Enhancing the performance of the cardiorespiratory system

Question 1

Improved capacity and function of the cardiovascular system

Answer 1

Cardiac hypertrophy, increased capacity for blood flow, *increased stroke volume

Question 2

Improved capacity and function of the respiratory system

Answer 2

Increased diffusion of oxygen at the lungs*, increased lung volume, increased diaphragm strength.

Question 3

Altitude Training is…

Answer 3

Is a permitted training method that involves training at levels greater than 1500 metres above sea level. Induces physiological changes that enhance the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. As there is a lower level of oxygen present in the air at altitude, the body must adapt (acclimatise) to this reduced oxygen level.

Question 4

Physiological changes that occur due to acclimatisation through altitude training are…

Answer 4

Increase of capillaries (greater distribution of blood), production of red blood cells (greater capacity to carry oxygen), buffering capacity (increased waste removal)

Question 5

Hypoxic Chambers

Answer 5

Can be rooms, houses or tents specifically designed to simulate altitude

Question 6

Impacts at high altitudes (3000m)

Answer 6

Weight loss, weakened immune system. Extreme fatigue, severely reduced intensity to exercise.

Question 7

Moderate Altitude Effects (1500-3000m)

Answer 7

Heart rate and breathing rate increase. altitude sickness may develop (2000m onwards) Increase in red blood cells.

Question 8

What is EPO Erythropoietin

Answer 8

Naturally occuring hormone secreted by the kidneys. Stimulates the red blood cells in bone marrow. Endurance based athletes are likely to use it.

Question 9

Whats the performance benefit of EPO

Answer 9

Increase in red blood cell production, more haemoglobin available for oxygen to attach to, GREATER ENDURANCE

Question 10

What are the potential harms

Answer 10

Increased thickening of the blood, blood clots, increased risk of heart attacks.

Question 11

What are beta blockers

Answer 11

Are drugs that block adrenalin hormones from binding to receptors on nerves, reducing the effect they have on the heat and blood vessels

Question 12

Beta Blockers – Performance Benefits

Answer 12

Can reduce pre-competition anxiety, lower the heart rate and reduce body tremors

Question 13

Potential harms to Beta blockers

Answer 13

Cardiac failure, Decreased heart rate, Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Question 14

Blood doping

Answer 14

Is the process of infusing extra human blood (red blood cells) into an athletes body prior to performance.

Question 15

Blood doping performance benefit

Answer 15

Increased amount of red blood cells leads to improved oxygen delivery to muscles. Increased endurance

Question 16

Blood doping potential harms

Answer 16

Increased thickening of blood, blood clots, increased risk of heart attack, stroke.