3.1.1.

6 – Energy systems
Learning objectives

To describe how ATP is released and regenerated.

To explain the ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolytic systems.

To understand the stages of the aerobic energy system

To understand the energy continuum and examples of sports

placed on it.
3.1.1.6 – Energy systems
Learning objectives

To describe the energy transfer process during high and low

intensity exercise.

To be able to explain the factors affecting VO2 max.

To understand the different measurements of energy

expenditure.

To evaluate the impact of specialist training methods on the

energy system used.
Energy systems

Watch me
How does the body continually provide energy for
exercise?
Energy transfer in the body
We need a constant supply of energy so that we can perform
everyday tasks. The more exercise we do the more energy is
required.

The intensity and

duration of an activity
play an important role
in the way in which
energy is provided.
ATP – (Adenosine Triphosphate)
ATP is the usable form of energy in the body.

The energy from foods that we eat, such as carbohydrates, has to

be converted into ATP before the potential energy in them can
be used.

An ATP molecule Adenosine

consists of
adenosine and 3
Phosphates

P P P
ATP breakdown
Energy is released from ATP by breaking down the bonds that
hold this compound together.

Enzymes are used to break

Adenosine
down ATP.

ATP-ase is the enzyme used ENERGY

to break down ATP into
ADP (adenosine
diphosphate) and a single
P P P
phosphate.
This type of reaction is an exothermic reaction.

Think. Pair. Share – What is meant by an exothermic reaction?

ATP resynthesis
ATP within muscle fibres are used up very quickly (2-3 seconds)
and therefore needs to be replenished immediately.

For ATP to be rebuilt an

ADP
endothermic reaction has
to occur. This is a chemical
reaction which absorbs
energy.
P P P

Resynthesis of ATP is done through the joining of ADP and a

single phosphate. This energy regeneration is only possible
through one of three energy systems.
ATP
ATP can provide several powerful contractions lasting only 2-3
seconds. This can be shown on a graph similar to the one below.

ATP STORE
CONCENTRATION OF ATP

TIME
3 SECS 10 SECS 60 SECS 2 HRS
Energy systems
There are three energy systems that regenerate ATP:
• ATP-PC system
• Glycolytic system
• Aerobic system

Each energy system is

suited to a particular
type of exercise
depending on the
intensity and duration
and whether oxygen
is present.
ATP-PC system
Depleted ATP stores trigger the release of creatine kinase which
causes phosphocreatine (PC) to be broken down anaerobically.

Phosphocreatine is an energy-rich
chemical produced naturally by the
body. This compound found in the
sarcoplasm of the muscles.

This rapid availability of PC is important for providing contractions

of high power, such as in the 100 m or in a short burst of intense
activity during a longer game i.e. a fast break in basketball.
ATP-PC system
However, there is only enough PC to last for up to 10 seconds
and it can only be replenished when the intensity of the activity
is sub-maximal.
CONCENTRATION OF ATP

ATP-PC
SYSTEM

TIME
3 SECS 10 SECS 60 SECS 2 HRS
ATP-PC system
Think. Pair. Share – Discuss and write down all the advantages
and disadvantages of the ATP-PC System.

Advantages of ATP-PC Disadvantages of ATP-PC

System System
ATP can be regenerated rapidly. Limited supply of PC in the body.

PC stores are replenished within 3 1 ATP molecule regenerated for 1

minutes. molecule of PC.
No fatiguing by-products. Regeneration can only take place
in the presence of oxygen.
The ATP-PC system can be
extended through the use of a
creatine supplement.
ATP-PC system
For every one molecule of PC broken down there is enough
energy released to create one molecule of ATP.

This is not very efficient system but it does have the advantage
of not producing by-products and its use is important in
delaying the onset of the lactic anaerobic system.

This breaking down

of PC to release
energy is a coupled
reaction.
Anaerobic glycoltic system
Once PC is depleted (at around 10 seconds) the anaerobic
glycoltic system takes over and regenerates ATP from the
breakdown of glucose.

The breakdown of Glycogen

glucose is only
Enzyme: Phosphofructokinase Glycolysis
possible in the
presence of an Glucose
2
enzyme ATP
Phosphofructokinase ENERGY
(PFK)
Anaerobic glycoltic system
The process of glucose breakdown in the absence of oxygen is
called anaerobic glycolysis and causes the production of
pyruvic acid.

