Which group of physiological adaptations is likely to occur in athletes who have participated in an aerobic training program at sub-maximal levels for 8 weeks? A - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 15 - 2020 - Paper 1

Participants in aerobic training programs typically experience a series of physiological adaptations. The correct answer to the question pertains to several well-documented changes:

1. Decreased Resting Heart Rate: With prolonged aerobic training, the body's cardiovascular efficiency improves, leading to a lower resting heart rate. This is due to enhanced vagal tone and increased stroke volume, which allows the heart to pump more blood per beat.

2. Increased Stroke Volume: As the heart strengthens and becomes more efficient through regular training, the volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat increases. This adaptation ensures that the body can deliver sufficient oxygen to muscles during exercise.

3. Increased Haemoglobin Level: Regular aerobic training can stimulate erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells), thus increasing the overall haemoglobin level in the blood. This enhances oxygen-carrying capacity, further supporting athletic performance.

Overall, these adaptations collectively contribute to improved endurance and cardiovascular health.