Thursday 25 March 2010

The ATP/PC System

The ATP system is used by the body for fast and dynamic movements and doesn't last for long. This post will explain how the ATP system works in the body with a sporting example at the end. Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) gets broken down into Adenosine Di Phosphate + P + Energy and the energy gets used out of this equation for an anaerobic movement. As the body only has enough ATP stored in our muscles which lasts for 2-3 seconds therefore we can only use this for a little movement such as a dead lift. To rebuild the ATP, we need energy which we produce from the 3 different energy systems. We also need a Phosphate which is stored in the muscles, and we have the ADP already. Therefore to replenish the ATP:
Energy + P + ADP
As we need energy we look to move to another system which is called the ATP-PC system. This system doesn’t use oxygen or produce lactic acid therefore it’s said to be alactic anaerobic. Behind very short, powerful movements such as the 100m sprint this is the primary system. This system lasts for 8-10 seconds for a normal person but can get better (not by much) if you train it. A sporting example for this system is a 100m sprint as the elite finish the race within 10 seconds therefore they rely on this system to supply them with sufficient energy to last the race.

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