AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 20

Mark scheme

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20 Define delayed onset of muscular soreness (DOMS).

Explain how massage can reduce the effect of DOMS.

[4 marks]

Marks for this question: AO1 = 1, AO2 = 3

Award one mark for a definition and a further three marks for the explanation.

AO1 (sub max 1)

• The pain/stiffness felt in the days following strenuous/vigorous exercise (1)

• The pain felt in the muscles the day after exercise (1)

AO2 (sub max 3 mark)

• Massage can alleviate pain or soreness or stiffness enabling the performer to recover quicker (1)

• Massage can increase flexibility (reduces tension and increases muscle elasticity) (1)

• Massage increases muscle temperature or blood circulation (1)

• Massage helps by reducing muscle inflammation (1)

• Massage may allow the muscle to relax (1)

• Massage with high pressure on specific muscles can assist in the removal of lactic acid and other

waste products (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

Maximum 4 marks

How to answer it

DOMS & Recovery Methods: Sports Massage

What this question tests

This question assesses knowledge from Paper 1 (The human body and movement in physical activity and sport), specifically recovery from exercise and injury prevention:

AO1 (Recall & Definition): Stating what DOMS stands for and correctly defining it in terms of muscular soreness and timing.
AO2 (Application & Physiological Effects): Explaining the specific physiological benefits of sports massage in speeding up recovery and easing DOMS.

Question 20 • Part 1 • 1 Mark

Define Delayed Onset of Muscular Soreness (DOMS)

Assessment Objective: AO1 (Demonstrate knowledge and understanding)

✅ Model Answer (1 mark)

"The pain, soreness, or stiffness felt in the muscles in the days (or 24–48 hours) following strenuous or vigorous exercise."

💡 Key Knowledge

DOMS is caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibres (micro-tears), most commonly following intense eccentric muscle contractions.
Crucial detail: The pain is delayed; it is not immediate pain during exercise.

🧠 Exam Technique

A good definition must include two elements:

Symptom: Pain, stiffness, or soreness in muscles.
Timeframe: "In the days following" or "the day after" strenuous exercise.

❌ Common Errors

Missing the time element: Just saying "pain in muscles after running" is too vague—you must show that it is delayed.
Expanding the acronym only: Simply writing "Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness" is not a definition; it repeats the words in the prompt.

Mark Scheme Guidance (AO1 – Sub max 1 mark): Accept: "The pain/stiffness felt in the days following strenuous/vigorous exercise" [1] OR "The pain felt in the muscles the day after exercise" [1].

Question 20 • Part 2 • 3 Marks

Explain how massage can reduce the effect of DOMS

Assessment Objective: AO2 (Apply knowledge and understanding)

✅ Model Answer (Any 3 points for 3 marks)

Point 1: Massage increases muscle temperature and blood flow/circulation to the affected area.
Point 2: High pressure and rubbing help break down muscle tension, allowing tight muscles to relax and increasing elasticity/flexibility.
Point 3: Improved circulation helps flush out and assist in the removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from muscle tissues.
Point 4: Massage helps reduce muscular swelling/inflammation, which alleviates soreness and speeds up recovery time.

💡 Physiological Mechanisms

Vasodilation & Circulation: Friction generates heat, dilating blood vessels and bringing oxygen/nutrients to damaged fibres to aid tissue repair.
Waste Removal: Venous return and lymphatic drainage are enhanced by the mechanical strokes.
Tension Release: Separates muscle fibres and relieves knots/spasms.

🧠 Exam Technique

Use connective words showing cause and effect (e.g., "...which increases blood flow, thereby allowing...").
List distinct physiological benefits—avoid repeating "it stops it hurting" in three different ways. Mention circulation, flexibility/relaxation, and waste removal/inflammation.

❌ Common Errors

Claiming massage eliminates DOMS entirely: It only reduces effects or speeds up recovery.
Confusing acute fatigue with DOMS: Stating that massage "stops lactic acid buildup during running" is wrong; massage is a post-exercise recovery strategy.
One-word statements: Writing just "relaxation" or "blood" without explanation loses the mark.

Mark Scheme Guidance (AO2 – Sub max 3 marks): Award 1 mark per distinct point (up to 3):

Massage can alleviate pain/soreness/stiffness, enabling the performer to recover quicker [1]
Massage can increase flexibility (reduces tension and increases muscle elasticity) [1]
Massage increases muscle temperature or blood circulation [1]
Massage helps by reducing muscle inflammation [1]
Massage may allow the muscle to relax [1]
Massage with high pressure on specific muscles can assist in the removal of lactic acid and other waste products [1]

Topics

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport · 3.1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology