Analyse oxygen deficit.

Discuss the structural differences between slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibre types.

Identify three strategies for minimizing risk from infection among athletes in an Olympic Village.

Outline three methods used to monitor exercise intensity.

deficit is calculated as the difference between the oxygen required for a given rate of work and the oxygen actually consumed
OR
deficit takes place during the initial stages of exercise;

muscles generate ATP through anaerobic pathways;

oxygen transport system is not immediately able to supply the needed quantity of oxygen to the active muscles
OR
oxygen consumption requires several minutes before a homeostatic level is reached;

homeostatic level is reached when the aerobic system meets the demands;

the greater the intensity of exercise, the greater the oxygen deficit;

deficit is repaid during rest period/after exercise;

oxygen deficit can be minimised by the athlete doing a <suitable> warm-up;

if the exercise intensity is too high the athlete will have to stop exercising or reduce their intensity;

<aerobically> trained individuals may have a smaller deficit/smaller EPOC compared to an untrained individual at the same intensity;

Accept appropriate labelled diagram 1st and 6th mp.

slow twitch fibres:
higher myoglobin content;

higher capillary density allows for increased oxygenation;

higher triglyceride storage;

lower glycogen storage;

higher mitochondrial density;

lower phosphocreatine stores;

smaller fibre diameter;

lower sarcoplasmic reticulum amounts;

Contrast for each function must be provided.

Accept in the converse for fast-twitch.

Do not accept colour.

ensure the athlete plans sufficient recovery within their training/avoid overtraining
OR
ensure that the athlete achieves sufficient sleep;

maintain a varied diet providing suitable vitamins and minerals
OR
ensure the athlete maintains fluid levels;

drink pathogen-free water
OR
maintain good food hygiene standards when preparing food;

athlete maintains good personal hygiene
OR
maintains oral hygiene;

cleaning of shared equipment after each use;

maintain good ventilation in spaces where individuals congregate
OR
limit numbers of individuals/groups that can congregate together
OR
minimize/avoid close contact with infectious individuals
OR
test individuals to reduce infectious individuals coming into contact with others
OR
do not train during illness;

wear face coverings to reduce risk of breathing in / transmission of pathogens;

Award [1 max] for a list.

Credit max 3 methods.

Candidates appeared to be better prepared for this question than in previous sessions. However, many candidates focused on the process of EPOC rather than focusing on the role of oxygen deficit on EPOC.

Many candidates understood the requirements of the question, providing a discussion between the types of fibres. However, too many candidates referred to functional characteristics and thereby limited the marks available.

Due to the recent Tokyo games and the global pandemic many candidates were able to provide three strategies to reduce infection.

Many candidates were able to identify at least two methods. These were commonly RPE and Karvonen method. Most candidates were able to outline RPE. However, candidates struggled to describe the Karvonen method or any of the areas covered in the markscheme.