Hnc Energy Systems

Outcome 6

Energy Systems

a) Explain when he would require the different systems and explain why.

Middle distance runners can handle an unbelievable range of metabolic stress. The three energy systems that an athlete would use during a 1500 metre race are; 1: ATP-PC System (anaerobic); 2: Lactic Acid System (anaerobic glycolysis); 3: Aerobic System (oxidative system).

The ATP-PC System (anaerobic) is used during short bursts of activity during the race. This could be at the start of the race and more likely at the end of the race when approaching the finishing line. The time this would last for would be 3-10 seconds.

Lactic Acid System (anaerobic glycolysis) is used after the ATP-PC System has been used and it starts to accumulate in the muscles during high intensity periods of the race. This will interfere with the contractile proteins of the muscle and causes fatigue. 60% of Lactic Acid can be removed by the body using it as a metabolic fuel. It can also be removed by the conversion of either protein or glycogen. The time that this would last for is between 10 seconds and 2 minutes.

Aerobic System (oxidative system) is the last of the three energy systems to be used. It is used after the Lactic Acid has been used and will be used for the vast majority of the 1500 meter race as this is almost unlimited at sun max.

b) As a result of the race the athlete will have accumulated Lactic Acid in his system. Describe in detail two methods of how it will remove it.

Lactic Acid will be accumulated in the athlete’s muscles during a ‘high intensity’ part of the race. This will interfere with contractile proteins of the muscle which will cause fatigue. There are several ways in which Lactic Acid can be removed from the body during the onset of exercise. Two ways in which Lactic Acid can be removed are as follows:

1. 60% of Lactic Acid accumulated during the race is removed by using it as a metabolic fuel. Lactic acid is converted back to...