2 - The Energy Continuum of Physical Activity

Question 1

Define the energy continuum?

Answer 1

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.
- The energy continuum is often explained in terms of thresholds. E.g the ATP-PC / anaerobic glycolytic threshold is the point at which the ATP-PC energy system is exhausted and the anaerobic glycolytic system takes over.

Question 2

How long does the ATP-PC system last and give a sporting example?

Answer 2

Less than 10 seconds.

• 100m
• Long jump

Question 3

How long does the ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolytic system last and give a sporting example?

Answer 3

8-90 seconds

• 200m
• 400m
• Gymnastics floor routine

Question 4

How long does the anaerobic glycolytic and aerobic system last and give a sporting example?

Answer 4

90 seconds to 3 minutes

• 1500m
• A round of boxing

Question 5

How long does the aerobic system last and give a sporting example?

Answer 5

3+ minutes

• Marathon
• Cross country

Question 6

Name the differences between slow twitch (type 1) and fast twitch fibres (type 2x)?

Answer 6

Slow Twitch:

• The main pathway for ATP production is the aerobic system
• It produces the maximum amount of ATP available from each glucose molecule (up to 36 ATP)
• Production is slow but these fibres are more endurance based so less likely to fatigue

Fast Twitch:

• The main pathway for ATP production is via the lactate anaerobic energy system (during glycolysis)
• ATP production in the absence of oxygen is not efficient - only two ATP produced per glucose molecule
• Production of ATP this way is fast but cannot last for long as these fibres have least resistance to muscle fatigue.