Explain how the duration of different sporting activities determines which energy system predominates and the recovery requirements needed. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
- Activities lasting 10-15 seconds rely on the ATP-PCr system because phosphocreatine provides immediate energy without oxygen.
- This leads to quick exhaustion of PCr stores, requiring several minutes of recovery for phosphate restoration.
- Activities between 30-90 seconds shift to glycolytic dominance as PCr runs out and glucose breaks down without oxygen.
- This process creates lactic acid build-up in muscles, which causes fatigue and burning sensations.
- Consequently, recovery from glycolytic work takes much longer as the body must clear lactic acid through the liver.
- Activities lasting several minutes or more use predominantly aerobic metabolism because oxygen becomes available for complete fuel breakdown.
- This enables sustained energy production but requires recovery time based on how much glycogen was used.
- Short aerobic efforts need minimal recovery whereas prolonged activities depleting glycogen stores need hours or days to fully restore fuel.
- Therefore, activity duration directly determines the dominant energy system, which in turn dictates specific recovery needs.
- Understanding these relationships allows athletes to plan appropriate rest between training sessions and competitions.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- Activities lasting 10-15 seconds rely on the ATP-PCr system because phosphocreatine provides immediate energy without oxygen.
- This leads to quick exhaustion of PCr stores, requiring several minutes of recovery for phosphate restoration.
- Activities between 30-90 seconds shift to glycolytic dominance as PCr runs out and glucose breaks down without oxygen.
- This process creates lactic acid build-up in muscles, which causes fatigue and burning sensations.
- Consequently, recovery from glycolytic work takes much longer as the body must clear lactic acid through the liver.
- Activities lasting several minutes or more use predominantly aerobic metabolism because oxygen becomes available for complete fuel breakdown.
- This enables sustained energy production but requires recovery time based on how much glycogen was used.
- Short aerobic efforts need minimal recovery whereas prolonged activities depleting glycogen stores need hours or days to fully restore fuel.
- Therefore, activity duration directly determines the dominant energy system, which in turn dictates specific recovery needs.
- Understanding these relationships allows athletes to plan appropriate rest between training sessions and competitions.