Long term muscular and skeletal adaptations to exercise

1. Identify the long-term or chronic adaptations to exercise that occur in the skeletal and muscular systems.

2. Regular participation in weight bearing physical activity can support an increased bone density. Explain the potential benefits of such a long-term adaptation.

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  • Bones will be able to withstand greater forces in the future and therefore less likely to get injured in contact sports such as rugby.
  • Increased bone density means you are less likely to develop conditions such as osteoporosis in later life.

3. Identify the adaptations that result from regularly taking part in resistance training such as weight training and explain how this can help improve performance in a sport of your choice.

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Adaptations:

  • Increased strength of connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
  • Increase in the strength of the muscles meaning they can contract with greater force and thus overcome greater resistance.
  • Increase in the size of muscles (muscle hypertrophy).

How do adaptations improve sports performance:

  • Answer should link how increase force production helps performance. For example, kick ball harder in football, lift more weight in weightlifting. Pass ball in netball or hockey with more force. Travel faster in a kayak as can pull water with more force.
Cardiovascular System: Heart Structure (1) Cardiovascular System: Heart Function (2) Cardiovascular System: Functions of Cardiovascular System (3) Cardiovascular System: Blood Pressure (4) Cardiovascular System: The Vascular System (5) Respiratory System: Structure (6) Respiratory System: Function (7) Respiratory System: Breathing (8) Respiratory System: Lung Volumes (9) Introduction to short and long term effects of exercise (10) Short term cardiovascular responses to exercise (11) Short term respiratory responses to exercise (12) Short term muscular and skeletal responses to exercise (13) Introduction to long term adaptations to exercise (14) Long term cardiovascular adaptations to exercise (15) Long term respiratory adaptations to exercise (16) Long term muscular and skeletal adaptations to exercise (17)