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Date May 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17M.3.SL.tz0.13
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 3 Time zone time zone 0
Command term Outline Question number 13 Adapted from N/A

Question

A study was conducted with two groups of elite gymnasts to consider the effect of low carbohydrate (A) and high carbohydrate (B) diets. The mean body weight and body fat were measured before and after 30 days of identical training for both groups. The results are shown in the following diagram.

[Source: Antonio Paoli, Keith Grimaldi, Dominic D’Agostino, Lorenzo Cenci, Tatiana Moro, Antonino Bianco and
Antonio Palma (2012) ‘Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts.’
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9, page 34.
DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-34]

Identify which diet results in the greatest loss of body fat.

[1]
a.i.

Identify which diet results in the greatest loss of body weight.

[1]
a.ii.

Calculate the difference in body fat between low carbohydrate and high carbohydrate diets after training.

[2]
b.

Compare and contrast changes in body weight before and after training.

[2]
c.

Outline the association between body composition and athletic performance in an endurance athlete.

[2]
d.

Markscheme

low CHO / ‹diet› A✔

a.i.

low CHO / ‹diet› A✔

a.ii.

5 − 3.5✔

= 1.5 ‹kg›✔

OR

3.5 − 5✔

= −1.5 ‹kg›✔

b.

Similarity
high carbohydrate diet pre and post training same body weight✔

Difference
low carbohydrate diet yields reduced body weight✔

c.

lower body fat is associated with better improved endurance performance✔

higher relative fat free mass is associated with improved endurance performance✔

lower absolute body mass is associated with improved endurance performance✔

athletes who have ectomorphic characteristics/lean with long legs tend to perform well in endurance activities✔

d.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.
[N/A]
d.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Nutrition for sports, exercise and health » D.3. Energy balance and body composition » D.3.4. Discuss the association between body composition and athletic performance.
Option D: Nutrition for sports, exercise and health » D.3. Energy balance and body composition
Option D: Nutrition for sports, exercise and health

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