Energy Systems

ATP

a chemical compound called adenosine tri-phosphate produces energy for movement. when atp is broken down, energy is released. atp is an adenosine molecule with 3 phosphate molecules attached. when energy is required fro muscular contraction, one of the phosphate molecules (P) breaks off, releasing energy.

food to energy

food eaten (fats, carbs, protein) provides the energy required for the contraction of muscles. the energy contained in carbohydrates, fats and proteins cannot be used directly by the body. instead, it is used to form a chemical compound called ATP and is stored in the muscle fibre

ATP-PC energy system

an immediate energy system that does not require O2. lasts approx. 10sec and are used for power sports like sprinting, jumping, throwing, weightlifting. supplies recover quickly (3-4min). trained athletes can recover this system more quickly than untrained athletes

lactic acid energy system

anaerobic - does not require oxygen. ATP is resynthesised by the breakdown of carbs (glucose). the lactic acid system is used for sustained sprint or muscular endurance activities usually lasting between 45-60sec.

aerobic energy system

requires oxygen. atp is resynthesised by the breakdown of carbs, ft and protein. as long as you continue to provide your body with energy supplies, this energy system could last forever. the aerobic energy system is used in endurance events such as the marathon, triathlon or 1500 swim.

energy system interplay

in sport the 3 energy systems work together to provide energy, its called interplay, even though one system is the main one being used, all 3 systems are always working together depending on the intensity and duration of the activity.

o2 required

atp-pc - no

anaerobic - no

aerobic - yes

speed of energy supply

atp-pc - very fast

anaerobic - fast

aerobic - slow

fuel source

atp-pc - creatine phosphate

anaerobic - carbohydrates

aerobic - carbs and fats (protein in extremes)

amount of atp production

atp-pc - limited

anaerobic - limited

aerobic - unlimited

by products

atp-pc - none

anaerobic - lactic acid

aerobic - co2, h2o and heat

duration

atp-pc - 0-10sec

anaerobic - up to 2 min

aerobic - forever

cause of fatigue

atp-pc - limited supply of atp-pc

anaerobic - lactic acid production

aerobic - unlimited

activity

atp-pc - power based activities

anaerobic - sprint endurance

aerobic - long duration