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(a) Explain the physical activity options available for aged people with medical conditions - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 29 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 29
(a) Explain the physical activity options available for aged people with medical conditions. (b) Evaluate the strategies an athlete may employ to support the body’s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Explain the physical activity options available for aged people with medical conditions - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 29 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the physical activity options available for aged people with medical conditions
Answer
Aged individuals with medical conditions have a variety of physical activity options tailored to their health needs. These options consider issues such as heart conditions, joint mobility, and overall fitness levels.
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Low-Impact Aerobic Activities: Activities like walking, cycling, and aqua aerobics are ideal. They elevate heart rates without placing undue stress on joints, thus benefiting cardiovascular health and promoting physical endurance.
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Strength Training: Light resistance exercises can help enhance muscle strength and bone density. Activities using resistance bands or light weights are suitable and can be adapted as physical capabilities improve.
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Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Practices such as yoga and Tai Chi improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls. They also help in maintaining joint health, which is crucial for aged individuals.
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Swimming: As a low-impact option, swimming is often recommended for those with joint issues, as it provides resistance while minimizing strain. It also helps with cardiovascular fitness.
All these options should be personalized based on the individual's medical history and physical capabilities, ensuring a safe and effective exercise regimen.
Step 2
Evaluate the strategies an athlete may employ to support the body’s mechanisms for regulating temperature
Answer
Athletes can employ several strategies to enhance their body's temperature regulation mechanisms, essential for optimizing performance and safety during physical activity.
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Hydration: Maintaining proper fluid balance is critical. Athletes should drink fluids before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration, which impairs thermoregulation. Electrolyte beverages may also be beneficial in longer activities.
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Acclimatization: Gradually exposing the body to higher temperatures can improve its ability to regulate heat. This can be achieved through planned training sessions in warmer environments.
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Clothing Choices: Wearing moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics allows sweat to evaporate, helping with cooling. Loose-fitting clothing can also aid in heat dissipation.
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Cooling Techniques: Utilizing cooling vests or applying ice packs to key areas (such as the neck and pulse points) can effectively lower body temperature before or during intense workouts.
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Timing of Exercise: Scheduling workouts during cooler parts of the day can reduce heat stress on the body. Considerations for early morning or late evening training can optimize performance while minimizing heat exposure.
Together, these strategies enhance the body's natural cooling mechanisms, help maintain performance levels, and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.