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8 Dec 2025

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Understanding Muscle Fiber Types for AQA A-Level PE

user profile picture

Flo Wood @flowood

Understanding how your muscles work is crucial for maximising your athletic performance and designing effective training programmes. Different... Show more

Slow twitch (type 1)
Characteristics:
-high numbers of mitochondrial
-high levels of myoglobin
-high capillary density/red in colour- good b

Muscle Fibre Types

Your muscles contain three distinct types of fibres, each perfectly designed for different sporting activities. Slow twitch (Type 1) fibres are your endurance powerhouses - packed with mitochondria and myoglobin, they appear red due to excellent blood supply and oxygen delivery.

These fibres store high levels of fat and contain oxidative enzymes that break down this fat for energy during aerobic activities. They're slow to fatigue but produce relatively low force, making them ideal for marathon running, cycling tours, or cross-country swimming.

Type 2a fibres (fast oxidative glycolytic) strike a balance between speed and endurance. They contract quickly with high force but fatigue faster than Type 1 fibres. Their pink colour reflects moderate capillary density, and they primarily use the lactic acid system for energy.

Type 2b fibres (fast glycolytic) are your explosive movement specialists. White in colour with limited blood supply, they rely on high PC (phosphocreatine) stores for immediate energy. Perfect for shot put, powerlifting, 100m sprints, or that killer tennis smash - but they fatigue very quickly.

Quick Tip Most athletes have a genetic mix of all fibre types, but training can enhance the characteristics of each type to suit your sport!

Slow twitch (type 1)
Characteristics:
-high numbers of mitochondrial
-high levels of myoglobin
-high capillary density/red in colour- good b

Neuromuscular System

Your neuromuscular system is the communication network that makes movement possible - think of it as your body's internal Wi-Fi connecting your brain to your muscles. The brain sends electrical signals through nerves to control when and how forcefully your muscles contract.

The autonomic nervous system works behind the scenes, controlling involuntary functions through two branches sympathetic (your "fight or flight" response during intense exercise) and parasympathetic (your "rest and digest" mode during recovery). This system even influences some skeletal muscle control.

Understanding the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise is essential for training effectively. During aerobic exercise, your muscles receive adequate oxygen for energy production, allowing for sustained, moderate-intensity activities.

Anaerobic exercise occurs when your muscles can't get enough oxygen to meet energy demands, typically during high-intensity efforts. This forces your body to use alternative energy systems, leading to that familiar burning sensation during sprints or heavy lifting.

Remember Your nervous system adapts to training just like your muscles do - practising specific movement patterns improves the efficiency of nerve-to-muscle communication!

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Samantha Klich

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Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physical Education

337

8 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Muscle Fiber Types for AQA A-Level PE

user profile picture

Flo Wood

@flowood

Understanding how your muscles work is crucial for maximising your athletic performance and designing effective training programmes. Different muscle fibres have unique characteristics that make them suited for specific types of exercise, whilst your neuromuscular system coordinates these movements through... Show more

Slow twitch (type 1)
Characteristics:
-high numbers of mitochondrial
-high levels of myoglobin
-high capillary density/red in colour- good b

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Muscle Fibre Types

Your muscles contain three distinct types of fibres, each perfectly designed for different sporting activities. Slow twitch (Type 1) fibres are your endurance powerhouses - packed with mitochondria and myoglobin, they appear red due to excellent blood supply and oxygen delivery.

These fibres store high levels of fat and contain oxidative enzymes that break down this fat for energy during aerobic activities. They're slow to fatigue but produce relatively low force, making them ideal for marathon running, cycling tours, or cross-country swimming.

Type 2a fibres (fast oxidative glycolytic) strike a balance between speed and endurance. They contract quickly with high force but fatigue faster than Type 1 fibres. Their pink colour reflects moderate capillary density, and they primarily use the lactic acid system for energy.

Type 2b fibres (fast glycolytic) are your explosive movement specialists. White in colour with limited blood supply, they rely on high PC (phosphocreatine) stores for immediate energy. Perfect for shot put, powerlifting, 100m sprints, or that killer tennis smash - but they fatigue very quickly.

Quick Tip: Most athletes have a genetic mix of all fibre types, but training can enhance the characteristics of each type to suit your sport!

Slow twitch (type 1)
Characteristics:
-high numbers of mitochondrial
-high levels of myoglobin
-high capillary density/red in colour- good b

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neuromuscular System

Your neuromuscular system is the communication network that makes movement possible - think of it as your body's internal Wi-Fi connecting your brain to your muscles. The brain sends electrical signals through nerves to control when and how forcefully your muscles contract.

The autonomic nervous system works behind the scenes, controlling involuntary functions through two branches: sympathetic (your "fight or flight" response during intense exercise) and parasympathetic (your "rest and digest" mode during recovery). This system even influences some skeletal muscle control.

Understanding the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise is essential for training effectively. During aerobic exercise, your muscles receive adequate oxygen for energy production, allowing for sustained, moderate-intensity activities.

Anaerobic exercise occurs when your muscles can't get enough oxygen to meet energy demands, typically during high-intensity efforts. This forces your body to use alternative energy systems, leading to that familiar burning sensation during sprints or heavy lifting.

Remember: Your nervous system adapts to training just like your muscles do - practising specific movement patterns improves the efficiency of nerve-to-muscle communication!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

5

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Physical Education

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user