Energy continuum of physical activity

Energy continuum of physical
activity

Duration of maximal effort: 3+ mins - Energy supplied by: Aerobic

Example: marathon, cross country skiing

Duration of maximal effort: 8-90 seconds - Energy supplied by: ATP-PC and anaerobic
glycolytic

Example: 200m, 400m, gymnastic floor routine

Duration of maximal effort: 10 seconds - Energy supplied by: ATP-PC

Example: 100m, long jump

Duration of maximal effort: 90secs to 3mins - Energy supplied by: anaerobic glycolytic
and aerobic

Example: 1500m, a round of boxing

Energy continuum - A term which describes the type of respiration used by physical
activities. Whether it is aerobic or anaerobic respiration depends on the intensity and
duration of the exercise

Explaining the continuum - Explained in terms of threshold

ATP-PC/anaerobic glycolytic threshold is the point at which the atp-pc system is
exhausted by intensity of exercise so anaerobic glycolytic system takes over

Fast Twitch (Type IIx) ATP - Main pathway for ATP production is via the lactate
anaerobic energy system (glycolysis)

ATP production in absence of o2 is not efficient - only 2 ATP produced per glucose
molecule

Production of ATP this way is fast but can't last as long as fibres have least resistance
to muscle fatigue

Main energy provider during a game - Level of intensity is constantly changing so it will
be a mix of all three energy systems as the main energy provider