Physical Education A-Level
Wave summation
What Wave summation means in Physical Education A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Wave summation
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Wave summation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The additive effect of a second stimulus arriving before the muscle fibre has fully relaxed from the first, so the mechanical responses overlap and force builds.
Topics that use Wave summation
- Neuromuscular system (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Aerobic and anaerobic ATP resynthesis
- Aerobic ATP resynthesis
- Aerobic oxidation
- All-or-none law
- Calcium ion retention
- Calcium ions
- Endurance activity performance
- Fast glycolytic (type IIx)
Using Wave summation in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physical Education questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physical Education A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge