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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 361

Explain how the body adjusts ventilation during aerobic exercise.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Ventilation rate increases to take in more oxygen needed for aerobic energy production
  • Breathing becomes deeper to increase lung volume and oxygen intake capacity
  • Carbon dioxide removal increases through higher ventilation to prevent acid-base imbalance
  • Respiratory muscles work harder, particularly the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to facilitate increased air movement
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Sample Answer 

  • Ventilation rate increases to take in more oxygen needed for aerobic energy production
  • Breathing becomes deeper to increase lung volume and oxygen intake capacity
  • Carbon dioxide removal increases through higher ventilation to prevent acid-base imbalance
  • Respiratory muscles work harder, particularly the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to facilitate increased air movement

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 358 MC

A student's ventilation rate increases during a 5km run. This occurs to:

  1. Increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal
  2. Reduce oxygen delivery to the muscles
  3. Increase carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
  4. Decrease cardiac output
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Consider Option A:  Increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal

  • Ventilation rate increases during aerobic exercise to increase oxygen intake and remove the additional carbon dioxide produced.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Exercise increases (not reduces) oxygen delivery to muscles.
  • C is incorrect: Exercise aims to decrease (not increase) carbon dioxide in bloodstream.
  • D is incorrect: Ventilation rate increases are associated with increased (not decreased) 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.
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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.

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 345

Evaluate how cardiac output interacts with ventilation rate and lactate levels as immediate physiological responses during a high-intensity training session.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Cardiac output response:

  • Increases significantly from resting levels (approximately 5 L/min) to potentially 20-25 L/min
  • This increase results from elevated heart rate and stroke volume
  • Heart rate can reach 170-190 bpm during high-intensity exercise
  • Stroke volume increases initially but may plateau during very high intensities

Ventilation rate relationship:

  • Ventilation rate increases alongside cardiac output
  • Both respond to the increased oxygen demand of working muscles
  • Ventilation rate may increase from 12-15 breaths/min at rest to 40-50 breaths/min
  • The increased ventilation supports the greater oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal
  • This coordination ensures efficient gas exchange at the lungs and tissues

Lactate level relationship:

  • During high-intensity training, energy production shifts increasingly toward anaerobic glycolysis
  • This leads to increased lactate production and accumulation
  • Rising lactate levels stimulate further increases in ventilation rate (respiratory compensation)
  • Cardiac output must remain elevated to help transport lactate from working muscles
  • Cardiac output also supports oxygen delivery for lactate clearance

Integrative response:

  • These three physiological responses work in coordination
  • Cardiac output increases ensure adequate oxygen delivery and waste removal
  • Elevated ventilation rate supports increased oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination
  • Rising lactate levels indicate the intensity exceeds the aerobic system’s capacity
  • The body attempts to maintain homeostasis through these coordinated responses

Training implications:

  • High-intensity training creates significant stress on these physiological systems
  • This stress, when applied appropriately, leads to adaptations including increased cardiac output capacity, improved ventilatory efficiency, and enhanced lactate clearance
  • These adaptations collectively improve performance capacity
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Cardiac output response:

  • Increases significantly from resting levels (approximately 5 L/min) to potentially 20-25 L/min
  • This increase results from elevated heart rate and stroke volume
  • Heart rate can reach 170-190 bpm during high-intensity exercise
  • Stroke volume increases initially but may plateau during very high intensities

Ventilation rate relationship:

  • Ventilation rate increases alongside cardiac output
  • Both respond to the increased oxygen demand of working muscles
  • Ventilation rate may increase from 12-15 breaths/min at rest to 40-50 breaths/min
  • The increased ventilation supports the greater oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal
  • This coordination ensures efficient gas exchange at the lungs and tissues

Lactate level relationship:

  • During high-intensity training, energy production shifts increasingly toward anaerobic glycolysis
  • This leads to increased lactate production and accumulation
  • Rising lactate levels stimulate further increases in ventilation rate (respiratory compensation)
  • Cardiac output must remain elevated to help transport lactate from working muscles
  • Cardiac output also supports oxygen delivery for lactate clearance

Integrative response:

  • These three physiological responses work in coordination
  • Cardiac output increases ensure adequate oxygen delivery and waste removal
  • Elevated ventilation rate supports increased oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination
  • Rising lactate levels indicate the intensity exceeds the aerobic system’s capacity
  • The body attempts to maintain homeostasis through these coordinated responses

Training implications:

  • High-intensity training creates significant stress on these physiological systems
  • This stress, when applied appropriately, leads to adaptations including increased cardiac output capacity, improved ventilatory efficiency, and enhanced lactate clearance
  • These adaptations collectively improve performance capacity

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 331

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

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Sample Answer 

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

Sample Answer

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 330

Analyse how training status affects ventilation rate response during submaximal exercise.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Trained individuals typically have lower ventilation rates at the same submaximal exercise intensity compared to untrained individuals.
  • This occurs because trained individuals develop greater respiratory efficiency through adaptations such as increased vital capacity and stronger respiratory muscles.
  • Trained individuals also have enhanced oxygen extraction capability at the muscle level, reducing the need for extremely high ventilation rates.
  • At the same absolute workload, a trained individual’s ventilation rate will increase less dramatically from their resting state compared to an untrained person.
  • Training adaptations allow for more efficient carbon dioxide removal at lower ventilation rates, delaying the onset of respiratory fatigue.
  • Experienced athletes demonstrate better synchronisation between ventilation rate and movement patterns (e.g., running stride or swimming stroke), further enhancing efficiency.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Trained individuals typically have lower ventilation rates at the same submaximal exercise intensity compared to untrained individuals.
  • This occurs because trained individuals develop greater respiratory efficiency through adaptations such as increased vital capacity and stronger respiratory muscles.
  • Trained individuals also have enhanced oxygen extraction capability at the muscle level, reducing the need for extremely high ventilation rates.
  • At the same absolute workload, a trained individual’s ventilation rate will increase less dramatically from their resting state compared to an untrained person.
  • Training adaptations allow for more efficient carbon dioxide removal at lower ventilation rates, delaying the onset of respiratory fatigue.
  • Experienced athletes demonstrate better synchronisation between ventilation rate and movement patterns (e.g., running stride or swimming stroke), further enhancing efficiency.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 329

