HMS: training and evidence

Question 1 (1 mark)

Which example best represents specificity of training?

1. Using an identical session for every sport
2. Selecting drills and demands that match the performance goal
3. Increasing volume every day regardless of recovery
4. Avoiding all skill practice

Question 2 (1 mark)

What is the best interpretation of progressive overload?

1. Training must always be painful
2. Load should rise without considering adaptation
3. Progress is possible only with maximal effort every session
4. Training demand is adjusted as capacity adapts, with appropriate recovery

Question 3 (1 mark)

Which feature distinguishes interval training?

1. Repeated work periods separated by planned recovery
2. An unchanging pace with no planned recovery
3. Only stretching exercises
4. Testing with no training sessions

Question 4 (1 mark)

A group's mean test score improves after a program. Which additional evidence is most useful before attributing the change to the program?

1. The program's name
2. A claim that everyone enjoyed it
3. Comparable control data and consistent testing conditions
4. The best participant's social media post

Question 5 (3 marks)

Explain how specificity and progressive overload can work together in a training program, using a hypothetical endurance performance goal.

Question 6 (3 marks)

Distinguish continuous and interval aerobic training. Explain why a method should be chosen in relation to the performance goal rather than labelled universally best.

Question 7 (3 marks)

Using the synthetic table, calculate mean improvement for each group. Explain why this small dataset is insufficient to conclude the program caused the improvement.

Question 8 (3 marks)

Explain reversibility and discuss how it affects interpreting a performance test after a period without usual training.

Question 9 (3 marks)

Why is a pre-exercise screening questionnaire useful, and why should it not be treated as a diagnosis or a guarantee that an activity is safe?

Question 10 (3 marks)

A coach concludes a lower resting heart rate proves that a training program improved every aspect of performance. Evaluate the reasoning.

Question 11 (4 marks)

Design an ethical classroom investigation comparing two training methods using existing anonymised, synthetic performance data. Explain four features of a defensible analysis.

Question 12 (4 marks)

Evaluate this claim: ‘If some training improves performance, doubling every session must double improvement.’ Use training principles and evidence limits.