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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 804

After conducting a 4-week study comparing how running, cycling, and swimming affect resting heart rate in high school students, the following results were observed:

\begin{array}{|l|l|}
\hline \textbf{Exercise Type} &  \textbf{Average Decrease in Resting Heart Rate} \\
\hline \text{Running} & \text{7 beats per minute}  \\
\hline \text{Cycling} & \text{5 beats per minute}  \\
\hline \text{Swimming} & \text{8 beats per minute}  \\
\hline
\end{array}

  1. Based on the results in the table, explain two physiological adaptations that likely occurred to cause the decrease in resting heart rate.   (2 marks)
  2. Suggest two follow-up research questions that could be explored based on these results.   (2 marks)
  3. Choose one of your research questions from part (b) and explain how it could be practically implemented in a school setting.   (2 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer

a.    Any 2 of the following or similar

Increased stroke volume:

  • Aerobic training strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump more blood with each beat.
  • This means fewer beats are needed to circulate the same amount of blood, resulting in a lower resting heart rate.

Increased blood volume:

  • Regular aerobic training increases total blood volume, which improves cardiac filling and allows the heart to pump more efficiently at rest.

Improved cardiac efficiency:

  • Aerobic training makes the heart muscle stronger, allowing it to work less hard during rest and reducing the resting heart rate.

Increased mitochondrial density:

  • Aerobic exercise increases the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, improving oxygen utilization and reducing cardiovascular strain at rest.

b.      Research questions – or similar

  • Question 1: Does combining two forms of aerobic exercise (e.g., swimming and running) in a training program produce greater decreases in resting heart rate than a single exercise type?
  • Question 2: How does the frequency of training (2 days/week vs. 4 days/week) affect the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction across the three exercise types?

c.   For research question 1 combining exercise types:

  • Conduct during regular PDHPE classes over 4 weeks
  • Divide students into four groups (running-only, cycling-only, running+cycling, control)
  • Schedule 30-minute sessions twice weekly
  • Combination group does 15 minutes of each activity
  • Use school oval/track and stationary bikes in the gym
  • PDHPE teacher supervises all sessions
  • Measure resting heart rate at start and end of study
  • Students take own pulse for 60 seconds after sitting quietly for 5 minutes
  • Record data using simple spreadsheet or paper forms
  • Equipment needed: stopwatches and school’s existing bikes or access to gym facilities
Show Worked Solution

Sample answer

a.    Any 2 of the following or similar

Increased stroke volume:

  • Aerobic training strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump more blood with each beat.
  • This means fewer beats are needed to circulate the same amount of blood, resulting in a lower resting heart rate.

Increased blood volume:

  • Regular aerobic training increases total blood volume, which improves cardiac filling and allows the heart to pump more efficiently at rest.

Improved cardiac efficiency:

  • Aerobic training makes the heart muscle stronger, allowing it to work less hard during rest and reducing the resting heart rate.

Increased mitochondrial density:

  • Aerobic exercise increases the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, improving oxygen utilization and reducing cardiovascular strain at rest.

b.      Research questions – or similar

  • Question 1: Does combining two forms of aerobic exercise (e.g., swimming and running) in a training program produce greater decreases in resting heart rate than a single exercise type?
  • Question 2: How does the frequency of training (2 days/week vs. 4 days/week) affect the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction across the three exercise types?

c.    For research question 1 combining exercise types:

  • Conduct during regular PDHPE classes over 4 weeks
  • Divide students into four groups (running-only, cycling-only, running+cycling, control)
  • Schedule 30-minute sessions twice weekly
  • Combination group does 15 minutes of each activity
  • Use school oval/track and stationary bikes in the gym
  • PDHPE teacher supervises all sessions
  • Measure resting heart rate at start and end of study
  • Students take own pulse for 60 seconds after sitting quietly for 5 minutes
  • Record data using simple spreadsheet or paper forms
  • Equipment needed: stopwatches and school’s existing bikes or access to gym facilities

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 803 MC

After completing research on how different aerobic activities affect resting heart rate, which of the following would be the MOST logical next research question to explore?

