A.3.3HL only
Fatigue and recovery
Guiding question: Why do athletes tire during exercise, and what helps them recover in time for the next session?
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Read each idea, work through its activities, then tick it off. 0 of 2 done.
A.3.3.1 · HL only
Causes of fatigue
Fatigue can start anywhere from the brain to the muscle, and often has several causes at once. Central fatigue reduces the nerve drive to muscles; peripheral fatigue arises at the neuromuscular junction or within the muscle. Peripheral causes include falling pH, dehydration, low fuel stores and disturbed calcium, sodium or potassium.
Match the terms
Key terms
Match each term to its meaning.
Tap a term, then tap its meaning.
Check yourself
Quick check
1.Which statement best describes fatigue in exercise?
2.Which can contribute to fatigue? I. Hydrogen ion accumulation II. Glycogen depletion III. Increased oxygen availability
3.Which statement best describes central fatigue?
A.3.3.2 · HL only
Recovery from exercise
Recovery shows physiologically (lower blood lactate), as symptoms (less muscle soreness) and psychologically (feeling ready for the next session). Protein, carbohydrate and fluid needs depend on the session's goal; creatine monohydrate and polyphenol-rich foods may also help. Myofascial release, compression garments and thermotherapy are widely used, though evidence for each is mixed. Sleep quality matters, and heavy training raises sleep needs; long journeys, especially across time zones, can disrupt it.
Match the terms
Key terms
Match each term to its meaning.
Tap a term, then tap its meaning.
Check yourself
Quick check
1.A reduced blood lactate concentration after a session is which type of recovery indicator?
2.Which is a psychological indicator of recovery from exercise?
3.A rugby player's main aim after a heavy resistance training session is to build and repair muscle. Which recovery nutrition priority best fits this aim?
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Self-marking exam-style questions with Guide me hints and full mark schemes.
Links to other topics
- B.1.3How does fatigue change the way a muscle contracts?
- C.3How are motivation and fatigue linked?