Environmental factors

Question 1

Describe the effects of high altitude exposure on performance in aerobic and anaerobic activities. (4)

Answer 1

Decreased ppO2at altitude
Increased breathing frequency
Decreased blood volume
Decreased stroke volume
Decreasedmaximalcardiac output
Reduced diffusion gradient
Decreased before OBLA
Improved performance in explosive activities

Question 2

Define what is meant by ‘acclimatisation to high altitude’. Stateonesporting activity in which performers would benefit from It. (2)

Answer 2

Adaptation to achangeof environment with lowerO2levels
Marathon

Question 3

Describe the physiological processes of acclimatisation to altitude (3)

Answer 3

Increased release erythropoietin
Increased red blood cell
Increased capillarisation at the alveoli/muscles
Breathing rate stabilise at higher rate compared with sea level
Decrease in stroke volume compared to arrival at altitude
Decrease in altitude sickness

Question 4

Explain what is meant by the term ‘cardiovascular drift’ (3)

Answer 4

Cardiovascular drift is the side effects of exercise in a hot climate
Cardiovascular drift leads to an increased heart rate at given intensity of sub maximal exercise
Reduced plasma volume due to water loss during exercise
Which means reduced stroke volume
To maintain cardiac output HR has to increase

Question 5

Identifytwoeffects which exercise in the heat can have on the cardiovascular system

Answer 5

Increased heart rate leading to cardiovascular drift
Increasedblood flow to skin
Decreased blood cardiac outputdue to increased blood viscosity
Decreased stroke volume
Decreased venous return
Reduced oxygenated blood to muscles