  1. What impact do anaerobic activities have on flexibility?
  2. How does the duration of each training session affect recovery heart rate?
  3. What is the relationship between age and heart rate?
  4. Do males or females prefer running or swimming?
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Builds directly on previous research by investigating another variable (session duration) that could influence heart rate response, maintaining the focus on physiological responses to aerobic training.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Shifts focus to anaerobic activities and flexibility, losing connection to the original heart rate research.
  • C is incorrect: Focuses on age rather than training variables, moving away from investigating effects of aerobic training.
  • D is incorrect: Changes focus to preference rather than physiological responses.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 433

After conducting an investigation into how a 12-week aerobic training program affected blood pressure responses to submaximal exercise, a student found that while resting blood pressure decreased for most participants, the blood pressure response during exercise showed minimal change.

Propose TWO further research questions that could be explored based on these findings.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer – or similar questions and reasons with required detail

  • “Is there a relationship between age and the blood pressure response to aerobic training at rest versus during exercise?” would investigate whether demographic factors influence how different aspects of blood pressure regulation adapt to training.
    • This question is valuable because it could help explain why resting blood pressure improved while exercise blood pressure didn’t, by examining whether age-related factors influence different physiological responses.
  • “How do the blood pressure responses at rest and during exercise compare between participants who reported high versus low enjoyment of the training program?” examines psychological influences on physiological responses.
    • This question explores the mind-body connection in exercise responses, potentially revealing whether engagement and enjoyment of the training program influences physiological adaptations.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – or similar questions and reasons with required detail

  • “Is there a relationship between age and the blood pressure response to aerobic training at rest versus during exercise?” would investigate whether demographic factors influence how different aspects of blood pressure regulation adapt to training.
    • This question is valuable because it could help explain why resting blood pressure improved while exercise blood pressure didn’t, by examining whether age-related factors influence different physiological responses.
  • “How do the blood pressure responses at rest and during exercise compare between participants who reported high versus low enjoyment of the training program?” examines psychological influences on physiological responses.
    • This question explores the mind-body connection in exercise responses, potentially revealing whether engagement and enjoyment of the training program influences physiological adaptations.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 432

A student investigated how a 6-week aerobic training program affected recovery heart rate in Year 11 students. The results showed an average 9% improvement in 1-minute recovery heart rate following the program.

Identify ONE further research question that could be explored based on these findings and explain why this question would be valuable to investigate.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer – or similar question and reasons with required detail

  • “Does the improvement in recovery heart rate correlate with improvements in endurance performance?” would directly build on the positive physiological finding by connecting it to functional outcomes.
    • This question is valuable because it would establish whether the measured physiological adaptation (improved recovery heart rate) translates to meaningful performance benefits that participants can experience in sports or daily activities.
    • Understanding this relationship would help coaches and physical education teachers better communicate the practical benefits of training adaptations to students, potentially improving motivation and program adherence.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – or similar question and reasons with required detail

  • “Does the improvement in recovery heart rate correlate with improvements in endurance performance?” would directly build on the positive physiological finding by connecting it to functional outcomes.
    • This question is valuable because it would establish whether the measured physiological adaptation (improved recovery heart rate) translates to meaningful performance benefits that participants can experience in sports or daily activities.
    • Understanding this relationship would help coaches and physical education teachers better communicate the practical benefits of training adaptations to students, potentially improving motivation and program adherence.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 431

A student investigated the effects of a 10-week aerobic training program on resting metabolic rate (RMR) in adolescents. The results showed that while RMR increased significantly for the group overall, there was considerable variation in individual responses.