Explain the relationship between ventilation rate and lactate levels during and after high-intensity exercise.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • During high-intensity exercise, ventilation rate increases significantly to supply oxygen to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide.
  • As exercise intensity increases beyond the aerobic threshold, lactate begins to accumulate in the bloodstream due to insufficient oxygen for complete aerobic metabolism.
  • The increasing lactate levels cause blood pH to decrease (become more acidic), which triggers the respiratory system to respond.
  • This response from the respiratory control centre increases ventilation rate to help buffer the acidity by expelling more carbon dioxide.
  • After exercise ceases, ventilation rate remains elevated while lactate is cleared from the bloodstream, gradually returning to normal as lactate levels decrease during recovery.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • During high-intensity exercise, ventilation rate increases significantly to supply oxygen to working muscles and remove carbon dioxide.
  • As exercise intensity increases beyond the aerobic threshold, lactate begins to accumulate in the bloodstream due to insufficient oxygen for complete aerobic metabolism.
  • The increasing lactate levels cause blood pH to decrease (become more acidic), which triggers the respiratory system to respond.
  • This response from the respiratory control centre increases ventilation rate to help buffer the acidity by expelling more carbon dioxide.
  • After exercise ceases, ventilation rate remains elevated while lactate is cleared from the bloodstream, gradually returning to normal as lactate levels decrease during recovery.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 328

Compare the ventilation rate response during a 100 m sprint with that of a 5 km run.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • 100 m sprint causes a sharp, rapid increase in ventilation rate due to the high-intensity anaerobic nature of the activity, reaching up to 40-50 breaths per minute.
  • In contrast, the 5 km run produces a more gradual but sustained increase in ventilation rate, typically stabilising around 30-40 breaths per minute once steady state is achieved.
  • The sprint creates an oxygen debt with ventilation rate remaining elevated post-exercise to repay this debt.
  • The 5 km run maintains a more consistent ventilation rate throughout with a more gradual recovery.
  • The sprint primarily uses the anaerobic energy system.
  • The 5 km run relies more on the aerobic system, affecting the timing and magnitude of ventilation rate changes.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • 100 m sprint causes a sharp, rapid increase in ventilation rate due to the high-intensity anaerobic nature of the activity, reaching up to 40-50 breaths per minute.
  • In contrast, the 5 km run produces a more gradual but sustained increase in ventilation rate, typically stabilising around 30-40 breaths per minute once steady state is achieved.
  • The sprint creates an oxygen debt with ventilation rate remaining elevated post-exercise to repay this debt.
  • The 5 km run maintains a more consistent ventilation rate throughout with a more gradual recovery.
  • The sprint primarily uses the anaerobic energy system.
  • The 5 km run relies more on the aerobic system, affecting the timing and magnitude of ventilation rate changes.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 327

Outline how ventilation rate responds to moderate aerobic exercise.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Ventilation rate increases from resting rate of 12-15 breaths per minute to 30-40 breaths per minute during moderate aerobic exercise.
  • This immediate physiological response supplies additional oxygen to the working muscles.
  • Carbon dioxide removal is enhanced as a waste product from energy metabolism during exercise.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Ventilation rate increases from resting rate of 12-15 breaths per minute to 30-40 breaths per minute during moderate aerobic exercise.
  • This immediate physiological response supplies additional oxygen to the working muscles.
  • Carbon dioxide removal is enhanced as a waste product from energy metabolism during exercise.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 326 MC

The table below shows the ventilation rates of four cyclists during a 30-minute moderate-intensity cycling session.

Which cyclist's ventilation response is most likely indicative of poor aerobic fitness?

  1. Cyclist A
  2. Cyclist B
  3. Cyclist C
  4. Cyclist D
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option D: 

  • Greatest increase in ventilation rate, suggesting inefficient respiratory response common in untrained individuals.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Shows smallest increase, suggesting good fitness with efficient respiratory response.
  • B is incorrect: Shows moderate increase in ventilation rate.
  • C is incorrect: Shows moderate increase in ventilation rate.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 325 MC

During a high-intensity interval training session, a netball player experiences several physiological responses. Which of the following best describes what happens to the player's ventilation rate during the active phases?

  1. Increases to provide more oxygen to working muscles
  2. Decreases to conserve energy for explosive movements
  3. Remains constant regardless of exercise intensity
  4. Cycles between high and low rates regardless of activity level
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Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A: Increases to provide more oxygen to working muscles

  • Ventilation rate increases during exercise to supply more oxygen to muscles and remove carbon dioxide.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Ventilation rate does not decrease during exercise; this would limit oxygen delivery.
  • C is incorrect: Ventilation rate varies directly with exercise intensity, not remaining constant.
  • D is incorrect: Ventilation rate responds to physiological demands, not cycling independently.

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 313

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

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Sample Answer 

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

Sample Answer

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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 307 MC

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

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

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

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

Other Options:

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