Anaerobic and Aerobic Energy Systems - Lab Report Example

Comparison of Anaerobic and Aerobic Energy System during Supra-Maximal Wingate Cycle Test. Name: Hanan Al Harrasi Lecturer: Chris Abbiss Unit name: Physiology of Exercise Course code: SPS3301 Due date: 20th September 2012 Comparison of Aerobic and Anaerobic Energy contribution during a 10 and 30 second Wingate Test Abstract A study was carrying out experiments on two subjects named James and Adam. They undertook a 10-second and 30-second supra-maximal Wingate cycle test. A Wingate test has the ability of assessing an anaerobic capacity of an individual and gives measures of their potential to generate power and resist a lactic acid accumulation. The results of the two subjects were compared against the Wingate group who were observed on the 10s and 30s exercise. Some exercise physiologists have lengthy debates on this energy system, and more studies have been done to this respect. This study will help generate data and discussion on the current and future changes in the energy systems. The main objective of this study was to establish the differences in the energy system contributions of a supra-maximal Wingate test measuring between a 10 and 30-seconds for the experimental group and control group. Introduction: The hydrolysis of (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) ATP acts as the immediate source of energy for muscle contraction. ATP concentrations are very low in the muscle; hence regulatory mechanisms seem to inhibit its complete degradation. The body, by the aid of well-regulated chemical pathways, is able to regenerate ATP to allow progression of muscle contraction. Three closely integrated processes act in a team to satisfy the energy requirements of the muscle (Dotan & Bar, 2003). They include the fragmentation of Phosphocreatine (PCr) and the high-energy Phosphagen to provide immediate energy in the early stages of explosive or intense exercise. Another process is the non-aerobic carbohydrate breakdown to form pyruvic acid and later lactic acid through glycolysis process. In addition, oxidative or aerobic metabolism constitutes combustion of carbohydrate and fat in the presence of oxygen. Stored Phosphagens, PCr and ATP are broken down in an anaerobic energy system. The Wingate is a supra-maximal anaerobic test carried out on a cycle ergometer determining a total body mass in kilo grams (kg) against a resistance determined as athlete’s weight x 0.08, providing a basis of assessing maximum anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity. In this study, the Wingate test was used to establish the individual contributions of anaerobic and aerobic in the energy supply of them. The Wingate test was also employed to assess the two individual’s anaerobic capacity and establish measures of their capacity to generate power and resist the accumulation of lactate. Studies by Sharp and Koutedakis (1987) assessed anaerobic power and capability in judo athletes and gymnasts on a 30s wingate. Resistance was recorded at 8% of the body weight of each athlete. Their mean (n=7) weight values were 85.0 kg. Mean Wingate values for Upper body of British Judo athletes recorded 8.5 W.kg for capacity, and peak power of 10.6 W.kg. It was obtained that capacity and peak power of Judo athletes were lower than that of gymnasts (9.5 W.kg, 11.0 W.kg). It was concluded that body weight associated resistance may comprise a huge percentage in absolute muscular strength and may be attributed to the wider variation in body mass of the subjects. It reiterates the significance of developing anaerobic power and capacity in judo athletes. The objective of this study was to establish the anaerobic and aerobic energy contribution when subjected to a 10 second and 30 second Wingate test. Earlier studies had established that longer exercise switches on aerobic energy system while high intensity exercises with shorter times, takes on anaerobic energy system. Though questionable, this theory maintained that the percentage of anaerobic and aerobic contribution is around 50% at 60 seconds of maximal exercise. The Wingate tests have been employed to establish anaerobic and aerobic contribution of supra-maximal exercise by exploiting O2 Deficit (Oxygen Deficit). It measures the body anaerobic energy release during exercise. Recent studies have been limited to establishing the energy system contribution given a range of exercises (Hill & Smith, 2006). In addition, this report will establish the aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions in a supra-maximal 10 and 30-second Wingate test. This will help strengthen strategies to improve the athlete’s anaerobic energy systems depending on the intensity of training. The hypothesis for this study is that the 30-second Wingate test has greater levels of aerobic energy system contribution as opposed to anaerobic. The tests were carried out in two labs. Methods From lab measurements, Adam was aged 20 while James was 23. Their weights in kilograms were 67.2 and 63.1 and their heights in metres as 1.68 and 1.74 respectively. In lab 2, the testing was carried out during one-hour labs over two consecutive weeks. The equipments used were; (Monark cycle ergometer) to carry out a Wingate test, (Polar A3 heart rate monitor) for measuring heartbeat, (massage table), (medagraphics metabolic