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EnglandPhysical Education

Exercise physiology (Component 1)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and when is each used?

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise: the definitions, the word equations for aerobic and anaerobic respiration, examples of sporting situations using each, and how the training zones (using maximum heart rate) relate to aerobic and anaerobic work.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on aerobic and anaerobic exercise: the definitions and word equations, sporting examples of each, lactic acid and the oxygen debt, and the aerobic and anaerobic training zones calculated from maximum heart rate.
11 min answer →

How do the heart and lungs work together to deliver oxygen to the muscles?

The structure and function of the cardio-respiratory system: the heart and the double circulatory system, blood vessels and vascular shunting, heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, the pathway of air and gaseous exchange in the lungs.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on the cardio-respiratory system: the heart and double circulation, blood vessels and vascular shunting, cardiac output (with a calculation), the pathway of air, and gaseous exchange at the alveoli.
12 min answer →

What are the short-term and long-term effects of exercise on the body?

The short-term (immediate) effects of exercise on the musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the long-term effects (training adaptations) of regular exercise on the same systems.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on the effects of exercise: the short-term responses of the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems to a single session, and the long-term adaptations such as cardiac hypertrophy, muscle hypertrophy and a lower resting heart rate.
10 min answer →

How do the bones, joints and muscles work together to produce movement?

The structure and function of the musculo-skeletal system: the major bones, the functions of the skeleton, the types of joint and synovial joint structure, the major muscles and antagonistic muscle pairs, and the types of muscle contraction.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on the musculo-skeletal system: the functions of the skeleton, the major bones and muscles, the structure of a synovial joint, joint types and the movements they allow, antagonistic muscle pairs, and isotonic and isometric contraction.
11 min answer →

How does the body recover after exercise, and what is the oxygen debt?

Recovery from exercise: the oxygen debt and EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), how lactic acid is removed, and the recovery methods (cool-down, hydration, rest, nutrition and ice) used to speed recovery and reduce soreness.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on recovery from exercise: the oxygen debt and EPOC, how the body removes lactic acid, the role of the cool-down, and the recovery methods that reduce muscle soreness and restore the body.
9 min answer →

Why do performers warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards?

The purpose, phases and physical and psychological benefits of a warm-up, and the purpose and benefits of a cool-down, including how each affects the body's systems and reduces the risk of injury.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on the warm-up and cool-down: the three phases of a warm-up, its physical and psychological benefits, the purpose of a cool-down, and how each prepares the body or aids recovery and reduces injury.
9 min answer →