During anaerobic exercise, how does increased buffering capacity affect fatigue and endurance?

During anaerobic exercise, how does increased buffering capacity affect fatigue and endurance?

• A. Faster fatigue
• B. Delayed fatigue and greater endurance
• C. No change
• D. Decreased muscle strength

Answer: (B)

During intense anaerobic work, hydrogen ions produced with lactate accumulate in the muscle, lowering pH and contributing to fatigue by impairing enzyme activity and the contractile apparatus. If buffering capacity is higher, those hydrogen ions are neutralized more effectively, slowing the drop in pH. With a more stable pH, energy-producing enzymes continue to function more efficiently and calcium handling in the muscle remains more effective, allowing you to sustain high-intensity effort longer. The net effect is delayed fatigue and greater endurance during anaerobic exercise. This change mainly affects how long you can perform at high intensity rather than increasing maximal strength.

During intense anaerobic work, hydrogen ions produced with lactate accumulate in the muscle, lowering pH and contributing to fatigue by impairing enzyme activity and the contractile apparatus. If buffering capacity is higher, those hydrogen ions are neutralized more effectively, slowing the drop in pH. With a more stable pH, energy-producing enzymes continue to function more efficiently and calcium handling in the muscle remains more effective, allowing you to sustain high-intensity effort longer. The net effect is delayed fatigue and greater endurance during anaerobic exercise. This change mainly affects how long you can perform at high intensity rather than increasing maximal strength.