Topic 9

Question 1

Define fatigue in sports

Answer 1

A reversible, exercise-induced decline in
performance.

Question 2

Outline the different types of
fatigue

Answer 2

Limit to:
* peripheral fatigue—develops rapidly and is
caused by reduced muscle cell force
* central (or mental) fatigue—develops during
prolonged exercise and is caused by impaired
function of the central nervous system.

Question 3

Distinguish between highintensity and endurance
activities

Answer 3

High-intensity exercise involves a vigorous bout
of intense activity that may last for less than a
second, or as long as 1–2 minutes, for example,
some types of interval training, plyometrics. The
major sources of energy for this are derived from
anaerobic processes.
Endurance activities involve prolonged sessions
of low-intensity activity that may last from several
minutes to several hours, for example, leisure
cycling or jogging. The major sources of energy
for endurance activities are aerobic processes.

Question 4

Discuss causes of fatigue in
different types of activity or
exercise

Answer 4

Fatigue is perceived differently by individual
athletes and may depend on multiple factors such
as age, level of fitness and the specific type of
activity or exercise carried out.
On a physiological level, the development of
peripheral fatigue in high-intensity activities
depends on the rate of:
* depletion of energy sources (creatine
phosphate and ATP)
* increase in levels of the products of exercise
such as lactate and hydrogen ions.
The physiological causes of peripheral fatigue in
endurance activities include:
* depletion of muscle and liver glycogen
reserves
* reduction in Ca2+ release
* depletion of acetylcholine
* dehydration
* electrolyte loss
* overheating.
Central (mental) fatigue is a significant factor in
many endurance sports caused by failure of neural
transmission.

Question 5

Discuss recovery from
fatigue after sports

Answer 5

Different aspects of recovery can occur at different
rates, and recovery rate also depends on the
type of activity (high-intensity, team sports or
endurance).
Include:
* excess post-exercise oxygen consumption
(EPOC) for:
– restoration of muscle creatine
phosphate stores
– removal of lactic acid
– replenishment of myoglobin stores
* replacement of muscle and liver glycogen
stores.
Link to option A: Optimizing physiological
performance