Propose THREE further research questions that could be explored based on these findings and explain how each question would help understand physiological responses to aerobic training.   (12 marks)

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Sample Answer – At least 3 questions including similar detail

  • “Is there a relationship between changes in resting metabolic rate and changes in resting heart rate following aerobic training?” investigates connections between different physiological measurements.
    • This question would help understand whether multiple physiological systems respond similarly to aerobic training or if they change independently, improving our understanding of how the body responds as a whole.
  • “Do males and females show similar changes in resting metabolic rate following the same aerobic training program?” examines potential sex differences in physiological responses.
    • Understanding how biological factors influence physiological responses to the same training stimulus would help explain the variation observed and could inform how different groups might respond to aerobic exercise.
  • “How do changes in resting metabolic rate differ between participants who trained in the morning versus those who trained in the afternoon?” investigates the influence of timing on physiological responses.
    • This question explores whether the body’s natural circadian rhythms affect how it responds to exercise, potentially explaining some of the individual variation observed in the original study.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – At least 3 questions including similar detail

  • “Is there a relationship between changes in resting metabolic rate and changes in resting heart rate following aerobic training?” investigates connections between different physiological measurements.
    • This question would help understand whether multiple physiological systems respond similarly to aerobic training or if they change independently, improving our understanding of how the body responds as a whole.
  • “Do males and females show similar changes in resting metabolic rate following the same aerobic training program?” examines potential sex differences in physiological responses.
    • Understanding how biological factors influence physiological responses to the same training stimulus would help explain the variation observed and could inform how different groups might respond to aerobic exercise.
  • “How do changes in resting metabolic rate differ between participants who trained in the morning versus those who trained in the afternoon?” investigates the influence of timing on physiological responses.
    • This question explores whether the body’s natural circadian rhythms affect how it responds to exercise, potentially explaining some of the individual variation observed in the original study.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 430

A student investigated the relationship between perceived exertion and heart rate during a progressive aerobic exercise test. Results showed a strong correlation for most participants, but some individuals consistently reported lower perceived exertion despite similar heart rates to other participants.

Propose TWO further research questions based on these findings and explain how each question could enhance understanding of physiological responses to aerobic exercise.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “How does previous exercise experience affect the relationship between perceived exertion and heart rate during aerobic exercise?” directly addresses why some participants might perceive exercise differently despite similar physiological responses.
    • This question would enhance understanding of physiological responses by exploring how familiarity with exercise sensations might influence how individuals interpret and report their body’s responses during aerobic activity.
  • “Would the same disconnect between perceived exertion and heart rate occur during different types of aerobic activities, such as cycling versus running?” examines whether the physiological response patterns are activity-specific.
    • This question would improve understanding of how different exercise modes might produce varying relationships between objective measures (heart rate) and subjective feelings (perceived exertion), helping to explain individual differences in physiological responses.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “How does previous exercise experience affect the relationship between perceived exertion and heart rate during aerobic exercise?” directly addresses why some participants might perceive exercise differently despite similar physiological responses.
    • This question would enhance understanding of physiological responses by exploring how familiarity with exercise sensations might influence how individuals interpret and report their body’s responses during aerobic activity.
  • “Would the same disconnect between perceived exertion and heart rate occur during different types of aerobic activities, such as cycling versus running?” examines whether the physiological response patterns are activity-specific.
    • This question would improve understanding of how different exercise modes might produce varying relationships between objective measures (heart rate) and subjective feelings (perceived exertion), helping to explain individual differences in physiological responses.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 429

A student conducted research on the effects of a 12-week aerobic training program on stroke volume and cardiac output in adolescents. The results showed significant improvements in both measures at rest and during submaximal exercise, but the degree of improvement was strongly influenced by participants' initial fitness levels.

