Practice IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) Topic A.3.1 Qualities of Training with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for A.3.1 Qualities of Training and mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 style where relevant.
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A coach observes delayed recovery and an elevated core temperature in a female athlete.
Using the menstrual cycle image, where Stage 3 represents the post-ovulation (luteal) phase when progesterone is high and basal/core temperature is typically elevated, which stage is she most likely in and what adjustment should be made?
A triathlete monitors their weekly training volume and average resting heart rate (RHR) over a four-week periodized block, as shown in the table below.
| Week | Weekly Training Volume (hours) | Average Resting Heart Rate (bpm) |
|---|
| 1 | 10 | 52 |
| 2 | 14 | 54 |
| 3 | 18 | 57 |
| 4 | 7 | 51 |
Which statement best explains the decrease in resting heart rate observed in Week 4 after the reduced training volume?
The training log for a cross-country runner shows the following adjustments over an eight-week period:
| Component | Month 1 | Month 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 3 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Intensity | Max HR | Max HR |
| Time | 20 minutes | 45 minutes |
Which training principle is best illustrated by the increased frequency, intensity and time from Month 1 to Month 2?
Why must programs be individualized?
Why might two athletes following the same training programme experience different results?
Stage 1; reduce load or increase rest due to menstruation-related symptoms (e.g. cramping/low energy).
Stage 2; reduce load or increase rest due to rising estrogen in the follicular phase.
Stage 3; reduce load or increase rest due to high progesterone and elevated basal/core temperature.
Stage 4; maintain or increase load because hormone levels are low and stable at the end of the cycle.
The athlete is experiencing the negative effects of the principle of reversibility due to insufficient training stimulus.
The athlete is successfully recovering from accumulated fatigue to facilitate the process of supercompensation.
The athlete has reached a performance plateau because the training program lacked sufficient variety in exercise mode.
The athlete is demonstrating signs of chronic overtraining syndrome as the resting heart rate remains above baseline.
