Phys of an Endurance Athlete

Question 1

Definition of Endurance

Answer 1

The ability to withstand hardship or adversity?

Question 2

Definition of Performance

Answer 2

The execution of an act.

Question 3

Physiological perspective of Endurance.

Answer 3

Exercise the predominantly requires aerobic energy systems.

Question 4

Equation for Oxygen cost?

Answer 4

Oxygen cost = Running economy / Pace

Question 5

Nutritional considerations of endurance performance?

Answer 5

• Fuel Utilisation - very high % carbohydrates
• Endogenous carbohydrates are limiting = 2 hours
• Carbohydrate absorption during exercise (>60g)
• Dehydration of≈ 2-3% inhibits performance

Question 6

Environmental considerations of endurance performance?

Answer 6

• Hot environments
• Cold environments
• Altitude

Question 7

Physiological components of elite endurance performance?

Answer 7

• Gross Mechanical Efficiency
• Lactate Threshold
• Maximal Oxygen Consumption

Question 8

Main differences in physiological variables between Chris Froome and Average Joe?

Answer 8

• Peak Power Output = 7.5W/kg —> 3-4.5W/kg
• V02 Max = 84ml/kg/min —> 50-60ml/kg/min
• Body composition (% FM) = <10 —> 20.4

Question 9

What is the gender comparison in VO2 max?

Answer 9

Females have lower oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

Question 10

What is the relationship between predicting 16.1-km TT performance and actual performance using VO2max?

Answer 10

Moderate relationship.

Question 11

What is Fick’s Equation

Answer 11

VO2 = Qmax * a-v (O2)max

Question 12

Equation for Cardiac Output?

Answer 12

Q = SV * HR

Question 13

Difference in total blood volume (BV) in trained athletes and untrained athletes?

Answer 13

Trained = 110ml/kg body mass

Untrained = 80ml/kg

Question 14

Does LV stroke volume increased in endurance athletes compared to untrained?

Answer 14

Yes, 33% higher.

Question 15

Chronic elevated stroke volume leads to?

Answer 15

Increased myocardial mass

End diastolic volume

Question 16

What is an adaptation of being a trained athlete in regards to blood transport?

Answer 16

Improved vascular network.

Larger lumen dimension and decreased wall thickness.

Question 17

Dominant muscle fiber output at 100m, 800, >5000m?

Answer 17

100m = Type IIa, Type IIx, Type I

800m = Type I, Type IIa, Type IIx

> 5000m = Type I, Type IIa, Type IIx

Question 18

Is increased mitochondrial volume a physiological component of an endurance athlete?

Answer 18

Yes.

Question 19

How does lactate benefit physiological performance?

Answer 19

Lactate is a fuel as it allows glycolysis to continue?

Question 20

Negatives of an increase in H+ ions and Increased Lactate?

Answer 20

Inhibits Ca2+ release (muscular contraction)

Inhibits PFK (rate of glycolysis)

Question 21

What is reduced appearance?

Answer 21

The absolute workloads at which anaerobic contribution significantly increased

Question 22

Improved clearance?

Answer 22

Improved buffering of H+ ions via increased moxocarboxylate transporters (MCT1+4)

Question 23

What is GE?

Answer 23

Gross Efficiency

Ratio of power output to energy expenditure.

Question 24

Mechanisms of increased GE?

Answer 24

Muscle fiber distribution - increase in % of Type I

Decrease in mitochondrial uncoupling