2. List and describe five chronic physiological adaptations that occur due to cardiovascular training.

Answer 1

1. Increased left ventricle size and volume (increased stroke volume): Aerobic training results in cardiac hypertrophy. An increase in the size and volume of the left ventricle, in particular, occurs. This increases stroke volume and cardiac output, allowing a greater volume of blood to be ejected from the heart, thus providing more oxygen for the athlete to use.
2. Increased capillarisation of the heart muscle: Cardiac hypertrophy also leads to an increase in the capillarisation of the heart muscle itself. The increased supply of blood and oxygen allows the heart to beat more strongly and efficiently during both exercise and rest.
3. Faster heart rate recovery rates increased heart rate recovery rates mean that the heart rate will return to resting levels in a much shorter time than that of an untrained individual. This is due to the greater efficiency of the cardiovascular system to produce energy aerobically.
4. Increased blood volume and haemoglobin levels: Red blood cells may increase in number and the haemoglobin content and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood may also rise. There is also an increased ratio of plasma in the blood cells, which reduces the viscosity of the blood allowing it to flow smoothly through the blood vessels. This allows a greater amount of oxygen to be delivered to the muscles and used by the athlete.
5. Increased capillarisation of skeletal muscle: Aerobic training leads to increased capillarisation of skeletal muscle. Greater capillary supply means increased blood flow and greater surface area for gas diffusion to take place. Increasing the oxygen and nutrients into the muscles allows for more removal of by-products
6. Decreased heart rate at rest and during submaximal workloads: A greater stroke volume results in the heart not having to beat as often to supply the required blood flow (and oxygen). Aerobic training also results in a slower increase in heart rate during exercise and also a lower steady state that is reached sooner.