Option A: Optimizing physiological performance [30 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 5] 20N.3.SL.tz0.2

(a) Distinguish between overtraining and overreaching. [1]

Markscheme

overtraining is when an athlete tries to do more than he or she can

physically or mentally tolerate and has negative symptoms whereas
overreaching is placing stress on the body that is beyond the athlete’s
current limit of tolerance <short term> / transient overtraining;

(b) Describe fartlek training. [2]

Markscheme

continuous form of training / run;

combination of interval and continuous training, not regimented

<intensity, duration, rest>, regulated on how you feel;

varying pace / terrain;

slower pace used to recover in time for next burst of speed / hill / higher
intensity work;

(c) Analyse a mesocycle unit of training. [2]

Markscheme

lasts for a period covering weeks or months;

requires overload/increase in intensity;

comprises microcycles / constitutes macrocycles;

may be transition, preparation, competition;

2. [Maximum mark: 4] 19M.3.SL.tz0.2
(a) Outline how the body maintains a stable core temperature
when the external environment cools. [2]

Markscheme

«peripheral» vasoconstriction to areas not being used or outside the core ✔

shivering which is involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles ✔

non-shivering thermogenesis occurs which is an increase in heat

production due to increasing cellular metabolic rates ✔

reduction in sweat production ✔

[2 max]

(b) Explain why swimming in cold water is a challenge to the

thermoregulation process. [2]

Markscheme

in water heat is conducted away from the body faster than air ✔

heat loss in water is faster when the water is moving due to the convective
heat loss «26x faster in water» ✔

swimming at high speeds may allow the metabolic rate to increase and
compensate for the heat loss ✔

Award [1 max] for a list.

[2 max]
3. [Maximum mark: 3] 17N.3.SL.tz0.2
(a) Explain the effects of three physiological adaptations that
occur with heat acclimatization. [3]

Markscheme

Both response & effect required for 1 mark.

4. [Maximum mark: 5] 18N.3.SL.tz0.4
(a) Define ergogenic aid. [1]

Markscheme

a substance/device/phenomenon that can improve an athlete’s

performance ✔

(b) Evaluate the use of beta blockers by athletes. [4]

Markscheme

Strengths:
«inhibit adrenaline and therefore» reduce nervousness/anxiety ✔

steady hand allows more motor control ✔

useful for target-based sports «such as archery, shooting, baseball pitching»

✔

Limitations:
illegal «in accordance with WADA code» ✔

can lead to cardiac arrest/excessive slowing of heart rate/ poor peripheral

circulation ✔

erectile dysfunction ✔

digestive problems eg upset stomach/constipation/diarrhoea/nausea ✔

Candidates cannot be marked down for omitting limitations in this section.

5. [Maximum mark: 6] 19N.3.SL.tz0.4
(a) Stimulants are one class of non-nutritional ergogenic aids
currently banned by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC). List two other classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids
that are banned. [2]

Markscheme

anabolic steroids ✔

hormones and related substances ✔

diuretics and masking agents ✔

beta blockers ✔

Accept appropriate examples of classes of aids, not specific examples. Full names need to be used eg
anabolic steroids not just steroids.

(b) Explain the use of erythropoietin (EPO) by a cross-country skier. [4]

Markscheme

EPO elevates / regulates red blood cell production <by stimulating bone
marrow cells>
OR
increases hemoglobin concentration ✔

EPO <ultimately> increases oxygen capacity/VO2 max ✔

removes carbon dioxide from tissues ✔

a cross-country skier predominantly uses aerobic respiration ✔

EPO increases time to exhaustion/endurance capacity ✔

[3 max] if no reference to skier.

6. [Maximum mark: 1] 20N.3.HL:.tz0.2
(a) Define active recovery. [1]

Markscheme

low-intensity exercise to promote recovery following an intense training

session / competition;

7. [Maximum mark: 2] 20N.3.HL:.tz0.3

(a) Identify two physiological responses to hypoxia for a cyclist
immediately after arriving at a training camp at 2000 m altitude. [2]

Markscheme

hyperventilation;

elevated submaximal heart rate;

limited glycolysis functioning;

reduced saturation of hemoglobin;

blood / stroke volume reduction;

there is an increase in urine production at altitude / diuresis;

8. [Maximum mark: 4] 19M.3.HL:.tz0.6
(a) Describe the effects of altitude on fluid loss. [2]

Markscheme

at altitude, there is a decrease in water vapour in air / humidity is lower;

low humidity causes an increase in insensible water loss;

increased respiratory water loss;

increased sweat evaporation;

there is an increase in urine production at altitude;

the greater need for energy increases the need for fluid intake.

[2 max]

(b) Discuss the possible benefits of the live high, train low (LHTL)
approach to altitude training. [2]

Markscheme

by training low athletes are able to maintain the high level of intensity
needed to improve performance;

They will have a competitive advantage as they will have the physiological
benefits of living at altitude;

living at altitude encourages increase in number of red blood

cells/capillarization in athletes’ bodies;

increase in VO2 max.

[2 max]

© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2023