Evaluate TWO potential further research questions that could be explored based on these findings, justifying the scientific merit and practical application of each.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “How long do the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output last after the cessation of the aerobic training program?” would investigate the duration of physiological adaptations when training stops.
    • This question has scientific merit as it explores whether these cardiovascular adaptations are temporary or more permanent, helping us understand how the body maintains training effects.
    • Practically, this could help determine how frequently training needs to occur to maintain cardiovascular benefits, which is useful for designing physical education programs that balance different activities throughout the school year.
  • “Do different types of aerobic training (swimming, running, cycling) produce similar improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output for adolescents with similar fitness levels?” examines the effect of training mode on physiological responses.
    • The scientific merit lies in understanding whether the cardiovascular system adapts similarly regardless of training type or if certain forms of exercise produce greater adaptations.
    • Practically, this could help identify the most effective types of aerobic activities to include in school-based fitness programs, especially for adolescents who might have preferences for certain activities.
  • “Is there a relationship between the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output and changes in resting heart rate following the training program?” investigates connections between different physiological adaptations.
    • This question has scientific merit as it examines whether cardiovascular adaptations occur proportionally or independently, deepening our understanding of how the body responds to aerobic training.
    • The practical application includes potentially using simpler measurements (like resting heart rate) to track training adaptations when more complex measurements of stroke volume and cardiac output aren’t feasible in school settings.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “How long do the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output last after the cessation of the aerobic training program?” would investigate the duration of physiological adaptations when training stops.
    • This question has scientific merit as it explores whether these cardiovascular adaptations are temporary or more permanent, helping us understand how the body maintains training effects.
    • Practically, this could help determine how frequently training needs to occur to maintain cardiovascular benefits, which is useful for designing physical education programs that balance different activities throughout the school year.
  • “Do different types of aerobic training (swimming, running, cycling) produce similar improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output for adolescents with similar fitness levels?” examines the effect of training mode on physiological responses.
    • The scientific merit lies in understanding whether the cardiovascular system adapts similarly regardless of training type or if certain forms of exercise produce greater adaptations.
    • Practically, this could help identify the most effective types of aerobic activities to include in school-based fitness programs, especially for adolescents who might have preferences for certain activities.
  • “Is there a relationship between the improvements in stroke volume and cardiac output and changes in resting heart rate following the training program?” investigates connections between different physiological adaptations.
    • This question has scientific merit as it examines whether cardiovascular adaptations occur proportionally or independently, deepening our understanding of how the body responds to aerobic training.
    • The practical application includes potentially using simpler measurements (like resting heart rate) to track training adaptations when more complex measurements of stroke volume and cardiac output aren’t feasible in school settings.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 428

A student investigated changes in lactate threshold following an 8-week high-intensity interval training program in recreational runners. The results showed an average 9% improvement in the speed at lactate threshold, but no significant change in maximum heart rate.

Identify TWO further research questions that could be explored based on these findings, explaining how each builds on the original study.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “Would a longer duration training program (e.g., 12 or 16 weeks) continue to improve lactate threshold at the same rate?” This question directly builds on the findings by exploring the duration aspect of the training program and whether improvements would plateau or continue over extended periods.
  • “How do these improvements in lactate threshold relate to changes in submaximal exercise performance during activities like 5km running or cycling tests?” This question connects the physiological measurement to practical outcomes that are observable and measurable in real-world aerobic training scenarios and performance.
  • “Would different types of high-intensity interval training (varying work-to-rest ratios) produce different improvements in lactate threshold compared to the original training protocol?” This question examines how modifying the exercise protocol might influence the physiological responses observed in the original study and training effects.
  • “Is there a correlation between initial fitness levels and the magnitude of improvement in lactate threshold following the 8-week training program in recreational runners?” This question explores individual differences in physiological responses to the same training stimulus and factors that might predict training success and improvement.
  • “Would the same high-intensity interval training program produce similar lactate threshold improvements in untrained individuals compared to the recreational runners in the study?” This question investigates whether fitness level affects the magnitude of physiological responses to interval training protocols and aerobic capacity improvements across different populations.
  • “How do changes in lactate threshold relate to improvements in other physiological markers such as VO2 max, resting heart rate, stroke volume, or recovery time?” This question examines the relationship between different physiological responses and whether lactate threshold improvements correspond with other cardiovascular and respiratory training responses.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following or similar

