After an athlete has completed a 100 meter sprint, his/her breathing rate will be greatly increased, and they need time to "catch their breath." Can you identify the process that leads to a person needing to catch their breath?
Ans: Hypertrophy
Actually, the process that leads to a person needing to catch their breath after intense physical activity like a 100-meter sprint is called "oxygen debt" or "excess post-exercise oxygen consumption" (EPOC). During intense exercise, the body relies heavily on anaerobic metabolism since there is not enough time for oxygen to be delivered to the muscles. This results in the production of lactic acid as a byproduct.
After the sprint, the body needs to replenish its oxygen supply and remove the accumulated lactic acid. This process occurs during the recovery phase when the breathing rate is greatly increased in order to bring in more oxygen. The oxygen is used to convert the lactic acid into carbon dioxide and water, which can be eliminated from the body.
Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to the increase in size and strength of muscle fibers. It is a result of regular resistance training and occurs over a longer period of time, rather than immediately after a sprint.