Energy Systems Contribution in the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Understanding energy system contributions is crucial for optimizing training.
• Repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance is influenced by both aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways.
• Short recovery times in RSA place significant demands on metabolic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the contributions of different energy systems during repeated sprints with short recovery.
• To associate repeated sprint performance (time and power) with energetic contributions and physiological variables.
• To elucidate the role of the oxidative, glycolytic, and phosphagen pathways in repeated sprint performance.

Main Methods:

• 13 healthy males completed the running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST).
• Incremental exercise protocol was used to determine lactate minimum intensity.
• Net energy system contributions were estimated via oxygen consumption and blood lactate responses during RAST.

Main Results:

• Relative energy system contributions were: oxidative phosphorylation (38%), glycolytic (34%), and phosphagen (28%).
• Oxidative pathway contribution increased from the third sprint, coinciding with performance decrements.
• Phosphagen pathway correlated with power performance (peak, mean, minimum power, force impulse).
• Time performance correlated with oxidative and glycolytic pathways.
• Oxidative pathway linked to improved inter-sprint recovery; glycolytic pathway linked to decreased sprint performance.

Conclusions:

• The phosphagen system is vital for immediate power output during sprints.
• The oxidative system aids recovery between sprints, while sustained glycolytic activity may impair performance.
• Energy system interplay is critical for repeated sprint ability and performance outcomes.