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Energy Systems

Young Apprentice in Sport

Aims and ObjectivesTo introduce learners to the three energy systems within the body, and

to become familiar with how energy is produced.

• All of you will be able to list the three energy systems within the body.

• All of you will be able to recite the difference between aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.

• All of you will be able to link at least 1 sport to each energy system.

• Most of you will be able to explain what ATP is.

• Most of you will be able to explain why one energy system is predominant in one sport.

• Some of you will be able to explain why each energy system is predominant in each sport.

Energy for ExerciseEnergy for Exercise

The food is broken down into soluble chemicals (e.g. glucose) by digestion in the gut.

The soluble chemicals pass through the gut wall into the blood.

The blood carries the soluble food chemicals to all of the body’s cells, where they will be used for:

Energy

Growth

Repair

Food is the source of energy for the human body and it also provides nutrients for growth and repair.

Making Energy Available to the Cells of the Body

Making Energy Available to the Cells of the Body

The muscles of the body use both carbohydrates and fats to produce energy. The following diagram shows how carbohydrates are used.

The muscles of the body use both carbohydrates and fats to produce energy. The following diagram shows how carbohydrates are used.

Making Energy Available to the Cells of the Body

Making Energy Available to the Cells of the Body

Carbohydrates in the form of starch gained from foods such as pasta, bread and potatoes are eaten.

The starch is digested in the gut and turned into glucose molecules.

The glucose enters the small intestine where it passes intothe blood.

ADENOSINE TRI-PHOSPHATE

(ATP)

•This is a chemical which is vital for muscle contraction.

•Without ATP muscle contraction cannot go on.

•The body only has enough ATP for 1 explosive act

•After this there is no ATP left.

• Muscle Contraction cannot take place.

• Therefore physical activity can no longer continue.

How ATP is used

The human body uses three types of energy systems during exercise

Anaerobic Aerobic

Alactic Acid System

Lactic Acid System

The Aerobic System

TaskIn groups using the information sheets design a short presentation

explaining the energy system to the rest of the group.

Try to answer the following questions:

1. What energy source is used to fuel Muscle Contraction? i.e. Is the system aerobic or anaerobic?

2. How long can this energy system last in supplying the energy needed to continue?

3. What sports or sports activities may use this energy system?

10 minutes

THE Alactic Acid System

ADENOSINE PHOSPHATE(ADP) + CREATINE PHOSPHATE = ATP (ENERGY)

• This system is extremely efficient

• It does not need oxygen

• It leaves no waste products

HOWEVER

WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO USE THIS FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE THIS SYSTEM RUNS OUT.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0rTeKJUenzg

LACTIC ACID SYSTEM

ADP + GLUCOSE = ATP (ENERGY)

• When Creatine Phosphate runs out, the muscles call upon the stores of GLUCOSE ( Glycogen ).

• But there is a side effect with this type of energy system.

• A waste product called PYRUVIC ACID is produced.

• This in itself is OK if levels of activity are reduced to enable this Pyruvic Acid to be broken down by OXYGEN into CARBON DIOXIDE and WATER.

• However, if levels of activity are not reduced and not enough oxygen is being breathed in, then this Pyruvic Acid is not broken down and converts into LACTIC ACID.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OD4OUTXvtRU

Anaerobic respiration involves the release of a little energy, very quickly from the incomplete breakdown of glucose without using oxygen, inside the cells.1. Glucose is made available by the breakdown of glycogen

stored in the working muscles.2. The glucose is used by the muscles of the body to produce

energy, without the use of oxygen.3. This process creates lactic acid, which passes back into the

blood for removal.

Anaerobic – Without OxygenAnaerobic – Without Oxygen

The Process of Anaerobic Respiration

Glucose

Energy for muscles to contractand create movement

Lactic Acid

THE AEROBIC SYSTEM (glucose, fats, oxygen)

•This system is used during lower levels of activity when there is enough energy being delivered to the working muscles to clear away ALL the Pyruvic Acid.

• At lower levels of activity FATS can be used as a muscle fuel.

• This preserves its stores of GLUCOSE for as long as possible.

• As a general rule, the more intense the activity, the more GLUCOSE is used instead of FAT.

YouTube - Ironman Triathlon with Type 1 diabetes

Aerobic Respiration – With OxygenAerobic Respiration – With Oxygen

1. Glucose and oxygen are transported to the working muscles bythe blood.

Aerobic respiration involves the release of energy from the slow breakdown of glucose using oxygen, inside the cells.

2. Glucose and oxygen are then used by the muscles of the body to produce energy.

3. This process creates carbon dioxide and water.4. The carbon dioxide passes back into the blood for removal.

The Process of Aerobic Respiration

Energy for Musclesto contract and

create Movement

Water

CarbonDioxide

Glucose

Oxygen

The Energy Systems

% Energy System Contribution

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 sec 10 sec 30 sec 40 sec 60 sec

Exercise Duration

% C

on

trib

utio

n o

f S

yste

m

ATP-PC

Lactate

Aerobic

Task

• Using the handout discuss and label as many sports as you can think of and place them suited the energy system that will be used.

Example

100 metre sprint – Alactic Acid System

Final Questions

• Can you list the three energy systems within the body.

• Can you recite the difference between aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.

• Explain what ATP is.

• Can you link at least 1 sport to each energy system.

• Can you explain why one energy system is predominant in one sport.

• Can you explain why each energy system is predominant in each sport.