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Long-Term Adaptations to Exercise

Interpreting data on long-term adaptations

  • 3 things to know
  • A2 Unit 3

Overview

Worked stroke volume and VO₂max calculations, heart rate at a fixed workload, fibre hypertrophy and blood lactate data, why adaptations take weeks, specificity, reversibility, the hockey player, the marathon runner and the weightlifter.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What happens to adaptations when training stops, and how do they help a hockey player?

Key term

A graph shows heart rate at a fixed submaximal workload before and after a 12-week aerobic programme, with the second line lower. Explain the difference.

Numbers

A runner's VO₂max rises from 48 to 55 ml/kg/min after training. Calculate the percentage increase.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    A rower's resting heart rate falls from 72 bpm to 56 bpm over a season while resting cardiac output stays at 5.04 L/min. Calculate the stroke volume before and after.

    Model answer

    Stroke volume before training is 5,040 ml ÷ 72 = 70 ml. Stroke volume after training is 5,040 ml ÷ 56 = 90 ml.

  2. 2

    A graph shows heart rate at a fixed submaximal workload before and after a 12-week aerobic programme, with the second line lower. Explain the difference.

    Model answer

    Heart rate is lower at the same workload after training because stroke volume has increased. The heart needs fewer beats to deliver the same cardiac output.

  3. 3

    A runner's VO₂max rises from 48 to 55 ml/kg/min after training. Calculate the percentage increase.

    Model answer

    The increase is 7 ml/kg/min, and 7 ÷ 48 × 100 ≈ 14.6%. VO₂max has risen by about 15%.

  4. 4

    A bar chart shows a sprinter's fast glycolytic fibres growing in cross-sectional area after a strength programme. Which adaptation does the chart show?

    Model answer

    The chart shows muscular hypertrophy of fast glycolytic fibres. Larger fibres produce more force, which improves acceleration and power.

  5. 5

    A table shows a cyclist's blood lactate at a fixed pace falling from 4 mmol/L to 2 mmol/L after training. What does the table show?

    Model answer

    Less lactic acid is produced at the same pace after training. More capillaries and more myoglobin let more of the energy come from the aerobic system.

  6. 6

    Why do long-term adaptations take weeks to appear?

    Model answer

    The body adapts only when training repeatedly overloads its systems. Structural changes such as cardiac hypertrophy and capillarisation build up over many weeks.

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