Causes of fatigue, OBLA and DOMS

Overview

Fatigue from energy depletion, lactic acid, dehydration and electrolyte loss, oxygen deficit and oxygen debt, OBLA in trained performers, and DOMS with its causes and prevention.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

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1. 1

   What is fatigue?

   Model answer

   Fatigue is a decline in the ability to perform caused by physical or mental effort. Performance falls as fatigue increases.

2. 2

   How does energy depletion cause fatigue?

   Model answer

   Stores of phosphocreatine and glycogen run low during exercise. ATP cannot be resynthesised fast enough, so performance falls.

3. 3

   How does lactic acid cause fatigue?

   Model answer

   Lactic acid lowers the pH of the muscle. Enzyme activity falls and contraction becomes painful and weak.

4. 4

   How does dehydration cause fatigue?

   Model answer

   Dehydration reduces blood volume, so the heart works harder. Body temperature rises and performance falls.

5. 5

   How does the loss of electrolytes affect performance?

   Model answer

   Electrolytes such as sodium are lost in sweat. Low electrolyte levels can cause cramp and impair nerve and muscle function.

6. 6

   What is oxygen deficit?

   Model answer

   Oxygen deficit is the shortfall between the oxygen needed at the start of exercise and the oxygen supplied. Anaerobic systems make up the shortfall.

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