The ATP-PCr system

ATP and phosphocreatine stores, creatine kinase, immediate power and recovery time.

The outline, topic by topic

Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.

ATP: what is it?
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The only molecule muscle uses directly to contract.
Stores cover only 2 to 3 seconds of maximal effort.
A 100 m lasts 10 s. Which system provides most of the energy?
- The ATP-PCr system
- Fat oxidation
- Carbohydrate oxidation
- Gluconeogenesis
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The ATP-PCr system
Glycolysis already helps, but PCr dominates.
Phosphocreatine: what is it?
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A reserve that recharges ATP by giving up its phosphate.
It supports about 6 to 10 seconds of maximal effort.
Why does creatine supplementation mostly help repeated short efforts?
- It raises VO2max
- It raises phosphocreatine stores
- It burns fat
- It removes lactate
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It raises phosphocreatine stores
More PCr means more power available for each sprint.