Altitude Training Exam Questions
 Gold

Q1.Which one of the following is a benefit of training at altitude?
 
 	Develops muscle strength	 	
 	Improves technique	 	
 	Increases the oxygen-carrying capacity
of blood	 	
 	Enables quick weight loss	 	

(Total 1 mark)

Q2.          Some performers include altitude training as a method of preparing for their sport.
(i)      In what type of physical activity would a performer choose to include altitude training?
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(1)
(ii)      Explain what altitude training is.
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(2)
(iii)     Describe what benefits the performer gains from using altitude training.
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(2)

(Total 5 marks)
 
Q3.	Explain how altitude training could help to improve an athletes performance in the 1500 metres. The 1500 metres race they will be competing in will be held at sea level.
 (Answer in continuous prose)
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(Total 6 marks)

Altitude Training Exam Questions
Silver

Q1.Which one of the following is a benefit of training at altitude?
 
 	Develops muscle strength	 	
 	Improves technique	 	
 	Increases the oxygen-carrying capacity
of blood	 	
 	Enables quick weight loss	 	

(Total 1 mark)

Q2.          Some performers include altitude training as a method of preparing for their sport.
(i)      In what type of physical activity would a performer choose to include altitude training?
.......................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)      Explain what altitude training is.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii)     Describe what benefits the performer gains from using altitude training.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

M1.		It increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
[1]

M2.   (i) Award up to one mark for correctly identifying a correct type of physical activity.
Example ‒ either endurance identified specifically or an activity/event
which clearly requires high endurance levels.
1

(ii)      Award up to two marks for explaining what altitude training is.
•        this involves performers going to specific areas where they are
able to train at high altitude at heights significantly above sea
level
•        the air becomes less dense/ and the pressure of the oxygen
decreases.
Accept the above plus any other suitable examples.
2

(iii)     Award up to two marks for correct examples of benefits gained.
This means that some actual physiological changes occur, 

•        Increases red blood cells/ red blood count
•        Improves overall standard of performance.
•        improves aerobic stamina;
•        increases oxygen (O2) carrying capacity;
•        increases O2 uptake/VO2 max;
•        improves running times/speed;
•        improves jumping distances;
•        improves throwing distances;
•        to acclimatise the body for competition at high altitude.
accept improve performance/fitness.
accept improve respiratory efficiency.

2
[5]

M3.	Read the whole response and use the following grid to select the level that best describes the student’s work. If you feel that there is not quite enough content to raise the mark awarded within the level, you should consider a mark for QWC.
 
 	Level 3	5-6 marks              Detailed and accurate

Demonstrates detailed knowledge and a thorough understanding of how altitude training could help to improve an athletes performance in the 1500 metres.

Answers should include two detailed explanations.

NB One detailed explanation and one sound explanation (maximum 5 marks).

Students spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar accurately and use a wide range of specialist terms precisely. 	
 	Level 2	3-4 marks              Sound and generally accurate

Demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of how altitude training could help to improve an athletes performance in the 1500 metres. 

Answers should include two sound explanations.

NB One detailed explanation (maximum 3 marks).

Students spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with reasonable accuracy and use a range of specialist terms appropriately. 	
 	Level 1	1-2 marks              Basic

Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of how altitude training could help to improve an athletes performance in the 1500 metres. 

Students spell, punctuate and use the rules of grammar with some accuracy and use a limited number of specialist terms. 	
 	0 marks	No creditworthy material.	
 
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
QWC is part of the award of marks in level marked answers only.
In level marked answers, the quality of the response is assessed and a mark awarded based on the content. As is sometimes the case, the content may be sound at a particular level but the examiner may not feel that there is quite enough content to raise the mark within that level. In this case the examiner should consider the QWC of the answer.
QWC that fulfils the criteria for the level mark awarded should lead to a one mark increase, but where QWC does not fulfil the criteria, the answer should remain at the mark first thought appropriate. QWC cannot be used to raise a student’s mark into the next level.
In cases where QWC has been used in the award of marks, the examiner should indicate this in a comment box to say ‘QWC raised one mark’.
Indicative Content
As the athlete is running the 1500m, reference must be made to this race.
Training at high altitude will enable improvements to an athletes performance by:
•        Increasing the number of red blood cells (haemoglobin) thereby increasing the O2 carrying capacity of the blood which will enable them to run more efficiently and faster for longer at sea level, therefore recording a faster time or better position in the race.
•        Increasing the delivery of O2 to the muscles which will lead to improved performances as the athlete is able to sustain maximum effort for a longer duration.
•        Increasing the buffering capacity (ability to cope with build-up of lactic or waste acid) therefore he will not have to slow down in the latter stages of the race.
•        The body adapting (acclimatising) to a lack of O2 and can work harder, for longer, at sea level resulting in an improved performance in the 1500m.
•        Giving the athlete a competitive edge as the competition is at sea level, as aerobic capacity will have increased for a period of a few weeks.
•        Increasing gaseous exchange or diffusion, increase in lung volume or capacity which will enable an increase in VO2 max or aerobic capacity. Therefore they will be able to work at a higher rate for a longer period of time and record faster times.
•        Improving anaerobic or max intensity performance, therefore the athlete is able to sprint at start and end of race as well as being able to make or cover a break during the race, which will enable him to gain a better finishing position.

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