  • “Would a longer duration training program (e.g., 12 or 16 weeks) continue to improve lactate threshold at the same rate?” This question directly builds on the findings by exploring the duration aspect of the training program and whether improvements would plateau or continue over extended periods.
  • “How do these improvements in lactate threshold relate to changes in submaximal exercise performance during activities like 5km running or cycling tests?” This question connects the physiological measurement to practical outcomes that are observable and measurable in real-world aerobic training scenarios and performance.
  • “Would different types of high-intensity interval training (varying work-to-rest ratios) produce different improvements in lactate threshold compared to the original training protocol?” This question examines how modifying the exercise protocol might influence the physiological responses observed in the original study and training effects.
  • “Is there a correlation between initial fitness levels and the magnitude of improvement in lactate threshold following the 8-week training program in recreational runners?” This question explores individual differences in physiological responses to the same training stimulus and factors that might predict training success and improvement.
  • “Would the same high-intensity interval training program produce similar lactate threshold improvements in untrained individuals compared to the recreational runners in the study?” This question investigates whether fitness level affects the magnitude of physiological responses to interval training protocols and aerobic capacity improvements across different populations.
  • “How do changes in lactate threshold relate to improvements in other physiological markers such as VO2 max, resting heart rate, stroke volume, or recovery time?” This question examines the relationship between different physiological responses and whether lactate threshold improvements correspond with other cardiovascular and respiratory training responses.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 427

A student conducted research investigating the relationship between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation levels following a 12-minute Cooper test. The results showed a moderate correlation between faster heart rate recovery and higher oxygen saturation during exercise, but significant individual variation remained unexplained.

Propose THREE further research questions that would logically build on these findings. Explain the purpose and potential value of each question.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer – Other answers are possible.

  • “How does respiratory efficiency affect the relationship between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation during aerobic exercise?” would explore physiological mechanisms that might explain the correlation found in the original study.
  • This question has value because understanding the underlying mechanisms would allow for more targeted training interventions that specifically enhance the physiological systems most responsible for the observed relationship.
  • “Do individuals with different aerobic training backgrounds (e.g., endurance athletes versus team sport athletes) show different relationships between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation?” would investigate how training specificity affects these physiological parameters.
  • This question would help coaches and athletes develop more sport-specific training programs that optimise both cardiovascular recovery and oxygen utilisation for their particular needs.
  • “How consistent is the relationship between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation across different exercise intensities and durations?” would examine whether the moderate correlation holds under various exercise conditions.
  • Understanding intensity-specific relationships would enable more precise training prescriptions for individuals with different fitness goals, from health improvement to competitive performance.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Other answers are possible.

  • “How does respiratory efficiency affect the relationship between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation during aerobic exercise?” would explore physiological mechanisms that might explain the correlation found in the original study.
  • This question has value because understanding the underlying mechanisms would allow for more targeted training interventions that specifically enhance the physiological systems most responsible for the observed relationship.
  • “Do individuals with different aerobic training backgrounds (e.g., endurance athletes versus team sport athletes) show different relationships between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation?” would investigate how training specificity affects these physiological parameters.
  • This question would help coaches and athletes develop more sport-specific training programs that optimise both cardiovascular recovery and oxygen utilisation for their particular needs.
  • “How consistent is the relationship between heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation across different exercise intensities and durations?” would examine whether the moderate correlation holds under various exercise conditions.
  • Understanding intensity-specific relationships would enable more precise training prescriptions for individuals with different fitness goals, from health improvement to competitive performance.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 426

After investigating the effects of a 10-week aerobic training program on respiratory rate during submaximal exercise, a student found that while recovery time improved for all participants, the magnitude of improvement varied considerably across the study group of 15 Year 11 students.

Propose TWO appropriate further research questions that could be explored based on these findings.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer – Any TWO of the following or similar with adequate detail.

