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(a) Outline the signs that identify an overtrained athlete - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 26 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 26
(a) Outline the signs that identify an overtrained athlete. (b) Describe how overload techniques can be applied in resistance training. (c) Analyse how phases of c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Outline the signs that identify an overtrained athlete - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 26 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the signs that identify an overtrained athlete.
Answer
Overtraining can manifest through various signs, including:
- Decreased Performance: Athletes may notice a decline in their performance levels, despite adhering to their training regimens.
- Fatigue and Lethargy: A common sign is persistent fatigue, which doesn’t improve with adequate rest.
- Mood Changes: Overtrained athletes may experience mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety, indicating mental strain.
Step 2
Describe how overload techniques can be applied in resistance training.
Answer
Overload techniques in resistance training can be applied through:
- Progressive Resistance: Gradually increasing the weight being lifted to challenge the muscles further. This might involve incrementally adding 2-5% more weight to the current load.
- Volume Increase: Increasing the number of sets or repetitions for each exercise, ensuring that it leads to muscle fatigue by the end of the sets.
- Frequency Adjustment: Changing the frequency of training sessions per week to ensure muscles are sufficiently challenged, while allowing for recovery.
Step 3
Analyse how phases of competition, altitude training, and acclimatisation can be used to enhance an athlete’s performance.
Answer
To enhance an athlete's performance, the following methods can be utilized:
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Phases of Competition: Structuring training cycles around competition phases allows athletes to peak at the right time. During pre-competition, intensity increases while volume decreases to prepare for event-specific performance.
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Altitude Training: Training at high altitudes increases red blood cell production, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles. This adaptation improves endurance and overall performance when returning to lower altitudes.
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Acclimatisation: Gradually exposing athletes to different environmental conditions, such as heat or altitude, allows their bodies to adapt physiologically. This can lead to improved performance under varied conditions, reducing the risk of injury or stress.