Cambridge OCR A Level · Physical Education - H555

Exercise at altitude: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Exercise at altitude.

10 questions31 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

A runner is training at a high-altitude location (3,000m) for three weeks. Which of the following describes the correct physiological adaptation that occurs during the process of acclimatisation to improve oxygen transport?

Question 2

1 mark

Consider an athlete who undergoes a period of acclimatisation at altitude. Why does maximal cardiac output (\(ȡQ_{max}\)) often remain lower at altitude even after several weeks of adaptation?

Question 3

1 mark

What is the primary reason for the impairment of aerobic performance at altitudes above 2,400m?

Question 4

1 mark

Explain the importance of timing arrival at altitude for an athlete competing in a 5,000m race at 2,800m altitude.

Question 5

1 mark

A marathon runner is competing at an altitude of 2,500m. Which physiological response would be most immediately evident compared to competing at sea level?

Question 6

3 marks

In the context of exercise at altitude, why is the arrival time at a location above 2,400m considered a critical factor for an endurance athlete's performance?

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain the physiological relationship between a reduced arterial partial pressure of oxygen (\(PO_{2}\)) and the subsequent changes in ventilation rates during the initial stages of exercise at altitude.

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Question 8

5 marks

Analyze why altitude leads to a reduction in aerobic performance, with specific reference to the partial pressure of oxygen (\(PO_{2}\)) and the impact on gas exchange at the muscles.

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Question 9

5 marks

Acclimatisation is a critical process for athletes competing at high altitudes (above 2400m).

(a) Explain why a reduced arterial \(PO_{2}\) at altitude negatively impacts the performance of an endurance athlete.
(b) Describe three physiological adaptations that occur during the acclimatisation process which help the body compensate for the lower partial pressure of oxygen.

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Question 10

8 marks

A coach is reviewing the physiological data of two athletes: one training at sea level and one training at an altitude of 3,000m.

(a) With reference to the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve, explain how the pressure gradient at the alveoli changes at altitude and its effect on arterial oxygen saturation.
(b) Analyze how elevated ventilation and elevated heart rate at altitude act as immediate compensatory mechanisms to maintain oxygen delivery to the working muscles.

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