  • “How does the type of aerobic training (continuous vs. interval) affect respiratory recovery time improvements?” would investigate whether different training methods produce varying magnitudes of adaptation.
  • “Is there a relationship between respiratory recovery improvements and changes in other physiological measures such as heart rate recovery or VO₂ max?” would examine connections between different physiological adaptations to determine if they occur proportionally.
  • “How does initial fitness level affect the magnitude of respiratory adaptations to aerobic training?” would help identify whether pre-training fitness explains the variation in improvement between participants.
  • “Do respiratory adaptations continue at the same rate beyond 10 weeks of training, or does improvement plateau?” would determine the optimal duration for maximum benefits from the training program.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • “How does the type of aerobic training (continuous vs. interval) affect respiratory recovery time improvements?” would investigate whether different training methods produce varying magnitudes of adaptation.
  • “Is there a relationship between respiratory recovery improvements and changes in other physiological measures such as heart rate recovery or VO₂ max?” would examine connections between different physiological adaptations to determine if they occur proportionally.
  • “How does initial fitness level affect the magnitude of respiratory adaptations to aerobic training?” would help identify whether pre-training fitness explains the variation in improvement between participants.
  • “Do respiratory adaptations continue at the same rate beyond 10 weeks of training, or does improvement plateau?” would determine the optimal duration for maximum benefits from the training program.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 425

A student investigated how a 6-week aerobic training program affected resting heart rate in Year 11 students. Results showed an average decrease of 7 beats per minute, but some participants showed no change at all.

Identify ONE further research question that could be explored based on these findings and explain why this question would be valuable to investigate.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

Sample Answer – Any ONE of the following or similar with same level of detail

Example 1

  • A valuable follow-up question would be “What factors influenced whether a participant experienced a reduction in resting heart rate?” as this directly addresses the variation in results identified in the original study.
  • This question is valuable because it would help identify which participant characteristics (such as initial fitness level, adherence to the program, or genetic factors) determine training responsiveness.
  • Understanding these factors would allow future training programs to be modified or personalised to increase effectiveness for all participants, improving health outcomes for those who didn’t respond to the standard protocol.

Example 2

  • “Does the frequency of aerobic training sessions per week affect the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction?” would be a valuable follow-up question as it investigates whether training volume was a factor in the varied responses.
  • This question is valuable because it directly addresses program design, potentially identifying whether non-responders simply need more frequent training sessions to achieve similar benefits to those who showed improvements.
  • Results could help establish minimum effective training frequencies for resting heart rate adaptations in adolescents, improving the efficiency of school-based physical education programs.

Example 3

  • “Is there a correlation between baseline fitness levels and the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction following a 6-week aerobic training program?” would explore whether initial conditioning predicts responsiveness.
  • This question is valuable because it would help identify whether the program was more effective for certain fitness profiles, allowing for better participant screening or customised program durations based on starting fitness.
  • Understanding this relationship would enable more personalised and efficient interventions by helping educators predict which students might need modified programs to achieve cardiovascular adaptations.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any ONE of the following or similar with same level of detail

Example 1

  • A valuable follow-up question would be “What factors influenced whether a participant experienced a reduction in resting heart rate?” as this directly addresses the variation in results identified in the original study.
  • This question is valuable because it would help identify which participant characteristics (such as initial fitness level, adherence to the program, or genetic factors) determine training responsiveness.
  • Understanding these factors would allow future training programs to be modified or personalised to increase effectiveness for all participants, improving health outcomes for those who didn’t respond to the standard protocol.

Example 2

  • “Does the frequency of aerobic training sessions per week affect the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction?” would be a valuable follow-up question as it investigates whether training volume was a factor in the varied responses.
  • This question is valuable because it directly addresses program design, potentially identifying whether non-responders simply need more frequent training sessions to achieve similar benefits to those who showed improvements.
  • Results could help establish minimum effective training frequencies for resting heart rate adaptations in adolescents, improving the efficiency of school-based physical education programs.

