Long Term Impacts

Question 1

What are the long term impacts of exercise on the bones and joints?

Answer 1

Bone density increases
Ligament strength increases
The strength of the joint structures increase
Articular cartilage tends to increase in thickness

Question 2

What are the long term impacts of exercise on the muscles?

Answer 2

The heart size increases (thickening of left ventricle)
Muscle tone improves
Muscles gain in size and strength
Metabolic activity in resting muscles increases
The mitochondria and enzyme content of muscle increases
The number of capillaries in muscles increases

Question 3

What are the long terms impacts of exercise on circulation and respiration?

Answer 3

There are increased breathing volumes
Lung surface tissue is more readily utilised
Gaseous exchange in the lungs becomes more efficient
Breathing rate is slightly reduced
Heart rate is reduced both at rest and for any given exercise intensity
Stroke volume increases