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Date May 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17M.3.SL.tz0.1
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 3 Time zone time zone 0
Command term Outline Question number 1 Adapted from N/A

Question

A study investigated sweat rate in endurance-trained cyclists. Two groups of cyclists followed a 10-day training programme. The experimental group trained in an environment at 40oC and the control group trained at 13oC. Sweat rate was measured at rest and at three increasing exercise intensities in 40oC and 13oC environments. The results are shown in the following diagram.

[Source: S Lorenzo and C Minson, (2010), Journal of Applied Physiology, pages 1736–1743]

Identify the group and exercise intensity with the highest post-training sweat rate.

[2]
a.

Calculate the difference in sweat rate between the 80 % VO2max and the rest conditions for the experimental group pre-training.

[2]
b.

Compare sweat rate responses for the experimental and control groups.

[2]
c.

Outline the physiological adaptations impacting the sweat mechanism that occur with heat acclimatization.

[2]
d.

Markscheme

experimental group✔

80 % ‹VO2 max›✔

a.

0.5 − 0.1✔

0.4 mg cm−2 min−1

OR

0.1 − 0.5✔

−0.4 mg cm−2 min−1

Units not required for marks.

b.

greater sweat rate with increased exercise intensity✔

greater sweat rate for experimental group✔

greater sweat rate in post-training condition when exercising for both experimental groups✔

c.

increased plasma volume✔

earlier onset of sweating✔

increased sweat rate✔

a more dilute sweat composition✔

d.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Many candidates were able to identify the greater sweating rate for Experimental group compared to Control; however they didn’t identify the increase in sweat rate for both groups in post-training.

c.

Candidates must address question. Some simply explain the process of sweating or explained cardiovascular adaptations.

d.

Syllabus sections

Option A: Optimizing physiological performance » A.2. Environmental factors and physical performance » A.2.10. Discuss the physiological and metabolic adaptations that occur with heat acclimatization.
Option A: Optimizing physiological performance » A.2. Environmental factors and physical performance
Option A: Optimizing physiological performance

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