Download Effects of Exercise on the Muscular System

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To develop your understanding of long-term
and short-term effects of exercise on the
muscular system
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In your pairs, draw two columns, like below
List as many effects of exercise on the
Muscular System as possible
Short Term Effects Long Term Effects
of Exercise
of Exercise
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Increased energy demands
Lactic acid build up
Muscle fatigue
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These are all body responses
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Also an immediate effect of exercise
Two types:
Isometric Muscle Contractions
Isotonic Muscle Contractions
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No muscle movement
Muscle neither contracts or relaxes
This type of muscle contraction is used for
static strength
Think of examples of when this could be used
Rugby scrum
Handstand in gymnastics
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Muscles work in pairs to contract and relax to
cause movement
Used for explosive and dynamic actions
This muscle contraction is normally used to
produce speed and power
Think of examples when this muscle
contraction is used
Tennis serve
Jumping for the ball in football
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There are four stations around the room
Working in your fours, move to the station
closest to you
Try out the activity
When you get there, find the following and
write in your books:
The name of the activity
Is it an Isometric/Isotonic muscle contraction?
Why?
Which muscles are used?
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You have three minutes at each station!
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Isometric muscle contraction
There is no movement in any muscle – they
all stay the same length
Main muscles involved: quadriceps,
hamstrings
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Isotonic muscle contraction
The muscles are working in antagonistic pairs
to contract and relax the muscles to cause
movement
Main muscles involved: quadriceps,
hamstrings, gluteals, gastrocnemius
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Isotonic muscle contraction
The muscles are working in antagonistic pairs
to contract and relax the muscles to cause
movement
Main muscles involved: gluteals, deltoid,
lattisimus dorsi, pectorals
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Isometric muscle contraction
There is no movement in any muscle – they
all stay the same length
Main muscles involved: biceps, triceps,
quadriceps, hamstrings
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Increased muscular strength
Muscle hypertrophy
Muscle hypertrophy is the increase in the size
of the muscle
These are body adaptations
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What is the other effect of exercise on the
muscular system?
It is a negative effect of exercise
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Muscle strain
Where the muscle fibre tears
Overstretching
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Can’t participate in sport whilst injured
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Leads to muscle wastage
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This is called muscle atrophy
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