Health Contributions and Effects of Exercise

    WJEC
    A-Level

    Candidates must articulate the tripartite definition of health, distinguishing between physical, emotional, and social dimensions, and evaluate the specific impact of physical activity on each. Analysis must cover the physiological mechanics of exercise, including acute responses such as increased heart rate and tidal volume, alongside chronic adaptations like cardiac hypertrophy and increased bone density. Responses are expected to critically discuss the etiology of hypokinetic diseases, specifically coronary heart disease and obesity, linking these to sedentary lifestyle choices and preventative training protocols.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise identification of lipid profile changes: specifically increased High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and decreased Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) reducing atherosclerosis risk.
    • Credit explanations of Type 2 diabetes management that cite increased insulin sensitivity and improved glucose regulation via GLUT-4 translocation.
    • Candidates must link high-impact or weight-bearing exercise directly to osteoblastic activity and increased bone mineral density when discussing osteoporosis.
    • Award marks for distinguishing between somatic (physiological) and cognitive (psychological) anxiety reduction, referencing serotonin release and cortisol reduction.
    • Credit analysis of cardiac hypertrophy leading to increased stroke volume and lower resting heart rate (bradycardia) as a protective mechanism against CHD.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified the health benefit; now explain the physiological mechanism that causes this change."
    • "Replace generic terms like 'unhealthy' with specific conditions such as 'hypertension' or 'hyperlipidemia'."
    • "Your evaluation of mental health benefits needs to distinguish between neurochemical changes (endorphins) and social benefits."
    • "Link the type of training (e.g., resistance vs. aerobic) specifically to the health adaptation discussed."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise identification of lipid profile changes: specifically increased High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and decreased Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) reducing atherosclerosis risk.
    • Credit explanations of Type 2 diabetes management that cite increased insulin sensitivity and improved glucose regulation via GLUT-4 translocation.
    • Candidates must link high-impact or weight-bearing exercise directly to osteoblastic activity and increased bone mineral density when discussing osteoporosis.
    • Award marks for distinguishing between somatic (physiological) and cognitive (psychological) anxiety reduction, referencing serotonin release and cortisol reduction.
    • Credit analysis of cardiac hypertrophy leading to increased stroke volume and lower resting heart rate (bradycardia) as a protective mechanism against CHD.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always classify conditions resulting from sedentary lifestyles as 'Hypokinetic Diseases' in your introduction.
    • 💡When discussing CHD, explicitly link the reduction of blood pressure to the elasticity of arterial walls.
    • 💡Ensure distinction between acute effects (immediate response) and chronic adaptations (long-term health benefits) of exercise.
    • 💡Use specific physiological pathways when explaining weight loss, referencing Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Using vague terminology such as 'stronger heart' or 'better fitness' instead of 'cardiac hypertrophy' or 'increased stroke volume'.
    • Failing to specify Type 2 diabetes, or incorrectly suggesting exercise cures Type 1 diabetes.
    • Confusing atherosclerosis (plaque accumulation) with arteriosclerosis (hardening of arterial walls).
    • Describing obesity solely as 'being fat' without referencing the energy balance equation or Body Mass Index (BMI) limitations.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Holistic Health Dimensions (Physical, Mental, Social)
    Physiological Adaptations to Training (Acute vs. Chronic)
    Hypokinetic Disease and Sedentary Lifestyles

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Explain
    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Describe
    Discuss

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