Which of the following best describes the relationship between stroke volume and exercise intensity?

The relationship between stroke volume and exercise intensity is best characterized by the pattern of an initial increase followed by a plateau. As exercise intensity rises, stroke volume typically increases due to enhanced venous return and the effects of sympathetic nervous system activation, which boosts myocardial contractility. However, at higher intensity levels, especially during maximal exercise, stroke volume often reaches a point of plateau. This plateau occurs because the heart can only fill with blood to a certain volume during diastole at high heart rates, limiting further increases in stroke volume despite rising exercise intensity. Understanding this physiological response is crucial for exercise testing and prescription, as it helps professionals gauge cardiovascular performance and training adaptations in individuals.