AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 17

Mark scheme

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17 Outline three reasons why a cool down is important after exercise.

[3 marks]

Marks for this question: AO1 = 3

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• Allows the body to recover (1)

• Removes lactic acid/CO2/waste products (1)

• Prevents (delayed onset of) muscle soreness or DOMS (1)

• Brings body temperature slowly back down to normal level (1)

• Allows breathing rate or heart rate to return to its resting state slowly (1)

• To help repay oxygen debt (1)

• Prevents blood pooling (1)

• Increase a range of movement (1)

Accept any other suitable response

Maximum 3 marks

How to answer it

AQA GCSE PE: Physiological Benefits of a Cool Down

📌 What this question tests

Specification topic: Physical training – Injury prevention and recovery processes.

This is a pure AO1 (Recall and Knowledge) question worth 3 marks. It assesses your ability to recall the physiological benefits of performing an active cool down immediately after physical exercise and how it aids post-exercise recovery.

Question 17 • 3 Marks

Outline three reasons why a cool down is important after exercise.

Assessment Objective: AO1 (Demonstrate knowledge and understanding)

✅ Model Answers (Any 3 for 1 mark each)

Helps remove lactic acid and CO₂ / metabolic waste products from working muscles.
Prevents DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) or muscle stiffness the following day.
Prevents blood pooling in the lower limbs / extremities (maintains venous return).
Gradually lowers heart rate and breathing rate back towards resting levels.
Gradually brings body temperature back down to resting state.
Helps repay oxygen debt (EPOC).
Maintains or increases range of movement / flexibility through gentle stretching.

💡 Key Knowledge

Blood Pooling: Stopping exercise abruptly causes blood to collect in the veins of active muscles due to loss of the muscle pump mechanism, leading to dizziness or fainting.
Lactic Acid Removal: Continued gentle aerobic movement maintains elevated blood flow, carrying oxygen to breakdown lactate into water and CO₂.
DOMS: Caused by micro-tears in muscle fibres during eccentric contractions; a cool down reduces post-exercise tightness and inflammation.

🧠 Exam Technique & Examiner Insight

Three lines = Three distinct points: Do not give overlapping ideas (e.g. writing "lowers heart rate" on line 1 and "lowers pulse rate" on line 2 will only score 1 mark).
Use the word "gradually" or "slowly": When mentioning heart rate, breathing, or temperature, top responses specify that changes happen gradually rather than suddenly dropping.
Use PE terminology: Writing DOMS , blood pooling , or lactic acid removal gives exact phrasing examiners look for.

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Confusing warm up with cool down: Saying "prevents injury" or "prepares the body for sport". A cool down aids recovery, it doesn't prepare for performance.
Too vague: Stating simply "it cools you" or "it makes you feel better" is non-creditworthy.
Claiming immediate resting rates: A cool down does not return your heart rate to rest instantly; it facilitates a slow, controlled return.

Mark Scheme Allocation: 3 distinct points required (1 mark each). Maximum 3 marks total (AO1).

Topics

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport · 3.1.3 Physical training