This event encompasses mastery of physical activity and fitness knowledge
exercise physiology problems and measurement skills. Emphasis is upon individual and public
health effects of balanced exercise and nutrition. The contribution of common factors that reduce
fitness such as smoking, inactivity, and poor diet, are included. Students should know basic anatomy
and physiology of relevant body systems at rest, and apply this understanding to solve problems
posed by the effects of exercise and diseases. Non-programmable calculators and reference
materials (that fit in a standard 3", 3 ring binder not to exceed 3" in thickness) may be used The
fitness of the students will NOT be evaluated.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME- 50 MINUTES
THE COMPETITION:
The competition will consist of stations. Each station will contain questions
related to a concept, situation or problem to be solved:
Facts and Concepts:
Basic anatomy of the heart and circulatory system, including heart chambers, valves and major
vessels associated with the heart including the coronary vessels. Measurement of the pulseJe
including anatomical sites. Recognizing physical signs associated with atherosclerosis and their
causes and effects. Flow of blood through the heart and body. Measurement of blood pressure
(systohc, diastolic and Mean Arterial Pressure), breathing and heart rates. Relationship of?le
cardiac cycle to the EKG (electrocardiogram.) EKG at rest vs. during exercise. Descriptionand
importance of the waves and intervals associated with the EKG. Basic anatomy of the resJatory
system-nose to lungs. Oxygen-transportation from lungs to muscle tissues, at rest and during
exercise (breathing, gas exchange, red blood cell uptake and release). Effects of smoking (primary and secondary)--carbon monoxide, nicotine, and air quality on emphsyma, asthma, and lung cancer.
Math skills involve simple multiplication/division using known formulas. Someproblems may require interpretation of graphs and epidemiologic risk(e.g. odds ratios). Relevant formulas include: partial pressures of gases, oxygen saturation curve analysis, respirotary volumes and capacities, cardiac output, stroke volume, Body Mass Index(BMI).
Nutritional analysis of food, food pyramid, fuel sources during brief and prolonged exercise, nutrition for athletes, interaction of exercise and nutrition in long-term weight management, measurement of obesity.
Sample Problems:
-
' How does the body adapt to ,exercise acutcly (in the long-run)[e.g., effects on cardiac output, systolic vs. diastolic blood pressure, minute ventilation, blood flow to various tissues.
. What are the measurable components of physical fitness and body composition and what are methods for assessing them?
� Why is the percent of V02 max (maximum oxygen uptake) included in the definition of vigorous physical activity.
� How is exercise prescribed (the F.I.T.T. principle: frequency, intensity, time and type of activity).
� If systolic pressure is 122 and diastolic pressure is 84, what are the pulse pressure and the Mean Arterial Pressure.
-Mrs. Jones has a heart rate o f85, a systtolic pressure of 140 and diastolic pressure of 60, and an end diastolic volume of 110 and end systolic volume of 40. What is her cardiac output?
-Name three major cellular and biochemicall effects nicotine has on the efficiency of breathing and gas delivery to the muscles of the body.
SCORING:
Points will be awarded for correct answers. Contestants will be ranked from highest to
lowest. Tiebreaker questions will be identified.
Resources:
The CDC Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity wcbsitc (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/index.htm) will have updates, sample questions and problems. Also refer to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/sgr.htm.
