Which phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is marked by the body’s immediate physiological reaction to stress?

Which phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is marked by the body’s immediate physiological reaction to stress?

• A. Exhaustion Stage
• B. Alarm Reaction Stage
• C. Supercompensation Stage
• D. Resistance Development Stage

Answer: (B)

The Alarm Reaction Stage is the initial phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), and it represents the body's immediate response to a stressor. During this phase, the body undergoes physiological changes to help manage the stressor, which can include the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles while initially lowering other functions that are not critical in the moment. This stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for how the body will adapt to the ongoing stressor and can determine the future responses in the subsequent phases. Recognizing this immediate response is essential for understanding how to effectively manage stressors and optimize performance training within the framework of the OPT Model. The body's ability to respond immediately gives insight into how subsequent stages will progress, but it is primarily this initial physiological reaction that defines the Alarm Reaction Stage.

The Alarm Reaction Stage is the initial phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), and it represents the body's immediate response to a stressor. During this phase, the body undergoes physiological changes to help manage the stressor, which can include the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles while initially lowering other functions that are not critical in the moment.

This stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for how the body will adapt to the ongoing stressor and can determine the future responses in the subsequent phases. Recognizing this immediate response is essential for understanding how to effectively manage stressors and optimize performance training within the framework of the OPT Model. The body's ability to respond immediately gives insight into how subsequent stages will progress, but it is primarily this initial physiological reaction that defines the Alarm Reaction Stage.