Core 2 - Physiological Adaptations in Response to Training

Question 1

Define ‘Resting Heart Rate’ - including specific differences between trained athletes and untrained

Answer 1

• Is the number of times the heart beats per min while at complete rest
• Untrained avg adult is 72-80BPM
• Trained is closer to 60BPM
• Elite can have RHR < 40BPM

Question 2

Outline ‘Stroke volume’ - including definition and differences between trained and untrained athletes

Answer 2

• The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle per beat
• Aerobic training leads to an increase in SV as the left ventricle becomes larger + thicker as a response to the training allowing it to pump more blood per beat
• Trained athlete has a higher SV at rest, during sub-max and maximal exercise *so always

Question 3

What is ‘Cardiac Output’ - including definition, how it differs in trained athletes

Answer 3

• The volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle per minute
• CO = SV x HR

Differences:
- At max levels the trained athlete can be 40L/min whilst untrained is 20L/min

Question 4

What is ‘Oxygen Uptake (VO2Max)’ and how can it be increased and measured

Answer 4

• Is measured as the amount of O2 the body uses in 1min (ml of O2 per kg per min)
• Aerobic training leads to an increase in the body’s ability to draw O2 into the muscle cells
• Can use beep test + yo-yo test to predict Vo2max

Question 5

Outline Lung Capacity and differences between trained and un-trained athletes

Answer 5

• The volume of air capable of being drawn into the lungs as the athlete inhales
• Training leads to a slight increase in the size of the lungs. Therefore, the total amount of air able to be breathed in increases as a result

Question 6

What is an athlete’s Haemoglobin level’ and how does training improve it

Answer 6

• Haemoglobin is the protein part of red blood cells that carries O2. Meaning when improved, allows the athlete to maintain a higher average pace + power output as the body can increase O2 uptake
• Aerobic/endurance training leads to > numbers of RBC and hence > haemoglobin levels

Question 7

What is ‘Muscle Hypertrophy’, and how is it stimulated

Answer 7

• Is an increase in size + growth of muscle cells greater muscle size, strength, power
• Occurs when both the muscle fibre size + connective tissue between the fibres increase as a result of resistance training

Question 8

What is the difference between fast and slow-twitch muscle fibres?

Answer 8

slow-twitch muscle fibres, which move more slowly but help to keep you moving longer. fast-twitch muscle fibres, which help you move faster, but for shorter periods.

Question 9

Generally, how does training affect slow and fast twitch muscle fibres and how would this differ between athletes

Answer 9

Aerobic training leads to a greater % of slow twitch muscle fibres, but each person is naturally born with even, more fast or more slow twitch muscle fibres, those born with a greater % of slow twitch muscle fibres are better suited to endurance activities

Question 10

(Slow Twitch Muscle Fibres) - Specific physiological adaptions in response to aerobic training

Answer 10

• An increase in over 15% of muscle capillaries
• Increased myoglobin stores to support > O2 supply

Question 11

(Fast Twitch Muscle Fibres) - Specific physiological adaptions in response to anaerobic training

Answer 11

• Described as white muscle fibres, rely heavily on anaerobic pathway
• Increased ATP, CP, glycogen stores = greater ATP production (greater amounts of energy for the athlete’s performance)
• > tolerance to muscle acidity + more efficient lactate clearance