response is less significant as performance depends more on the ATP-PCr and glycolytic energy systems
  • In mixed sports like football or basketball, the ability to quickly increase stroke volume during transitions between high and moderate intensities helps maintain performance during the entire match
  • Training adaptations that enhance the immediate stroke volume response are more beneficial for endurance performance than power performance as they directly improve oxygen transport efficiency
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • During moderate-intensity aerobic training (e.g., continuous running at 60-70% maximum heart rate), stroke volume increases by 50-60% from resting values to deliver more blood per heart beat
  • This increase occurs because more blood returns to the heart (venous return) through the muscular pump effect and the heart contracts more forcefully
  • In high-intensity anaerobic training (e.g., sprint intervals), heart rate increases dramatically, which reduces filling time between beats, resulting in a smaller increase in stroke volume
  • For endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists, the larger stroke volume response during aerobic training directly improves cardiac output, supplying working muscles with oxygen more efficiently
  • The link between stroke volume and cardiac output (CO = SV × HR) means endurance athletes can maintain the same cardiac output with lower heart rates, conserving energy
  • For power athletes in sports like weightlifting or sprinting, the immediate stroke volume response is less significant as performance depends more on the ATP-PCr and glycolytic energy systems
  • In mixed sports like football or basketball, the ability to quickly increase stroke volume during transitions between high and moderate intensities helps maintain performance during the entire match
  • Training adaptations that enhance the immediate stroke volume response are more beneficial for endurance performance than power performance as they directly improve oxygen transport efficiency

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 337

Analyse the relationship between stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output during an aerobic training session.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Cardiac output equals stroke volume multiplied by heart rate (CO = SV × HR)
  • At the onset of exercise, both stroke volume and heart rate increase to elevate cardiac output
  • Stroke volume increases due to increased venous return from active muscles and increased contractility of the heart
  • Heart rate increases due to decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic stimulation
  • As intensity increases, stroke volume reaches its maximum at moderate intensity (40-60% of maximum) and plateaus
  • Further increases in cardiac output at higher intensities come primarily from increases in heart rate
  • During steady-state exercise, cardiac output stabilizes as oxygen supply meets demand
  • Recovery sees a gradual decrease in both heart rate and stroke volume, returning cardiac output to resting levels
  • This relationship allows the cardiovascular system to efficiently meet the oxygen demands of working muscles during exercise
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Cardiac output equals stroke volume multiplied by heart rate (CO = SV × HR)
  • At the onset of exercise, both stroke volume and heart rate increase to elevate cardiac output
  • Stroke volume increases due to increased venous return from active muscles and increased contractility of the heart
  • Heart rate increases due to decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic stimulation
  • As intensity increases, stroke volume reaches its maximum at moderate intensity (40-60% of maximum) and plateaus
  • Further increases in cardiac output at higher intensities come primarily from increases in heart rate
  • During steady-state exercise, cardiac output stabilizes as oxygen supply meets demand
  • Recovery sees a gradual decrease in both heart rate and stroke volume, returning cardiac output to resting levels
  • This relationship allows the cardiovascular system to efficiently meet the oxygen demands of working muscles during exercise

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 336

Compare the immediate responses in stroke volume between a trained athlete and an untrained individual when both complete the same moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Trained athletes have a higher resting stroke volume (approximately 70-90 mL) compared to untrained individuals (approximately 50-70 mL).
  • During exercise, both show an increase in stroke volume, but the trained athlete’s stroke volume will increase to a higher maximum (120-160 mL vs 90-110 mL in untrained individuals).
  • The trained athlete reaches a steady-state stroke volume more quickly due to more efficient cardiovascular adaptations.
  • The trained athlete’s heart rate increases less for the same exercise intensity, as the higher stroke volume compensates.
  • The trained athlete’s stroke volume decreases more slowly during recovery, showing better cardiovascular efficiency.
  • These differences result in the trained athlete maintaining a more stable cardiac output with less cardiovascular stress.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Trained athletes have a higher resting stroke volume (approximately 70-90 mL) compared to untrained individuals (approximately 50-70 mL).
  • During exercise, both show an increase in stroke volume, but the trained athlete’s stroke volume will increase to a higher maximum (120-160 mL vs 90-110 mL in untrained individuals).
  • The trained athlete reaches a steady-state stroke volume more quickly due to more efficient cardiovascular adaptations.
  • The trained athlete’s heart rate increases less for the same exercise intensity, as the higher stroke volume compensates.
  • The trained athlete’s stroke volume decreases more slowly during recovery, showing better cardiovascular efficiency.
  • These differences result in the trained athlete maintaining a more stable cardiac output with less cardiovascular stress.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 335

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

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Sample Answer

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

Sample Answer 

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 334

Outline the relationship between stroke volume and training intensity during exercise.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Stroke volume increases as exercise intensity increases, up to approximately 40-60% of maximum intensity.
  • Beyond this point, stroke volume tends to plateau even if intensity continues to increase.
  • At very high intensities, stroke volume may decrease slightly due to reduced ventricular filling time (as heart rate becomes very high).
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Stroke volume increases as exercise intensity increases, up to approximately 40-60% of maximum intensity.
  • Beyond this point, stroke volume tends to plateau even if intensity continues to increase.
  • At very high intensities, stroke volume may decrease slightly due to reduced ventricular filling time (as heart rate becomes very high).

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 333 MC

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

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

Consider Option A: Continuous training at 70% of maximum heart rate

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

Other Options:

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 332 MC

During a training session, an athlete experiences an increase in stroke volume. Which of the following best explains this physiological response?

  1. The number of times the heart beats per minute has increased
  2. The volume of blood pumped per beat of the heart has increased
  3. The amount of oxygen the lungs can absorb has increased
  4. The amount of blood circulating through the body has increased
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B: The volume of blood pumped per beat of the heart has increased

  • Stroke volume refers to the volume of blood pumped by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: This describes heart rate, not stroke volume
  • C is incorrect: This describes oxygen uptake, not stroke volume
  • D is incorrect: This describes blood volume, not stroke volume

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 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 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.
  •  
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Heart rate response:

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

Stroke volume response:

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

Cardiac output response:

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 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 
Show Worked Solution

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.