The longer Glycogen

exercise
Enzyme: Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Glycolysis
continues the
higher the rise in 2 ATP Glucose
lactic acid and
pH levels. The ENERGY
slowly inhibits
enzyme activity
Enzyme: Lactate dehydrogenase
causing fatigue (LDH)
and eventually Lactic
OBLA. Acid Pyruvic Acid
Anaerobic glycoltic system
Glycoltic ATP resynthesis will continue for up to 3 minutes but
peaks at 1 minute. This is particularly useful for cycling sprint
events or a counter attack in football.

Think. Pair. Share – What other events will predominantly use

this system?
Anaerobic glycoltic system
The graph below shows the glycoltic system ATP concentration
over time.
CONCENTRATION OF ATP

GLYCOLTIC
SYSTEM

TIME
3 SECS 10 SECS 60 SECS 2 HRS
Anaerobic glycoltic system
Think. Pair. Share – Discuss and write down all the advantages
and disadvantages of the anaerobic glycoltic system.

Advantages of anaerobic Disadvantages of anaerobic

glycoltic system glycoltic system
ATP can be regenerated quickly Lactic acid is a by-product of this
due to few chemical reaction being system.
needed.
With oxygen present, lactic acid is Only a small amount of energy is
converted back to in glycogen. released from glycogen while
under anaerobic conditions.
This energy system is useful for
producing an extra burst of
energy.
Aerobic system
Aerobic system of energy production needs oxygen to function.
The complete oxidation of glucose can produce up to 38
molecules of ATP and has 3 distinct stages.
Aerobic system
1st Stage – Glycolysis:
This process is the same as anaerobic glycolysis but occurs in the
presence of oxygen. Lactic acid is not produced and the pyruvic
acid is converted into a compound called acetyl-coenzyme-A
(acetyl CoA).

Glycogen
2 ATP

ENERGY
Glycolysis

Pyruvic Acid
Aerobic system
Acetyl Co-A moves to the mitochondria within the muscle cell
where the remaining stages are activated.
Aerobic system
2nd Stage – Kreb/citric acid cycle:
Once the pyruvic acid diffuses into the matrix of the mitochondria
a complex cycle of reactions occurs in a process known as the
Krebs cycle.

The reactions
produces two Acetyl-CoA
molecules of ATP,
Hydrogen
as well as carbon
dioxide.
2 ATP
Hydrogen is taken yielded Carbon
Dioxide
to the electron
transport chain.
Citric Acid
Aerobic system
3rd Stage - Electron transport chain:
Hydrogen is carried to the electron transport chain by
hydrogen carriers. This occurs in the cristae of the
mitochondria. The hydrogen splits into hydrogen ions and
electrons and these are charged with potential energy.
The hydrogen ions
Hydrogen are oxidised to form
water, while
H+ H- providing energy to
resynthesise ATP.
Throughout this
process, 34 ATP
H+ H- molecules are
formed.
Water 34 ATP
yielded
Aerobic system
Total energy yield from the aerobic system is....

38 molecules of ATP
Aerobic system and Free Fatty Acids
Fats can also be used as an energy source in the aerobic system.
The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain can metabolise
fat as well as carbohydrate to produce ATP.

Triglycerides
(stored fat in muscle)

Enzyme: Lipase Metabolised aerobically

Glycerol and Free

Fatty Acids

Beta Oxidation

Acetyl Coenzyme A Kreb’s

Cycle
Aerobic system and Free Fatty Acids
More ATP can be made from one molecule of fatty acids than
from one molecule of glycogen but the intensity must be low.
This is why in long duration exercise, fatty acids will be the
predominant energy source.
Aerobic system
The graph below shows the aerobic system ATP concentration
over time.

AEROBIC
CONCENTRATION OF ATP

SYSTEM

TIME
3 SECS 10 SECS 60 SECS 2 HRS
Aerobic system
Think. Pair. Share – Discuss and write down all the advantages
and disadvantages of the aerobic system.

Advantages of Aerobic System Disadvantages of Aerobic

System
More ATP produced than anaerobic It can take oxygen a while to
systems become available.
No fatiguing by-products (CO2 and Fatty acid transportation to muscle
Water which are exhaled). sites are slow.
Plenty of glycogen and triglyceride
stores.
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity
All the energy systems contribute during all types of activity but
one of them will be the predominant energy provider.

The intensity
and duration of
the activity are
the factors that
decide which
will be the main
energy system in
use.

Think. Pair. Share – What energy system/s would an 800m

runner utilise during their race?
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity

800m race:
•ATP-PC System
– Start of race.

•Aerobic System
– Majority of
race.

•Glycoltic System
– Sprint finish.
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity

Think. Pair. Share – How many other sports can you place on
the energy continuum?
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity
This is where the exercise intensity changes frequently. i.e. a
basketball player is required to walk, run, sprint and jump at
various points in the game.
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity
The point at which an athlete moves from one energy system to
another is known as a threshold. This depends on the exercise
intensity and fuel available.

ATP-PC Glycoltic
% energy supplied

Aerobic

Time
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity
The ATP-PC/glycoltic threshold is the point at which the ATP-PC
energy system is exhausted and the glycoltic system takes over.

As a midfielder, performers would need to make short 3 second

sprints to get free or beyond a defender (ATP-PC) but will also
need the glycoltic system to make recovery runs back to help
defend.
Energy Continuum of Physical Activity
The glycoltic/aerobic threshold – this would occur when the ball
is in phases of play away from the player. A performer will still
track and scan players movement but at a lower intensity.

Sufficient oxygen will be available throughout to allow for ATP

resynthesis.
Energy transfer during long duration/lower intensity
exercise
For exercise at a low intensity over a long period of time the
aerobic system is the preferred method of energy production.

Oxygen consumption is the amount of oxygen we use to produce

ATP and referred to as VO2.
Oxygen consumption during exercise
The difference between sub-maximal and maximal exercise is
linked to the level of oxygen deficit at the start of physical activity.

When we start to exercise, it takes time for the circulatory system

to respond to the increased demand for oxygen and the
mitochondria to adjust to the rate of respiration needed.
Oxygen consumption during recovery

Watch me
What do athletes do to aid the recovery process
after exercise and why?
Oxygen consumption during recovery
The recovery process involves returning the body to the state it
was in before exercise. The reactions that occur and how long
the process takes depend on the duration and intensity of the
exercise undertaken and the individual's level of fitness.

Post exercise the body is in a state

of fatigue and enters a period of
recovery. To do this, aerobic
energy is required and is termed
excess post-exercise oxygen
consumption (EPOC)
Oxygen consumption during recovery
Oxygen Deficit:
The amount of oxygen that the performer requires to complete
an activity aerobically.

Oxygen debt is the

amount of oxygen
needed to return the
body to a resting
state. Oxygen debt
results from EPOC.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
After strenuous exercise there are 4 main tasks that the body
needs to be completed before the muscle can operate efficiently
again:

• Replacement of ATP and phosphocreatine (the fast

component)

• Replenishment of myoglobin with oxygen

• Removal of lactic acid (the slow component)

• Replacement of glycogen
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Oxygen deficit and EPOC can be plotted against time. There are
two distinct stages during EPOC.
1.The fast component of recovery

2.The slow component of recovery

Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
EPOC will always be present but the size of the oxygen deficit
and EPOC will differ depending on the activity intensity and
duration.

Low intensity exercise High intensity exercise

Low intensity exercise results in a small deficit limiting the use

of the anaerobic energy systems and therefore lactic acid
accumulation.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Fast component of recovery:
This first stage of EPOC recovery is also known as the alactacid
component. The increased rate of respiration continues to
supply oxygen to the body and myoglobin stores.

EPOC helps replenish these stores and takes up to 2-3 minutes.

Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Fast component of recovery:
Resynthesis of ATP and PC stores also occurs within the first 3
minutes of EPOC. After this time, phosphocreatine stores, are
completely restored but 50% of PC can be replenished after only
30 seconds.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Second component of recovery:
This stage is also known as the lactacid component. It is the
slowest of the replenishment processes and full recovery may
take up to an hour, depending on the intensity and duration of
the exercise.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Post exercise respiratory rate (ventilation) and depth along
with heart rate (circulation) remain high to aid removal of by-
products such as CO2 and carbonic acid.

Body temperature rises during

exercise and will remain elevated
during EPOC. This accounts for
about 60% of the slow lactacid
component of EPOC.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
Lactic acid (the slow component) can be removed in four ways:

Components of lactic acid removal % Lactic acid involved

Pyruvic acid is oxidised (broken down) and re-enters 65
the kreb’s cycle to produce carbon dioxide, water
and energy.
Converted into glucose and then stored in 25
muscles/liver as glycogen. This process is called
gluconeogenesis and glyconeogenesis.
Converted into protein 10

Performing a cool-down accelerates lactic acid removal because

exercise keeps the metabolic rate of muscles high and keeps
capillaries dilated. This means that oxygen can be flushed
through, removing the accumulated by products.
Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
The stores of glycogen in relation to the stores of fat are
relatively small.

The replacement of glycogen stores depends on the type of

exercise undertaken. It may take a number of days to complete
the restoration of glycogen after a marathon.

Eating a high-carbohydrate
meal will accelerate glycogen
restoration, and should be
done within 1 hour post
exercise.
Energy transfer during short duration/high intensity
exercise
For exercise at a higher intensity energy must be produced
rapidly. This is reliant on the anaerobic respiration system.
Lactate accumulation
Lactic acid is a by-product of anaerobic glycolytic system. This is
quickly broken down releasing hydrogen ions (H+) The remaining
compound combines with sodium or potassium ions to form
lactate.

This build up of lactate

increases acidity levels
and in turn reduces
enzyme activity. This
affects the breakdown
of glycogen and causes
muscle fatigue. Blood
lactate can be measured
and monitored.
Onset of blood lactate accumulation
The point at which the concentration of lactic acid in the blood
rapidly increases is known as lactate threshold.

Onset of blood lactate

accumulation (OBLA) is the
point at which the body is
unable to produce enough
oxygen to break down
lactate build up.

A normal value for rest or

aerobic exercise = 1-2
mmol lactic acid/litre
blood

Above 4mmol = OBLA

Onset of blood lactate accumulation
When this occurs depends on the aerobic fitness of the
performer.
•Untrained = 50% VO2 Max
•Highly Trained = 85% VO2 Max

The highly trained athlete has an

increased ability to remove waste
products and supply oxygen to
working muscles.

Measuring OBLA gives an indication of endurance capacity and

the multi-stage fitness test can be a good practical illustration
of this.
Factors affecting the rate of lactate accumulation
Exercise intensity
During high intensity exercise the body can only maintain the
workload with the use of glycogen as a fuel. When glycogen is
broken down in the absence of oxygen into pyruvic acid, lactic
acid is formed.

Muscle fibre type

Slow twitch fibres produce less
lactate than fast twitch fibres.
When slow twitch fibres use
glycogen as a fuel very little lactate
is produced.
Factors affecting the rate of lactate accumulation
Rate of blood lactate removal
If lactate production increases then lactate will start to accumulate
in the blood until OBLA is reached.

Training/Fitness
Muscle adaptations occur as
a result of training.
Increased numbers of
mitochondria, levels of
myoglobin and increased
capillary density will
improve the capacity for
aerobic respiration.
Lactate producing capacity – Sprint/Power
Elite sprinters and power athletes are able to cope with higher
levels of lactate in the body. This buffering is a process that aids
the removal of lactic acid and maintains acidity levels in the blood
and muscles. This ability to tolerate higher levels of lactate enable
performers to work at higher intensities for longer.
Factors affecting VO2 max/Aerobic Power
An athlete with a high aerobic capacity will be able to utilise a
large volume of oxygen. This will increase the intensity with
which they can work at before OBLA is reached and fatigue sets
in.

Think. Pair. Share – What factors will affect a performers VO2

max reading?
Factors affecting VO2 max/Aerobic Power
Aerobic exercise increases VO2 max due to the following
physiological changes that take place:

• Increased maximum cardiac output

• Increased stroke volume/cardiac hypertrophy
• Greater heart rate range
• Increased blood volume and red blood cells count
• Increased stores of glycogen and triglycerides
• Increased myoglobin (content of muscle)
• Increased capillarisation (of muscle)
• Increased number and size of mitochondria
• Increased concentrations of oxidative enzymes
Factors affecting VO2 max/Aerobic Power
There are also a number of general factors that will affect an
individual’s VO2 max reading.

• Genetics – inherited
factors will limited
capacity.
• Training – VO2 max can
be improved by up to
20% with the right
training.
• Age – Older performers
will experience a decline
in VO2 max
Factors affecting VO2 max/Aerobic Power
• Gender – Men tend to
have 20% higher VO2
max readings than
women.
• Body composition –
Higher body fat will
affect VO2 max
negatively.
• Lifestyle – Smoking and
poor lifestyle choices all
reduce VO2 max
readings.
Measurements of energy expenditure
Measuring energy expenditure is an indication of the intensity of
exercise and can be used to gauge fitness levels. This method of
measurement will also highlight dietary requirements for
recovery.

Indirect Calorimetry
This method measures
energy expenditure
through gas exchange.
Production of CO2 and/or
the rate of O2
consumption highlights
the substrate (fat or
carbohydrate) being used.
Measurements of energy expenditure
Lactate Sampling
Blood lactate measurements are taken using a small blood sample
which is analysed to determine exercise intensity, monitor training
and predict performance.

The higher the pace

at which the lactate
threshold occurs, the
fitter the athlete is
considered to be.
Measurements of energy expenditure
Lactate sampling allows the performer to select relevant training
zones - expressed in terms of heart rate (beats per minute) or
power (watts) - in order to get the desired training effect.

Regular lactate
testing provides a
comparison from
which the coach and
performer can see
whether
improvement has
occurred.
Measurements of energy expenditure
VO2 max tests have been developed to estimate a performer's
aerobic capacity.

The multistage fitness test

The athlete performs a 20 m
progressive shuttle run in time
with a bleep, to the point of
exhaustion. The level reached
depends on the number of
shuttle runs completed and VO2
max is ascertained from a
standard results table.

Think. Pair. Share – Why is the multi-stage fitness test used so

widely among many different athletes of all abilities?
VO2 max tests
Average multi-stage fitness test normative tables.
Age Excellent Above Average Below Poor
Average Average
14 - 16 L12 S7 L11 S2 L8 S9 L7 S1 <L6 S6
17 - 20 L12 S12 L11 S6 L9 S2 L7 S6 <L7 S3
21 - 30 L12 S12 L11 S7 L9 S3 L7 S8 <L7 S5
31 - 40 L11 S7 L10 S4 L6 S10 L6 S7 <L6 S4
41 - 50 L10 S4 L9 S4 L6 S9 L5 S9 <L5

Age Excellent Above Average Below Poor

Average Average

14 - 16 L10 S9 L9 S1 L6 S7 L5 S1 <L4 S7
17 - 20 L10 S11 L9 S3 L6 S8 L5 S2 <L4 S9
21 - 30 L10 S8 L9 S2 L6 S6 L5 S1 <L4 S9
31 - 40 L10 S4 L8 S7 L6 S3 L4 S6 <L4 S5
41 - 50 L9 S9 L7 S2 L5 S7 L4 S2 <L4 S1
VO2 max tests
The Harvard step test involves the athlete stepping up and down
rhythmically on a bench for 5 minutes. The recovery heart rate is
then measured and used to predict VO2 max.

The Cooper 12-minute run

This requires the athlete to run as
far as they can in 12 minutes and
the distance covered is recorded
and compared to a standardised
table. In this test the performer
runs to exhaustion.
Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)
Energy sources such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins can all
be oxidised to produce energy.

RER is calculated = Carbon dioxide expired per min (VCO2)

Oxygen consumed per min (VO2)

RER Ratios:
• Value of 0.7 = predominant
fuel source is fat
• Value 0.8-0.9 = Fuel source
is a mix of fats and
carbohydrates.
• Value of 1.0 = predominant
fuel source is carbohydrate.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
Altitude training:
The percentage of oxygen (O2) in the air is the same at sea level
and at altitude. However, the partial pressure of oxygen
decreases as altitude increases. This causes a reduction in the
diffusion gradient between the air and the lungs and between
the alveoli and the blood.

