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Core 2: Factors affecting performance

How does the body respond to aerobic training?

Lactate levels

Lactate levels refers to the amount of lactic acid found within the muscles and bloodstream. Lactic acid is a by-product formed as a result of anaerobic glycolysis (glycogen being used with insufficient oxygen).

How does the intensity of exercise affect lactate levels?

The graph below shows the effect of four different exercise intensities on the level of blood lactate over time.

Student activity
Use the graph to describe the effect of exercise on the level of blood lactate for the following exercise intensities and attempt to give reasons for these changes. Exercise intensities include: Low and low to moderate intensity Moderate to heavy intensity Heavy intensity. For each level of intensity, consider the initial effects of the build-up of lactic acid and any ongoing effects of lactate levels. Check your answers here.

Student activity

Use the graph to describe the effect of exercise on the level of blood lactate for the following exercise intensities and attempt to give reasons for these changes.

Exercise intensities include:
1. Low and low to moderate intensity
2. Moderate to heavy intensity
3. Heavy intensity.
For each level of intensity, consider the initial effects of the build-up of lactic acid and any ongoing effects of lactate levels.

Check your answers here.

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