cart), (one-way non-rebreathable valve) and (Mouthpiece), (Nose clip) to hold the nasals, (Stopwatch) to measure time, Rate of preserved exertion table, and (computer) for collecting data. The two subjects fasted to optimize anaerobic and aerobic energy expenditures, flexibility and their grip strengths. Their details were entered into the metabolic cart, which is a (Medagraphics Cardiopulmonary Diagnosis System 80018-106 USA). It inputs details like Name, Age, Sex, Height and Weight. They were then put on a (Polar a3, Finland, a heart rate monitor). It was placed on the Xyphoid process of the sternum. The subjects were made to lie down on the massage table and relax. The nose clip and the mouthpiece were attached to the subjects and have them relax for five minutes. After five minutes, respiratory data was collected by clicking “start test” on the metabolic cart. The subjects laid relaxed making minimum movement for a period of five minutes. The subject’s heart rate and average steady state VO2 (oxygen consumption), VCO2 (expired air) & RER (Respiratory Exchange Ratio) was measured at the end of the five minutes. The test was then paused on the metabolic cart of which the subjects began to perform the 10 and 30 second ‘all out’ test. Supra-maximal test was done to establish a relationship between VO2 and power output (i.e. work load). The cycle ergometer (Monark 834E, Sweden) seat height was adjusted to fit the subjects. They mounted the ergometer, and the nose clip and mouthpiece were reattached. They then began to exercise, and metabolic cart was restarted. In addition, they began performing three minutes sections of efforts at four different workloads. During the final minute of each workload, the subject’s heart rate, average steady state VO2, VCO2 and RER recorded. Oxygen consumption was made to reach a steady state before increasing to the next workload. On completion of the test, the mouthpiece, nose clip and heart rate monitor for cleaning were removed. Excel (Microsoft 2010, USA) was used to plot power output (x-axis) and VO2 (y-axis) on a scatter plot graph, thus helping to determine linear relationship between power output and VO2. This also helped to predict the oxygen consumption in the following lab. In the lab 3, Heart rate monitor was placed on each subject. Resting lactate was measured for both subjects. The subjects performed 5-10 minutes warm-up. Results Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of subjects Variable James (10s) Adam (30s) Wingate Group(10s) Wingate Group (30s) Gender Male Male All All Age (Yrs) 20 23 22.8 23 Height (Cm) 168 174 170.9 170 Weight (Kg) 67.2 63.1 73 75.3 Average power (W) 530.3 792 762 430 % aerobic 51.3 48.7 13.7 24.9 % anaerobic 51.5 48.5 86.3 75.1 The table above is an illustration of the characteristics of the two subjects at which Wingate test was done, being 10-second, or 30-second. The table captures data variables, which are important for this observation. They include measuring height, age, weight, average power, aerobic and anaerobic contributions. These were observable variables for James, Adam, and Wingate group for 10s and 30s. Figure 1: Oxygen consumption for Adam The first 30 Watts of power output saw the both oxygen and carbon dioxide produced rise steadily. The uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide reduced between at 30 and 60 Watts of power output. The gradient again increased between 60 and 120 Watts of power output with more carbondioxide released than oxygen. Figure 2: Oxygen consumption for James For James, Oxygen consumption was higher than the release of carbondioxide. Oxygen uptake was higher in the first 30 Watts of power output. Increased power output did not increase oxygen consumption further, but was higher in all timesall times when compared to the rate of carbondioxide release. However, at 110 Watts of power output, the carbon dioxide release exceeded the consumtion of oxygen. Figure 3: Heart rate for all subjects The heart rate for both wingate groups took a shape of sigmoid curve with the first 10 seconds showing a rapid rise in the heart beat of the two groups. The wingate group for the 30 seconds test had greater heart rate as compared to the wingate group for 10 seconds. The groups heart rates reached a climax at 12 seconds before starting to fall. James’s heart rate was steady and higher than that of Adam for the entire period of study. Figure 4: Blood lactate concentrations for all subjects The Pre-test results for blood lactate for James was higher than the group while those of Wingate groups were lower. One minute after the exercise, the blood lactate for Adam was way higher than that of James. Similarly, the pre-blood lactate concentrations for wingate groups were equal, but after one minute of high intensive strain the blood lactate for wingate group of 30seconds was higher than the wingrate of 10 seconds. Figure 5: Rate Perceived Exertion (RPE) The RPE scale above was used to determine the intensity of individual and group exercise. The scale representing the rate perceived exertion ran from 0 – 18. By using numbers, like these shown below to represent phrases, it was possible to rate the ease or difficulty the subjects found the activity. For instance, zero referred to the feeling one gets by sitting on a chair while 18 shows extreme heaviness and it basically