What is a short-term effect of physical training?

• A. Increased muscle size
• B. Improved flexibility
• C. Increased blood and oxygen supply to muscles
• D. Decreased heart rate

Answer: (C)

Increased blood and oxygen supply to muscles is a short-term effect of physical training that can lead to immediate improvements in performance and endurance. When an individual engages in physical exercise, the body responds by enhancing cardiovascular function and increasing blood flow to active muscles. This occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including the dilation of blood vessels and increased heart rate, which together help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients essential for muscle activity and energy production.

This immediate physiological response is crucial for sustaining activities like aerobic exercises, where sustained oxygen delivery is needed to maintain intensity. Over time, consistent physical training can lead to more long-term adaptations, such as increased muscle size and improved flexibility, but the rapid increase in blood flow and oxygenation is particularly notable during and shortly after exercise sessions.