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Core 2: Factors affecting performance
How does the body respond to aerobic training?
Blood pressure
Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as it is being pumped around the body by the heart. The instrument used for the estimation of arterial blood pressure is a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is measured in mm of Mercury (Hg).
Blood pressure consists of two components, systolic and diastolic.
- Systolic BP is the maximal pressure. It indicates the pressure in the system as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries (the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle).
- Diastolic BP is the minimum pressure. It indicates the peripheral resistance of the blood vessels, i.e. the pressure within the cardiovascular system while the heart rests and fills with blood, prior to the next contraction (the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle).
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Blood pressure levels
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| The following figures are a useful guide to what are considered “normal” and “high” blood pressure (BP) levels: | |
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Over time, exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure, because of the improved efficiency of the heart and circulatory system.
How does exercise affect blood pressure?
Examine the following table showing the results of an experiment in which blood pressure readings are taken every minute prior to exercise (pre-exercise), during exercise and after exercise has stopped (post-exercise). Complete the questions in the student activity.
Note: Pre-exercise time is indicated by “minus” time, e.g. –4. Post-exercise is indicated by “plus” time, e.g. +3.
| Time in minutes | Systolic blood pressure (BP) | Diastolic blood pressure (BP) |
|---|---|---|
|
-4
|
103
|
60
|
|
-3
|
106
|
61
|
|
-2
|
103
|
62
|
|
-1
|
104
|
60
|
|
0
|
108
|
60
|
|
1
|
117
|
62
|
|
2
|
132
|
59
|
|
3
|
137
|
58
|
|
4
|
142
|
59
|
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5
|
150
|
62
|
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6
|
156
|
60
|
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7
|
151
|
60
|
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+1
|
138
|
60
|
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+2
|
117
|
59
|
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+3
|
108
|
60
|
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+4
|
107
|
61
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Student activity |
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Check your answers here. 
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Back to Physiological adaptations to aerobic training
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