refers to the feeling at the completion of the Wingate test, which was a challenging activity. The scale went from lowest meaning ‘nothing at all’ was felt to ‘very, very heavy’ which implied a strenuous exercise. Figure 6: Power Output for 10 second Wingate test for Adam The power output for Adam was very high (1021watts) when the ergometer was started, and within the next 5 seconds, the power output had significantly reduced to about half, 563 watts. This was because the subject was made to exercise under high intensive environment and required to perform about 152 RPM within a short time. Figure 7: Power Output for 30 second Wingate test for James Adam had peak power of 919 watts, and was lower compared to James (1021 watts). As the revolutions per minute were being gradually reduced, the power output kept decreasing. The power output of Adams again rose at 20 seconds before reducing again to a low of 374 watts at 30 seconds. Power output may have increased in the 20 second because the body had reduced the blood lactate concentration by taking in more oxygen. The body started to breakdown more ATP hence assisting the muscles to regain more energy and generate more power. Figure 8: Percentage of aerobic and anaerobic contributions The aerobic and anaerobic contributions for James and Adam were almost equal with slightly higher aerobic contributions for Adam as compared to James. Despite the time of the test, there was greater aerobic contribution as opposed to anaerobic for both subjects in the experimental group. The Wingate group aerobic contribution for both 10s and 30s was considerably lower meaning that on the contrary, the anaerobic contribution is much higher in both cases of the control group. Discussion: The primary objective of this study was to establish and compare the aerobic and anaerobic energy system contributions of James and Adam compared to the Wingate group during a supra-maximal Wingate test in 10 and 30-seconds range. From the results, it can be learned that the control group, which is the Wingate group, had shown huge variations especially in the heart rate, blood lactate concentrations and proportions of aerobic and anaerobic contributions. By having the subjects fasting and warming-up for some time, their bodies, of the two experimental group subjects were enhanced through building up strength and endurance to perform strenuous exercises. The subjects in the experimental group were able to perform much better under aerobic conditions since blood lactate and heart rate was put under control. Blood lactate causes increased lethargy and feeling of fatigue even with a slight exercise. Shorter duration of exercise increases the rate of burning ATP, which is released within a shorter time. However, such abrupt release of energy causes greater uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide at equal measure. In the control group, the Wingate subjects showed that heart rate responds to increased strain and experiences the release of lactic acid in larger proportions hence increasing the rate of anaerobic contribution in the body. It is an assumption, which was evaluated to establish the precise aerobic and anaerobic energy system aggregations in a 10 and 30-second supra-maximal ‘all-out’ Wingate test. Peak power output, flexibility, grip strength and the average power of the two subjects was found to be higher when subjects were fasting. It was depicted during the 10-second and 30 second Wingate group test, that aerobic contribution was considerably lower, which showed a greater influence of anaerobic respiration. For a longer time of studies in this field, aerobic energy system has been known to respond slowly to the needs of high intensity exercise and therefore induces dismal activity in consequent performance demanded over a shorter period of time (Gastin, 2001). In the 10-second Wingate group test, 13.7% of aerobic capacity which is small only gives a minute proportion of energy contribution which is required in the burn out of energy packets to release additional power. On the contrary, the anaerobic system, which accounted for 86.3%, significantly contributes greater amount of power required in the exercise. It implies that it is the key factor required so that energy is released during a short duration of high intensive body strain. On the other hand, a 30-second Wingate test, which was experimented on Adam, recorded 51.5% aerobic contribution and 48.5% anaerobic respiration. For James, the results were 51.3% aerobic and 49.7% anaerobic respiration. These two combined were significantly higher as it contributed greater amount of power required in the exercise than the Wingate group of 10s and 30s. Though important, it is not a serious indicator required for energy release during a short duration of high intensive body strain. As time increases the contribution of aerobic energy also increases since more oxygen uptake is experienced. According to Medbo et al., (1988), ATP-PC is the canonical phenomena accountable for immediate energy which is dispensed during an anaerobic metabolic. In this case, the PC substrate is re-synthesized in a continual anaerobic processes hence contributing to the energy system depending on the exercise duration, which can be a 10 or 30-second Wingate test. The ability to carry out a task, given maximal rates, has a