Exercise physiology Preparation & training methods Components of fitness Learning Objective: To be able to describe the determinants of sporting performance. 2.2.4 Learners should understand the physiological factors that determine performance in different sports. 2.2.5 Learners need to be able to define each of the components of fitness and apply components to different performers

Sub maximal aerobic fitness Local muscular endurance There are 14 components of fitness you need to be able to name, describe and attribute to performance in different sporting activities. VO2max Anaerobic capacity Maximal strength Strength Speed Power Agility Coordination Balance Reaction time Flexibility Exercise economy Sub maximal aerobic fitness Local muscular endurance

Match the component to the definition…

Component Definition VO2max The force that can be developed in a single maximal contraction Strength The rate at which force is produced Agility The amount of energy obtained from anaerobic sources Reaction time The range of movement available at a joint Sub maximal aerobic fitness The ability of the body to link movements together, either with other movements or in relation to an external object Anaerobic capacity Maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilized in one minute Speed The ability to maintain your centre of mass over a base of support Coordination The ability to change direction with speed Flexibility The ability to maintain a high percentage of VO2 max for a prolonged period of time Maximal strength The ability of a muscle to sustain repeated contractions Power Time taken for a performer to respond to a stimulus Balance Energy required to maintain a constant velocity of movement Exercise economy The force developed in a muscle during a contraction Local muscular endurance Time taken to move a body (part or whole) through a movement

Local muscular endurance: The ability of a muscle or specific group of muscles to sustain repeated contractions against a resistance for an extended period of time. Maximal strength: The maximum force that can be developed in a muscle or group of muscles during a single maximal contraction.

Strength: The force that can be developed in a muscle or group of muscles during a contraction. Agility: Changing position quickly and with control without losing balance in response to a stimulus.

Coordination: Reaction time: The ability of the body to link movements together, either with other movements or in relation to an external object. Reaction time: The time taken for a performer to respond to a stimulus and the initiation of their response.

Balance: Flexibility: The ability to maintain your centre of mass over a base of support. There are two types: static and dynamic. Flexibility: The range of movement available at a joint.

List the components of fitness required for effective performance by these athletes in their activities/sports/events.

Sporting performance is determined by a range of physiological factors (plus skill and psychological factors). There are six principle determinants of physiological capability: Sub-maximal aerobic fitness Maximal aerobic fitness Exercise economy Anaerobic capacity Anaerobic power Maximum speed

Submaximal aerobic fitness: The ability to maintain a high percentage of VO2 max for a prolonged period of time. This is essential for long duration aerobic activity, for example long distance running. Maximal aerobic fitness: The maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilized in one minute. This is the upper limit of the aerobic system (the person’s VO2 max).

Exercise economy: Energy required to maintain a constant velocity of movement. This is the ability to transfer energy into movement. For example, if two people running at the same speed, one of them could be using less energy than the other because they are more economic.

Anaerobic capacity: This is the greatest amount of energy that can be released from the anaerobic system. There is only a limited amount of energy that can be produced anaerobically. When it is used up the athlete must slow down, however it can be (partially) replenished during rest intervals or low-intensity periods of a match. Anaerobic power: the rate at which energy is produced. This is the fastest rate at which energy (ATP) can be produced anaerobically during an activity. If two athletes are equal in terms of movement economy then the athlete with greatest anaerobic power will be the fastest. It is an important factor in sprint speed but not the only factor.

Maximum speed: Time taken to move a body (part or whole) through a movement over a pre-determined distance. This is the fastest sprint speed attainable. It is determined not only by the rate of ATP production but also by fast twitch fibre recruitment and force production.

Describe 3 components of fitness which are important in a team sport of your choice (10 marks) Your answer should include: A named team sport The names of 3 appropriate components of fitness Definitions of each component Descriptions of when each component is required in the sport

Consider how aerobic base training might be beneficial to a sprinter Consider how aerobic base training might be beneficial to a sprinter. (4 marks) Any four of: Aerobic base training facilitates quicker recovery during intense training sessions, which enables greater volume of training (1) It is less stressful to the body so can act as a change and is less likely to injure the sprinter (1) Recovery from aerobic base training is quicker so the sprinter can train more often (1) Base period will be shorter than for an aerobic athlete because their training should be more anaerobic (1) Traditionally, a sprinter would have worked on absolute power at the beginning of a training cycle and therefore undertaken very little aerobic training (1) They may decide that anaerobic training is more important than aerobic because this is the predominant energy system (1) Undertaking aerobic training may be seen to lack sports specificity and therefore sprinters do less of it (1) Variety in training may reduce tedium (1)

Describe how agility is used by performers in team games. (3 marks) Any three of: To try to dodge an opponent in a rugby union match (1) To create space in a hockey match (1) To mark an opponent in a football match (1) To lose a marker in a netball match (1) Other appropriate examples are acceptable.