Analyse the relationship between ONE physiological adaptation and improved performance - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 27 - 2023 - Paper 1

One significant physiological adaptation that occurs with training is an increase in stroke volume.

Stroke volume is defined as the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction. With consistent aerobic training, the heart becomes stronger and more efficient. This results in an increase in the size of the heart and the strength of its contractions. As the heart's walls enlarge, they can hold a greater volume of blood, which improves the heart's ability to pump blood.

This adaptation leads to improved physical performance for athletes, as a higher stroke volume allows for more oxygenated blood to be delivered to the working muscles during exercise. Consequently, an athlete can sustain higher intensities of activity for longer periods, enhancing their overall endurance and performance.

For example, a long-distance runner who has trained to increase their stroke volume will be able to maintain a faster pace over a longer distance, as their heart is pumping more efficiently compared to a non-trained individual. This physiological adaptation directly contributes to their capacity to perform at a higher level.