ATP Resynthesis During Exercise

• ATP Resynthesis

  • at rest we provide almost all energy for ATP resynthesis using the aerobic system
  • when we start to exercise our demand for energy increases significantly & there may not be enough oxygen available to maintain sole aerobic energy production
• Energy Continuum


  the relative contribution of each energy system to overall energy production depending on intensity & duration of the activity

  one energy system may be pre-dominant in providing energy for ATP resynthesis but in most cases, all energy systems will contribute to all activities
• VERY HIGH INTENSITY: duration <10s

  • ATP-PC system is predominant
  • Contributing up to 99% of energy for ATP resynthesis
  • Athletics jumps, throws & sprints
• HIGH INTENSITY: duration 10s-3mins


  • Glycolytic system is predominant
  • Contributing to 60-90% of energy for ATP resynthesis
  • 400m & 200m freestyle swim
• LOW-MODERATE INTENSITY: duration >3mins

  • Aerobic system is predominant
  • Contribution up to 99% of energy for ATP resynthesis
  • Marathons & triathlons
• Intermittent Exercise

  • this is activity where the intensity alternated, either during interval training or during a game with breaks of play & changes in intensity
  • research has shown intermittent exercise is more energy demanding than continuous exercise when the mean running speed is the same
• Threshold


  the point at which an athletes predominant energy system moves from one energy system to another
• Recovery Periods

  • a period of time where a performer gets to relax/rest
  • predominantly anaerobic activities rely heavily on the ATP-PC system & glycolytic system
  • recovery periods must be done so myoglobin can get its oxygen molecules back & the game can remain at high intensity
  • lactic acid levels can fluctuate, building up & initiating fatigue during high-intensity bouts
  • present opportunities for rehydration & glucose replenishment for athletes competing for longer than 60mins
• Fitness Levels

  • fitter athletes will have more efficient cardiovascular & respiratory system enabling high volumes of oxygen inspired & more efficient oxygen transportation, which allows increased intensities of performance before OBLA is reached & before fatigue is reached

  Increased buffering capacity - limits effects of lactic acid & improves removal of lactic acid as muscles are flushed with oxygenated blood flow

  
  

  Sufficient oxygen arrives onsite earlier compared to untrained individuals, minimising the time spent in the glycolytic system, which results in less accumulation of lactic acid
• Position of player

  • Aerobic system is predominant for a goal keeper but uses a small % of ATP-PC stores for high intensity movements like kicks & dives
  • Midfielder uses a range of all 3 (aerobic for tracking play, glycolytic for counter attacks, ATP-PC for shots &tackles)
• Tactics or strategies used

  • Man to man marking raises the intensity compared to zonal marking which requires larger contribution from aerobic energy system
• Level of competition

  • Tough competition is high intensity & relies more heavily on defensive players
  • Weak competition is low intensity increasing contribution for the aerobic system
• Structure of the game

  • Field games have a large pitch lowering the intensity of runs which increases the contribution from aerobic system
  • Court games have smaller pitches increasing the intensity & the contribution from anaerobic systems