Energy conversion rates during sprinting with an emphasis on the performance of female athletes

Computed results from a mathematical model of the bioenergetics of sprinting, which incorporates a three-equation representation of anaerobic metabolism, were compared with measured distance-time data for female athletes from the finals of the 100-m event at the World Championships of 1987. The computed results closely model the performance of the competitors over the course of the entire race. The three main contributions to anaerobic metabolism were investigated and comparisons were made between male and female sprinters. Whereas the time constants for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine utilization for the two sexes were found to be similar, for oxygen-independent glycolysis the time constants of the female athletes were found to be higher. The maximum powers generated by female athletes during ATP conversion and glycolysis were only slightly lower than the figures found for male athletes, but the value for phosphocreatine utilization was substantially lower. The lower value for phosphocreatine utilization might explain the more pronounced fall-off in running speed over the latter stages of a race that female athletes experience in comparison with men. Although anaerobic sources dominate energy provision for both male and female sprinters, the calculations show that the latter make greater use of aerobic energy supplies.