Example 3

  • “Is there a correlation between baseline fitness levels and the magnitude of resting heart rate reduction following a 6-week aerobic training program?” would explore whether initial conditioning predicts responsiveness.
  • This question is valuable because it would help identify whether the program was more effective for certain fitness profiles, allowing for better participant screening or customised program durations based on starting fitness.
  • Understanding this relationship would enable more personalised and efficient interventions by helping educators predict which students might need modified programs to achieve cardiovascular adaptations.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 424 MC

A student conducted a 4-week investigation comparing the effects of running and cycling on resting heart rate in Year 11 students. The results showed that both activities reduced resting heart rate, but running showed a greater decrease (6 beats per minute) compared to cycling (3 beats per minute).

Which of the following represents the most appropriate further research question based on these findings?

  1. Does swimming also reduce resting heart rate in Year 11 students?
  2. Would a longer 8-week training program show even greater differences between running and cycling?
  3. What factors might explain why running produced a greater reduction in resting heart rate than cycling?
  4. Do Year 12 students show similar heart rate responses to running and cycling?
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Investigates underlying reasons for observed differences, building analytically on findings.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Simply adds another activity without building on observed differences.
  • B is incorrect: Extends duration but doesn’t explore why differences occurred.
  • D is incorrect: Changes population rather than investigating the key finding.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 423 MC

A student conducted research on the effects of aerobic training on blood pressure in Year 11 students. The results showed a significant decrease in resting blood pressure after 8 weeks of training for male participants, but minimal changes for female participants.

What would be the most appropriate follow-up research question?

  1. Do females require different types of aerobic training to achieve blood pressure reductions?
  2. Is aerobic training an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure?
  3. How long do blood pressure reductions last after the training program ends?
  4. What is the ideal exercise intensity for blood pressure reduction?
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option A: Do females require different types of aerobic training to achieve blood pressure reductions?

  • This option directly addresses the gender difference observed in the results, seeking to understand why females responded differently to the same training protocol.
  • This builds directly on the findings and could help develop more effective, targeted interventions.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Asks a question that has already been partly answered by the original study (showing effectiveness for males).
  • C is incorrect: Focuses on the duration of effects rather than addressing the gender difference found in the results.
  • D is incorrect: Asks about optimisation without first addressing why the current protocol was ineffective for females.

\(\Rightarrow A\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 422 MC

A student conducted research on changes in lung capacity following an 8-week aerobic swimming program. The results showed significant improvements in vital capacity but no change in forced expiratory volume.

Which research question would most logically build upon these findings?

  1. How does swimming compare to cycling for developing respiratory fitness?
  2. Does vital capacity continue to improve beyond 8 weeks of swim training?
  3. Why does vital capacity improve while forced expiratory volume remains unchanged during swim training?
  4. What is the best way to measure lung capacity changes in adolescent swimmers?
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C: 

  • This option directly addresses the unexpected discrepancy found in the results – that vital capacity improved but forced expiratory volume did not.
  • This question seeks to understand the physiological mechanisms behind this finding, which represents the most logical next step in building knowledge from the original investigation.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Compares different types of training rather than building on the specific findings of this study.
  • B is incorrect: Only focuses on the duration of effects for one parameter without addressing the discrepancy.
  • D is incorrect: Focuses on measurement methodology rather than understanding the physiological response discovered.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 421 MC

After completing a 6-week aerobic training program investigating heart rate recovery in teenagers, a student found significant improvements in participants' recovery times but noticed that results varied considerably between individuals.

Which of the following represents the most appropriate further research question based on these findings?

  1. Would a 12-week program show greater improvements in heart rate recovery?
  2. How do different exercise intensities affect heart rate recovery improvements?
  3. Why is heart rate recovery a reliable indicator of cardiovascular fitness?
  4. Does heart rate recovery improve at the same rate for all types of aerobic exercise?
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option B: 

  • This option directly addresses the variability in the results.
  • By investigating how different exercise intensities affect heart rate recovery improvements, the student could explore why participants responded differently to the same training program, potentially identifying optimal training zones for different individuals.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Simply extends the duration without addressing the variability in results.
  • C is incorrect: Focuses on validation of the measurement method rather than building on the findings.
  • D is incorrect: Too broad and doesn’t specifically address the individual differences noted in the results.

\(\Rightarrow B\)