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WorksheetsA.3.2.1 Immune System, the J-Shaped Curve and Diseases Reduced b
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
Which point on the J-shaped curve corresponds to the lowest risk of URTIs for most individuals?
Sedentary behaviour with occasional bursts
Moderate regular, manageable exercise
Low activity with minimal exertion
Excessive high-volume endurance training
A runner increases training volume dramatically before a race. Which immune effect is most likely during this period?
Stable T-cell surveillance capacity
Anti-inflammatory cytokines fully prevent illness
Enhanced B-cell antibody production
Cortisol elevation suppressing immune function
Which description best explains why both inactivity and overtraining increase illness risk?
They directly kill circulating leukocytes
They identically elevate anti-inflammatory cytokines
They both strengthen mucosal IgA responses
They reduce immune stimulation or suppress immunity
During low to moderate exercise, what change supports better defense against infections?
Increased circulation of immune cells
Suppressed T-cell and B-cell function
Reduced immune cell circulation in blood
Decreased production of cytokines
Which scenario best reflects the J-shaped relationship between activity and URTI risk?
Risk is highest at moderate, lowest at sedentary
Risk steadily declines as training volume increases
Risk is lowest at moderate, then rises with excess
Risk remains constant across activity levels
Why might very high workloads create a temporary window of lowered immunity?
They elevate cortisol, reducing immune effectiveness
They enhance T-cell memory formation
They increase leukocyte counts beyond normal
They boost anti-inflammatory cytokines excessively
Which statement aligns with immune responses during manageable exercise?
Inflammation increases due to pro-inflammatory cytokines
Anti-inflammatory cytokines help reduce inflammation
Cortisol surges cause broad immune suppression
T-cells and B-cells are downregulated immediately
An athlete reports frequent URTIs after starting long-distance endurance training. What adjustment most likely reduces risk?
Further increase training intensity and volume
Shift to regular, moderate volume sessions
Eliminate all rest days to maintain fitness
Add more high-intensity sessions weekly
Which pair correctly matches exercise level and typical immune outcome?
Excessive activity: increased URTI likelihood
Moderate activity: suppressed immune function
Sedentary behaviour: improved mucosal immunity
Low activity: enhanced immune protection
A coach aims to maintain athletes’ immune health during a heavy training block. Which planning choice is most defensible?
Prolonged high volume with no deload weeks
Continuous high-intensity doubles each day
Eliminating low-intensity work entirely
Alternating moderate sessions with recovery
Which training approach best prevents immune suppression in athletes during a competitive season?
Daily high-intensity sessions without rest
Planned rest phases with recovery blocks
Random workouts based on motivation
Short, irregular sessions late at night
An athlete skips rest days for two weeks. Which outcome is most likely for immune cells?
Enhanced regeneration and resilience
Temporary increase in antibody production
Stable function without changes
Declined effectiveness and higher infection risk
Which nutrient pairing correctly matches a primary immune-related role?
Vitamin D—suppresses T-cell formation
Omega-3 fats—blocking nutrient transport
Carbohydrates—reducing systemic inflammation
Protein—antibody production and tissue repair
During heavy training, why are carbohydrates important for immune health?
They replace fluids lost through sweat
They increase cortisol to boost alertness
They provide energy and limit exercise-induced suppression
They directly kill pathogens in blood
A coach designs a recovery plan to lower inflammation after workouts. Which dietary choice aligns best with this goal?
High saturated-fat snacks post training
Increased omega-3 rich foods like fish
Eliminating all dietary fats completely
Doubling simple sugars after sessions
Which consequence is most associated with sleep deprivation for immune function?
Unchanged immune activity overall
Lower immune function and more inflammation
Reduced cortisol responses during stress
Higher T-cell production overnight
An athlete aims to optimize T-cell production. Which behavior supports this goal most directly?
Extending screen time before bed nightly
Maintaining quality, consistent sleep duration
Training intensely every evening late
Hydrating less to avoid nighttime urination
Which statement best describes the relationship between stress and immunity in athletes?
High mental stress lowers cortisol secretion
High mental stress raises cortisol and weakens immune responses
Mindfulness increases cortisol and impairs immune function
Cortisol has no effect on immune activity
A pre-season wellness plan includes yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions. What is the main immune-related rationale?
Reduce psychological stress and support immunity
Replace the need for macronutrients entirely
Increase dehydration to enhance circulation
Suppress T-cell activity for recovery
Why is adequate hydration critical for maintaining immune efficiency during training?
It primarily increases cortisol levels to fight infections
It eliminates the need for vitamins and minerals
It blocks inflammation by removing all electrolytes
It supports circulation, nutrient transport, and immune cell movement
