Option A: Optimizing physiological performance

A.1 Training

A.1.1 Distinguish between training, overtraining and overreaching.
A.1.2 Describe various methods of training.
A.1.3 Discuss possible indicators of overtraining.
A.1.4 Discuss how periodization should be organized to optimize performance and avoid overtraining and injury.

A.2.1 Explain the relationship between cellular metabolism and the production of heat in the human body.
A.2.2 State the normal physiological range for core body temperature.
A.2.3 Outline how the body thermoregulates in hot and cold environments.
A.2.4 Discuss the significance of humidity and wind in relation to body heat loss.
A.2.5 Describe the formation of sweat and the sweat response.
A.2.6 Discuss the physiological responses that occur during prolonged exercise in the heat.
A.2.7 Discuss the health risks associated with exercising in the heat.
A.2.8 Outline what steps should be taken to prevent and to subsequently treat heat-related disorders.
A.2.9 Describe how an athlete should acclimatize to heat stress.
A.2.10 Discuss the physiological and metabolic adaptations that occur with heat acclimatization.
A.2.11 Outline the principal means by which the body maintains core temperature in cold environments.
A.2.12 Explain why the body surface area to body mass ratio is important for heat preservation.
A.2.13 Outline the importance of wind chill in relation to body heat loss.
A.2.14 Explain why swimming in cold water represents a particular challenge to the body’s ability to thermoregulate.
A.2.15 Discuss the physiological responses to exercise in the cold.
A.2.16 Describe the health risks of exercising in the cold, including cold water.
A.2.17 Discuss the precautions that should be taken when exercising in the cold.

A.3.1 Define the term ergogenic aid.
A.3.2 Describe, with reference to an appropriate example, the placebo effect.
A.3.3 List five classes of non-nutritional ergogenic aids that are currently banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
A.3.4 Discuss why pharmacological substances appear on the list of banned substances.
A.3.5 Discuss the proposed and actual benefits that some athletes would hope to gain by using anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.
A.3.6 Outline the possible harmful effects of long-term use of anabolic steroids, EPO, beta blockers, caffeine and diuretics.

A.4.1 Define active recovery.
A.4.2 Outline the reasons for active recovery immediately after a training session or competition.
A.4.3 Describe the indicators of recovery.
A.4.4 Outline the importance of planned recovery between workout sessions as part of a training programme.
A.4.5 Outline the use of compression garments for sports recovery.
A.4.6 Define cryotherapy.
A.4.7 Describe cryotherapy procedures used for recovery in sports.
A.4.8 Discuss the use of different types of cryotherapy for elite and recreational athletes.

A.5.1 State the height ranges for different categories of altitude.
A.5.2 Define hypoxia.
A.5.3 Outline the physiological effects of altitude.
A.5.4 Outline the effects of altitude on fluid balance.
A.5.5 Outline altitude training.
A.5.6 Evaluate the impact of altitude training for individual athletes and team sports players.
A.5.7 Evaluate the impact of altitude on sports performance.
A.5.8 Explain the adaptations resulting from altitude hypoxia.
A.5.9 Distinguish between the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
A.5.10 Describe how to prevent high-altitude illness for athletes.

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