Edexcel GCSE Physical Education: Short- & Long-term Effects of Exercise

Two friends are compared. Jordan has trained for marathons for three years; Sam has just taken up running and has trained for two weeks. At rest, Jordan's heart rate is much lower than Sam's, and during a long run Jordan tires far less quickly.

Discuss the long-term adaptations to regular aerobic training that explain why Jordan can run for longer and has a lower resting heart rate than Sam. (6 marks)

A coach wants a 15-year-old swimmer to train in her aerobic training zone, which the coach defines as 60–80% of her maximum heart rate.

(a) Calculate the swimmer's maximum heart rate (MHR) using $\text{MHR} = 220 - \text{age}$MHR=220−age, then calculate the lower and upper heart-rate limits of her aerobic training zone. Show your working and give units. (2 marks)

(b) During a hard sprint set the swimmer's heart rate reaches 190 bpm. State whether she is training aerobically or anaerobically, and justify your answer using your figures. (2 marks)

A hockey player notices several short-term (immediate) effects of exercise during a match.

(a) Describe two short-term effects of exercise on the body, other than an increase in heart rate, and explain why each one occurs. (2 marks)

(b) State one way the player's body loses heat to stop her overheating during the match. (1 mark)

During a 400 m sprint, a runner works anaerobically and lactic acid builds up in her muscles.

(a) Explain why lactic acid builds up during the 400 m sprint, and state one effect this has on the runner's performance. (2 marks)

(b) Name one thing the runner can do during her cool-down to help remove lactic acid more quickly. (1 mark)

A weightlifter trains with heavy resistance several times a week for a year. Over time his muscles become noticeably larger and stronger.

State the name of this long-term adaptation and state one benefit it gives the weightlifter. (2 marks)

Endurance athletes often have a resting heart rate well below 60 beats per minute as a result of long-term aerobic training.

Name this long-term adaptation (a lowered resting heart rate). (1 mark)