Abstract

The oxygen reserve of the muscle cells is limited. The delivery of oxygen from the blood occurs following a certain time lapse, such that the contraction ability of the muscle during fast short term loading has to be taken over by metabolic pathways which require no oxygen. The energy-rich phosphates can be used during short term loading. Their content in the muscle cell is sufficient for about 10-15 minutes maximal contraction. The energy flow-rate is at its highest during the breakdown of the energy-rich phosphates. The subsequent energy production takes place by way of glycolysis whereby glycogen is broken down to lactate and 3 mol ATP/glycosyl residue are set free. The energy turnover determined by the energy flow rate, is a factor of 3 slower than during the metabolism of the energy-rich phosphates and is limited by the level of glycogen and the acidosis tolerance. The anaerobic capacity is determined by both the energy-rich phosphates and the energy released during glycolysis and is therefore very important during short term maximal physical exercise. The anaerobic capacity has the important task of fulfilling the energy requirements until oxygen is made available via the circulatory system. The ability to glycolyse is found predominantely in the white fast muscle fibres. The aerobic energy turnover is primarily in the red slow muscle fibres. By means of specialised training these differing abilities can by influenced and so form the basis for the development of sports specific abilities. Verf.-Referat