Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which of the following is an effect of chronic training on the cardiovascular system?

1. Increased resting heart rate

2. Decreased stroke volume

3. Increased cardiac output

4. Decreased heart efficiency

The correct answer is: Increased cardiac output

Chronic training leads to several adaptations in the cardiovascular system, one of which is an increased cardiac output. This is the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, and it is a crucial factor for meeting the oxygen demands of the muscles during exercise. As training becomes more frequent and intense, the heart becomes more efficient. This efficiency allows for increased stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat. As a result, even if the resting heart rate may decrease due to improved heart efficiency, the overall cardiac output during exercise increases to enhance performance and endurance. The choice relating to decreased stroke volume is contrary to what typically happens with chronic training; instead, stroke volume generally increases. Similarly, a decreased resting heart rate is a hallmark of improved cardiovascular fitness rather than an increase. Lastly, heart efficiency does not decrease; it usually improves, allowing the heart to pump effectively with less strain. Thus, the assertion that chronic training leads to an increased cardiac output aligns perfectly with the physiological changes that occur with regular athletic training.