The human body and movement in physical activity and sport

    AQA
    GCSE

    This topic explores the physiological foundations of physical activity, focusing on how the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems function individually and interactively to produce movement. It examines the mechanics of motion, including lever systems, planes, and axes, alongside the bioenergetics of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems during varying intensities of exercise. Students investigate both the immediate responses to physical exertion and the long-term adaptations resulting from sustained training. Mastery of this content is essential for analyzing athletic performance, understanding injury prevention, and designing effective fitness programs.

    15
    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
    6
    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Structure and functions of the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints)
    • Structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory system (airway, gaseous exchange, blood vessels, heart, cardiac cycle, mechanics of breathing)
    • Anaerobic and aerobic exercise
    • Short and long term effects of exercise
    • Lever systems (first, second and third class), examples and mechanical advantage
    • Planes and axes of movement (frontal, transverse, sagittal)
    • Relationship between health and fitness
    • Components of fitness, benefits for sport and measurement (fitness testing)
    • Principles of training (SPORT) and overload (FITT)
    • Types of training (circuit, continuous, Fartlek, interval, static stretching, weight, plyometric)
    • Optimising training (intensities, injury prevention, altitude training, seasonal aspects)
    • Effective use of warm up and cool down
    • Collection of qualitative and quantitative data
    • Presenting data (tables, bar charts, line graphs)
    • Analyse and evaluate data (interpretation of tables and graphs)

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

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