Physiology Questions Flashcards
Outline the process of glycogen loading that may be used by a performer to improve performance in a marathon (7) (14)
It aims to increase glycogen stores - creates a super compensation
M1 - reduce glycogen levels
Achieved by increased endurance training
Following three days of low carb diet
Few days before competition high carb diet
M2 - day before 3 minute high intensity exercise
Carb window opens
Within 20 minutes intake high carb diet
A swimmer has to dive off the starting blocks as quickly as possible.
Identify the muscle fibre type used to complete this action and justify your answer (3)
Fast twitch
Fast speed of contraction
High force of contraction
Explain the possible causes of fatigue during a race (3)
Build upon lactic acid
Glycogen depletion
Dehydration
Reduced levels of acetylcholine
Lack of PC stores
Outline the relationship between VO2 max and lactate threshold (3)
VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen until used per minute
Lactate threshold is the point at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the blood
Lactate threshold is a percentage of VO2 max
The higher the VO2 max the higher the lactate threshold
Outline how plyometrics can assist in a gymnasts preparation to achieve maximum lift at take off (7) (14)
Plyometrics aims to develop power/explosive strength
It involves hopping bounding jumping
Involves fast twitch muscle fibres
Eccentric muscle contraction followed by a concentric muscle contraction
Stretch reflex activated
Detected by muscle spindles which send nerve impulse to CNS
Elastic energy stored
Protects over stretching
Three phases - stretch shortening cycle
How can a performer vary the strength of muscular contractions to ensure a skill is completed correctly (4)
Greater the forced needed larger motor units recruited
Spatial summation - changes in strength of contraction by altering the number and size of motor units involved
All or nothing law - no partial contraction
Muscle spindles detect changes in muscle length
send information to CNS
This compares info to long term memory to ensure correct force applied
Describe the physiological reasons why a performer may use anabolic steroids (3)
Aid storage of protein
Decrease fat in muscles
Able to train for longer
After recovery time/quicker repair of muscles
Increase muscle size
Outline the function of the fast component of recovery (4)
EPOC - volume of oxygen consumed in recovery above resting rate
Alactic component
Re saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen
Re synthesis of ATP
Uses 2-4 litres of oxygen
Completed in 2-3 minutes
50% PC stores replenished within 30 seconds
Discuss the suggestion that altitude training always improves performance in endurance events (7) (14)
Altitude training is over 2000m above sea level
Usually for at least 30 days
Partial pressure of oxygen is lower
Body produces EPO
Increased number of red blood cells
Increased concentration of haemoglobin
Increased capacity to carry oxygen
Altitude sickness may occur
Training at same intensity difficult - may lose fitness
Psychological problems linked to time away from home
Explain the factors that contribute to a performers VO2 max (7) (14)
VO2 max is the maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilised per minute
It takes into account body weight
Lifestyle - lack of exercise/smoking/diet
Age - decreases with age
Gender - men generally have approx 20% higher VO2 max
Physiology - haemoglobin content
Physiology - capillary density
Genetics - inherited factors of physiology that may limit possible improvement
Body composition - higher percent of body fat decreases VO2 max
Outline and explain the relationships between energy sources and intensity of exercise (7)
At low level intensity - energy comes from a mix of fats and carbs
Broken down aerobically
Glycolysis - glucose broken down
Beta oxidation breaks down fats
Kerbs cycle - oxidation of acetyl coenzymeA
At high levels of intensity carbohydrates are the only energy source
At high intensity fat use limited by oxygen availability
Slower energy release from fats
No oxygen used in carbohydrate break down
Explain how actin and myosin filaments in the sarcomere bind together causing muscular contraction (4)
Filaments unable to bind due to tropomyosin
Sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions
Calcium attach to troponin
Causes troponin to change shape/moves tropomyosin
Exposes myosin binding site on actin
Cross bridge formation and a power stroke occurs
Explain how a performer uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to increase flexibility (7) (14)
Can be passive
Usually involves a partner helping
Stretch target muscles to limit
Hold stretch position for a few seconds
Contract muscle group isometrically
Muscles relax
Stretch target muscles again
Aims to override the stretch reflex
Golgi tendon organs detect over stretching of muscles
Causes muscles to relax
Allows greater range of movement than the initial stretch
Outline the physiological changes that will occur if the correct water and electrolyte balance is not maintained (7) (14)
Blood thickens
Increase in heart rate
Reduction in blood flow to working muscles
Blood flow to skin reduced
Slows reaction time
Muscle fatigue
Muscle cramps
Irregular heart beat
Disruption of removal of waste products
With reference to the sliding filament hypothesis, explain the roles of tropomyosin and troponin during muscles contraction (4)
Tropomyosin prevents myosin attaching to actin
Sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions
Calcium ions attach to troponin
Causes shape of troponin to alter
Tropomyosin binds to actin
Exposes myosin binding site
Allows myosin to bind to actin/cross bridge forms
Explain how energy is provided allowing the athlete to complete the shot put (3)
Stored ATP
Alactic system
PC breakdown
To creatine and phosphate
Energy released to perform the contraction
Identify the energy sources that a performer may use during competition (3)
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fats
Creatine
Explain how thermoregulation is achieved by the body during exercise (4)
Thermoreceptors - detect temperature change and sends messages
Thermoregulatory centre - receives message
Vasodilation - opening of blood vessels
Radiation - heat lost by infrared Rays
Conduction - heat lost from skin
Evaporation - heat lost by liquid to vapour - sweating
Heat retention - shivering
Vasoconstriction - closing of blood vessels