Spec PE - Paper 1

PE Questions

What is the role of the alveoli?

Alveoli allow oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to diffuse out, enabling efficient gas exchange.

What is aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise uses oxygen to produce energy and is performed at lower intensity for longer durations (e.g., long-distance running).

What is anaerobic exercise?

Anaerobic exercise does not use oxygen, is high intensity and short duration because the body relies on stored energy (e.g., sprinting)

Name the three types of muscles.

Cardiac, smooth, skeletal.

What happens to heart rate during exercise?

Heart rate increases so more oxygenated blood can be delivered to the working muscles.

What is stroke volume?

Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle each heartbeat.

What is cardiac output?

Cardiac output is the total amount of blood pumped out of the heart per minute and is calculated by heart rate × stroke volume.

What is vasodilation?

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to working muscles during exercise.

Name the three planes of movement.

Sagittal, frontal, transverse.

What lever system is used in a bicep curl?

Third-class lever.

What is the fulcrum at the elbow joint?

The elbow.

In a kick, what is the agonist muscle?

Quadriceps.

The quadriceps contract to extend the knee when kicking a ball.

In a kick, what is the antagonist muscle?

Hamstrings.

The hamstrings relax to allow the quadriceps to extend the leg during a kick.

What does FITT stand for?

Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type.

FITT outlines how to structure training by adjusting how often, how hard, how long and what type of exercise is done.

What is progressive overload?

Progressive overload is when training becomes gradually harder so the body adapts and performance improves.

Name a test for cardiovascular endurance.

12 minute Cooper Run

The Cooper run measures CV endurance by recording how far a person can run in 12 minutes.

Name a test for flexibility.

Sit and reach test.

What is the aerobic training zone?

60-80% max HR

Training in this zone improves cardiovascular endurance and uses oxygen for energy.

What is the anaerobic training zone?

80-90% max HR

This zone trains the body to perform high-intensity activities without oxygen, improving power and speed.

What is a long-term adaptation of the heart?

Lower resting heart rate

Long-term training strengthens the heart, allowing it to pump more blood per beat, lowering resting heart rate.

What is hypertrophy?

Increase in muscle size

Hypertrophy occurs when muscles grow thicker and stronger due to resistance training.

What do ligaments do?

Ligaments connect bones at a joint and help maintain stability.

What do tendons do?

Tendons attach muscles to bones so movement can occur.

What is tidal volume?

Air breathed in/out per breath.

What causes lactic acid?

Lactic acid builds up when the body breaks down glucose without oxygen during high-intensity exercise.

What is DOMS?

Muscle soreness after exercise

What is RPE?

Rate of Perceived Exertion

What is interval training?

Interval training involves periods of intense exercise followed by rest, improving speed and cardiovascular fitness.

What does specificity mean?

Specificity means training should mirror the movements, energy systems, and muscles used in the performer’s activity.

What happens to breathing rate during exercise?

Breathing rate increases to take in more oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide from the body.

What is the function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells transport oxygen to the muscles and remove carbon dioxide.

What is the function of the synovial fluid?

Synovial fluid lubricates joints to reduce friction and allow smooth movement.

What is the role of cartilage?

Prevents bones rubbing.

What does the diaphragm do during inhalation?

The diaphragm contracts and flattens to increase chest volume and draw air into the lungs.

What is the role of the intercostal muscles?

Intercostal muscles move the ribs up and out during inhalation and down during exhalation.

What is an antagonistic muscle pair?

An antagonistic pair consists of two muscles where one contracts (agonist) and the other relaxes (antagonist) to create movement.

What are slow-twitch muscle fibres used for?

Endurance. - like long distance running

What are fast-twitch muscle fibres used for?

Power and speed - ideal for sprinting and explosive movements

What is vasoconstriction?

Narrowing of blood vessels to non-essential areas during exercise

What is lactic acid and when does it form?

Waste product of anaerobic exercise - it forms during high-intensity exercise when the body works without oxygen, causing fatigue.

What is a mechanical advantage?

When a lever allows greater force output.

Which lever system has mechanical advantage?

Second-class lever.

What axis does a cartwheel rotate around?

Frontal axis.

What plane does a forward roll occur in?

Sagittal plane.

What is the role of the fixator?

Stabilises the joint.

What does SPOR principle stand for?

Specificity, Progressive overload, Overtraining, Reversibility.

What is reversibility?

Losing fitness when training stops.

What is overtraining?

Training too much without rest.

What is circuit training used for?

All-round fitness.

What is plyometric training?

Explosive jumping exercises.

What is continuous training?

Steady exercise with no rest.

What is HIIT?

High-intensity intervals.

Why do athletes warm up?

Prepare body, reduce injury and improve flexibility

Why do athletes cool down?

Lower HR and remove waste.

What is maximum heart rate?

220 − age. It is the highest number of beats the heart can achieve in one minute, calculated using 220 minus age

What does a line graph show in PE?

Change over time.

What does reliability mean?

Consistency of results.

What does validity mean?

The test measures what it should.

How do you calculate percentage change?

(Difference ÷ original) × 100

Why are fitness test scores compared to norms?

To see performance level.