Unit+3,+Area+of+Study+2-+Physiological+responses+to+Physical+Activity

=**Study Design (2011- 2014)**=


 * Unit 3, Area of Study 2: Physiological responses to physical activity.**

In this area of study students explore the various systems and mechanisms associated with the energy required for human movement. They consider the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems and the roles of each in supplying oxygen and energy to the working muscles. They examine the way in which energy for activity is produced via the three energy systems and the associated fuels used for activities of varying intensity and duration. Students also consider the many contributing factors to fatigue as well as recovery strategies used to return to pre-exercise conditions. Through practical activities students explore the relationship between the energy systems during physical activity.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to use data collected in practical activities to analyse how the major body and energy systems work together to enable movements to occur, and explain the fatigue mechanisms and recovery strategies.
 * Outcome 2**

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2

__Key knowledge__ This knowledge includes:
 * the mechanisms responsible for the acute responses to exercise in the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems
 * characteristics and interplay of the three energy systems (ATP – CP, anaerobic glycolysis, aerobic system) for physical activity, including rate of ATP production, the capacity of each energy system and the contribution of each energy system
 * fuels (both chemical and food) required for resynthesis of ATP during physical activity and the utilisation of food for energy
 * relative contribution of the energy systems and fuels used to produce ATP in relation to the exercise intensity, duration and type
 * oxygen uptake at rest, during exercise and recovery, including oxygen deficit, steady state, and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption
 * the multi-factorial mechanisms (including fuel depletion, metabolic by-products and thermoregulation) associated with muscular fatigue as a result of varied exercise intensities and durations
 * passive and active recovery methods to assist in returning the body to pre-exercise levels

__Key Skills__ These skills include the ability to:
 * describe, using correct terminology, the interplay and relative contribution of the energy systems in different sporting activities
 * participate in physical activities to collect and analyse data relating to the range of acute effects that physical activity has on the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems of the body
 * perform, observe, analyse and report on laboratory exercises designed to explore the relationship
 * between the energy systems during physical activity
 * explain the role the energy systems play in enabling activities to occur as well as their contribution
 * to active and passive recovery
 * explain the multi-factorial mechanisms associated with fatigue during physical activity and sporting
 * events resulting from the use of the three energy systems under varying conditions
 * compare and contrast suitable recovery strategies used to counteract fatigue and promote optimal performance levels.