Week 7 Lectorial Questions

In 2019 Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon on in under 2 hours. He had begun his career as a 5000 meter runner, but like many middle-distance athletes, successfully converted to the longer event. In contrast, it is unheard of for an elite sprinter to become an elite marathoner.

• Q1. Describe the role of actin and myosin in muscle contraction. (50 words or fewer) (1 mark)

• Q2. Describe the differences between marathon runners and elite sprinters in muscle fibre type distributions. (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)

• Q3. Explain why some anatomical muscles appear to be white whereas others appear to be red. (75 words or fewer) (1 mark)

Female marathon runners can develop “female athletic triad” where a mismatch between energy intake and exercise expenditure causes cessation of menstrual cycles) and oestrogen deficiency.

• Q4. Define oestrogen deficiency. (1 mark)

• Q5. Explain the relationship between oestrogen deficiency and bone breakdown. (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)

• Q6. Explain why female marathon runners are at greater risk of injury. (50 words or fewer) (1 mark)

• Q7. Research two dietary supplements that have recently been recommended to improve bone health in athletes undergoing heavy training. Name the supplements and explain why they are likely to be beneficial. (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)