Which of the following physiological measures decreases during rest after regular exercise?

The correct answer is that diastolic blood pressure decreases during rest after regular exercise due to the body's adaptation to a routine physical activity. Regular exercise leads to improved cardiovascular efficiency and a reduction in vascular resistance over time. As a result, during periods of rest, the heart does not have to work as hard, which can lead to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure. This effect is often associated with improved heart health and greater overall fitness levels.

While systolic blood pressure may initially increase during exercise and then return to baseline, it does not typically exhibit the same consistent decrease during rest as diastolic pressure does with regular training. Stroke volume, which is the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat, generally increases with regular exercise rather than decreases during rest. Similarly, respiratory rate can decrease with improved fitness, but it may not show a pronounced change in the same way that diastolic blood pressure does after regular exercise. This highlights the importance of monitoring heart health and the benefits of consistent training in regulating blood pressure responses.