Question 7
(a) (i) What is muscle fatigue? [2 marks]
(ii) State two causes of muscle fatigue. [2 marks]
(iii) State two ways in which muscles can be toned. [2 marks]
(b) State four disadvantages of inadequate rest. [4 marks]
Observation
Most of the candidates avoided this question and their performance was poor.
The expected answers are as follow:
(a) (i) Muscle fatigue
It is accumulation of lactic acid due to reduction of blood supply and exhaustion of nutrients in the muscles.
(ii) Causes of muscle fatigue
- reduction of blood supply to the muscles;
- inadequate supply of nutrients to the muscles;
- exhaustion of stored food nutrients in the muscle/metabolic fatigue;
- accumulation of lactic acid;
- activity engaged-in/exercise;
- ion imbalance within muscle/glycogen depletion;
- nervous fatigue and loss of desire.
(iii) Ways muscles can be toned
- adequate rest;
- relaxation and sleep;
- exercise/explained.
(b) Disadvantages of inadequate rest
- feeling of fatigue;
- illness may set-in;
- tiredness;
- mental in alertness/memory loss/depression;
- low input in productivity;
- high blood pressure;
- Increased body stress/tension/explained;
- unpleasant appearance/obesity/explained;
- low sex drive.