As a result,
haemoglobin is not
fully saturated at
altitude, which results
in a lower oxygen-
carrying capacity of the
blood.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
As less oxygen is delivered to working muscles there is an earlier
onset of fatigue. This results in a decrease in aerobic
performance.

The body's response to the reduced levels of oxygen provides a

number of advantages.
Disadvantages include
altitude sickness,
expensive and the effects
can be lost quickly upon
returning to sea level.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
This type of training involves repeated bouts of high intensity
effort followed by varied recovery times. These short, intense
workouts will improve aerobic capacity.

HITT training therefore improves fat burning potential and glucose

metabolism.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
A typical HIIT session will include:
•Exercise intensity – 80-95% of max HR

•1:1 work to rest ratio

i.e. 30 seconds mountain climbers (work) followed by light jog

for 30 seconds (recovery)

HIIT can be modified for

different athletes of varying
abilities.

Cyclists and swimmers use it

as a cross training method to
add variance to a programme.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
Plyometrics Training is one method of strength training that can
be used to improve power or elastic strength.
e.g. long jumpers, 100 m sprinters or basketball players

Plyometrics works on the concept that muscles can generate

more force if they have previously been stretched.

The muscle performs an eccentric

contraction (lengthens under tension)
followed immediately by a concentric
contraction as the performer jumps
up.
Impact of training methods on energy systems
This stimulates adaptations within the neuromuscular system and
results in a more powerful concentric contraction of the muscle
group being worked.

Strength gains through

plyometrics usually become
apparent following a training
period of about 8-10 weeks.
(Muscle hypertrophy)
Impact of training methods on energy systems
Speed, agility, quickness (SAQ)
This method of training combination three important fitness
components and is particularly used by games players. As SAQ
training involves activities performed at high intensities, energy is
provided anaerobically.

Drills include ladder work, mini hurdles and zig zag runs.
Apply it! What has stuck with you?
Practice it!
Exam questions
1.Identify two functions of the fast component of Excess Post-

Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) [1]

A Break down lactic acid and normalise body temperature

B Resaturate myoglobin with oxygen and normalise body
temperature
C Restore phosphocreatine (PC) and break down lactic acid
D Restore phosphocreatine (PC) and resaturate myoglobin
with oxygen

2. Explain how the characteristics of fast twitch glycolytic muscle

fibres (type IIx) are suited to producing ATP anaerobically during
powerful contractions. [2]
Practice it!
Exam questions
3. Table 2 shows the times of an elite athlete for a 100m, 400m
and 3000m race. Figure 2 shows the relative contribution of the
energy systems on the energy continuum. [15]

Using Figure 2, analyse and evaluate the contribution of each

energy system for each event identified in Table 2.
Practice it!
Marks Scheme:
1. D
2. High PC stores – increased energy source for ATP
production via the ATP-PC system (1).
• High glycogen stores – increased energy source for ATP
production via the lactate anaerobic system (1).
• High myosin ATPase activity – increased enzyme activity for
ATP production within the ATP-PC system (1).
• High glycolytic enzyme activity – increased enzyme activity
or ATP production within the lactate anaerobic system (1).
Practice it!
Marks Scheme:
3. AO1 – Knowledge
Identified and described the energy systems, eg ATP-PC system involves the breakdown of PC to
form ATP. The aerobic system uses oxygen to release energy. The aerobic system has a
higher ATP yield than the other systems. (No reference to times from table is required).
AO2 – Application
Identified and explained the contribution of each system in the three events, eg in the 100m
event, the athlete will predominantly use the ATP PC system to create ATP. There is also
some contribution from the lactate anaerobic system. This is because the ATP-PC system
can create ATP for 8–10 seconds and the race only takes 10.49 seconds to complete. This
involves the breakdown of glucose anaerobically to form pyruvic acid and then lactic acid
which is also known as anaerobic glycolysis.
AO3 – Analysis/Evaluation
Linked the contribution of each energy system to the demands of the event, eg 100m uses ATP-
PC system which is an anaerobic system to create ATP as it is a sprint event and the
performer runs as fast as they can and so intensity is maximal. When ATP is made through
the breakdown of PC in the ATP-PC system, ATP is produced very quickly explaining, the
100% capacity in Figure 2.
Credit other relevant analysis and evaluation points in relation to the contribution of each energy
system for each event identified in the data.