correlation with the individual’s bank of phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) components. It is also influenced by the muscle glycogen and the body’s capacity to reject more lactate build up among the active muscles Medbo et al (1988). Aerobic metabolic contributions are greatest at the instance where ATP-PC system has been exhausted, requiring that more lactic acid and muscle glycogen are needed to fuel additional strain work, which is seen in the 30-second Wingate. It will be learned that a greater higher blood lactate recorded 60second post-test of 11.3mmol/L in the 30-second test as opposed to a 6mmol/l in the 10-second test. Other theorists and scientists like Smith & Hill, (1991) obtained in their study that exceeding the 30-s stretch of the Wingate power test, an estimated 15-25% of the aggregate ATP regeneration is obtained through aerobic mechanisms, especially during the 20s point of the test. It is calculated that the aerobic contribution at this stage is more than 35%. It is inferred that aerobic metabolism has increased receptiveness to anaerobic activity and immediately tries to counter its effect by burning more energy pockets of ATP with minimal oxygen concentrations. This acts as a complementary measure to increased anaerobic activity hence increasing the rejection of potentially ‘exercise’ harmful components like lactic acid, hence improving the level of activity demanded out of such exercises. In addition, a repeated case was observed in the aerobic contribution from the 10 to 30-second Wingate group test increased dramatically from 13.7% to 24.9% aerobic energy system contribution. As duration of high intensive strain exercise increases, the body reflex demand more oxygen to burn more ATP. The body activity increases uptake of oxygen while moderating the burning of chemical compounds. Previous studies conducted by Spencer and Gastin (2001), involved highly trained athletes numbering 20 who undertook a maximal ‘all-out’ sprinting test. The outcomes showed that, 15 and 30-seconds interval experienced an upsurge of aerobic system activity starting to contribute as the elementary energy system. Optimal effort exercise over protracted duration exceeding five minutes will automatically switch to the aerobic system, since anaerobic energy reserves are inadequate to provide consistent supplies given long duration of exercise. A greater percentage of this exercise depends upon the aerobic energy system provided that the glycolic systems and ATP-PC stores, require time to re-synthesize and re-build upon depletion. (Glaister et al 2007). Some shortcomings happen and this study is no exception. One the shortcoming is the meagerness of the sample size, which only considered two subjects to be tested. When more subjects are incorporated, the level of error is greatly reduced and increases the capacity of more comparisons between the energy system contributions to be made and generalized. Secondly, the subjects represented varying cardiovascular and differing levels of physical fitness, which made it difficult to take comparisons between Adam and James, and their effective contributions of energy systems between the supra-maximal tests. Conclusion: The results in this study achieved its objective since the data collected and evaluated during the 10 and 30-second Wingate test indicates that the experimental group test, James and Adam, will have a higher level of aerobic contribution as compared to anaerobic responses in the control group test. Their aerobic percentage averages were between 51.3% and 51.5%, meaning that their aerobic contributions had surpassed the anaerobic contributions. On the contrary, the control groups which were Wingate group 10s and 30s recorded higher levels of anaerobic contributions 86.3% and 75.1% being significantly high compared to their aerobic contributions of 13.7% and 24.9%. It was established that experimental group of James and Adam had shown more uptake of aerobic process as compared to the Wingate groups. This study infers that protracted durations of maximal activity synchronously adopt aerobic energy system with decreased heart rates and increased lactic acid generation and has little influence to do with weight and height but more on the duration of the exercise. The conclusion developed from the results has basis of connecting fasting and warming up to balance of blood lactate and heart rate. The aerobic and anaerobic respirations are also possible to be brought to a useful balance that can get the athletes engaging in longer times of strenuous exercises. The study was able to optimize on power output, increasing their flexibility, grip strength and the blood lactate by balancing on the aerobic and anaerobic contributions. References Dotan R, Bar-Or O (2003). Load optimization for the Wingate Anaerobic Test. European Journal of Applied Physiotherapy and Occupational Physiology. 1983; 51(3):409–417.  Franklin, K. L., Gordon, R, S., Baker, J. S. & Davies, B. (2007).Accurate assessment of work done and power during a Wingate anaerobic test.Applied physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 32, 225-32. Gastin, P. (2001). Energy System Interaction and Relative Contribution during Maximal Exercise. Sports Medicine, 31(10), 725-741 Goslin B.R, Graham T.E (2005). 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