Exercise Physiology - Fuels And Energy Systems

Question 1

Carbohydrates:

Answer 1

• Chemical compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms; they are the body’s preferred food fuel during exercise.

Question 2

Fats:

Answer 2

• Components of foods containing fatty acids and glycerol; they are the body’s preferred fuel at rest and during prolonged submaximal exercise.

Question 3

Protein:

Answer 3

• The fuel source used predominately for growth and repair and as an energy source under extreme conditions; makes a negligible contribution to energy production during exercise and is mainly used for growth and repair.

Question 4

ATP

Answer 4

• Chemical fuel source
• Consists of adenosine molecule with three phosphates joined together in a row.
• Bonds hold the energy
• ATP broken down and rebuilt many times as energy for muscular movement to be made available.
• ATP > ADP > AMP + Pi

Question 5

Contribution of Carbs, fat and protein to energy production:

Answer 5

Carbohydrates:
- Important to have a carbs rich diet in order to increase glycogen stores.
- Events less than one hour = normal carb stores
- Events longer that an hour = well-filled or “super-filled”
Fat:
- Stored throughout the body in fat cells.
- Free fatty acids broken down and used for energy in aerobic
- Dominant fuel at rest and submaximal
Protein:
- Forms the building blocks of tissue
- Essential for repair and growth

Question 6

ATP-CP System - Characteristics

Answer 6

• Maximum ATP Production (moles) = 0.7
• Maximum useful energy (kcal) = 7
• Peak power (during maximal events) = 5s
• Typical events = 100m, jumps, throws, diving and all field events
• Chemical/food fuel = CP
• By products = Nil
• Intensity (% HR Max) = 95-100
• Recovery time = 70% in 30s, 100% in 3 mins

Question 7

Lactic Acid System - Characteristics

Answer 7

• Maximum ATP Production (moles) = 1.2
• Maximum useful energy (kcal) = 12
• Peak power (during maximal events) = 5-15s
• Typical events = 200-400m, 50m swim
• Chemical/food fuel = Carbohydrate, glycogen
• By-products = Lactic Acid, lactate, H+ ions
• Intensity (%HR Max) = 85-100
• Recovery time = 20min - 2 hours

Question 8

Aerobic System - Characteristics

Answer 8

• Maximum ATP Production (moles) = 98
• Maximum useful energy (kcal) = 980
• Peak power (during maximal events) = 1-2 min
• Typical events = Archery, diving, marathon, cross country skiing
• Chemical/food fuel = Carbs, fats and protein (extreme)
• By-products = CO2, H2O and heat
• Intensity (%HR Max) = 60-85
• Recovery time = Up to 2-5 days depending on depletion rates