Forum Activity 2_PPA_M231

Refer to chapter 4 of the book (Exercise Metabolism) and answer the below questions:

1. Define the below terms:

 Oxygen deficit
The oxygen deficit is the difference between the oxygen demand and the oxygen intake at the
start of exercise. During the early stages of exercise, the body may rely on anaerobic
metabolism to fulfil the increased demand before oxygen intake reaches a steady state.

 Incremental exercise tests

To examine an individual's physiological responses, incremental exercise tests entail gradually

increasing the intensity of physical activity. In exercise physiology, this type of test is frequently
used to measure parameters such as VO2 max, lactate threshold, and other performance
indicators.

 Maximal oxygen uptake, or ˙VO2 max

An individual's maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max) is the maximum quantity of oxygen that
they can use when engaging in vigorous exercise. It is a gauge of aerobic capacity and is
frequently seen as a vital sign of cardiovascular health.

 Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process known as "gluconeogenesis" is how the body produces glucose from
non-carbohydrate precursors like glycerol and amino acids. This procedure is particularly
crucial when fasting, consuming little or no carbohydrates, or engaging in vigorous exercise.

 Lactate threshold

The lactate threshold is the activity intensity at which lactate generation exceeds lactate
clearance, resulting in lactate buildup in the blood. It is frequently used to detect the change
from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism during exercise.

 lactate shuttle

The movement of lactate for utilisation as an energy source between cells and tissues is
referred to as the "lactate shuttle." Previously regarded as a waste product, lactate is now
understood to be an important intermediary in the metabolism of energy.
 Oxygen debt

The increased oxygen use that occurs after severe exercise to restore the body to its pre-
exercise state is referred to as oxygen debt. It is linked to compensating for oxygen deficiency
and restoring energy stores such as ATP and creatine phosphate.

 Respiratory exchange ratio (R)

The respiratory exchange ratio (R) is the ratio of oxygen used to carbon dioxide produced
during metabolism. It is used to calculate the primary type of fuel (carbohydrates or fats)
consumed for energy.

 Onset of blood lactate accumulation

The workout intensity at which blood lactate levels start to rise noticeably is known as the
onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). It is an additional marker of the shift in
metabolism during exercise from aerobic to anaerobic.

2. What are the factors that might contribute to excess post-exercise oxygen consumption
(EPOC)?

Exercises with higher intensities provide a higher EPOC effect than exercises with lower
intensities.Your body will be under more stress the more intensely you workout. This would
imply that in order for your body to heal, you will require more ATP energy and oxygen.

3. Does Lactate Cause Muscle Soreness? Discuss it.

Anaerobic metabolism results in the production of lactate as a byproduct, particularly when

muscle oxygen uptake cannot keep up with the body's energy needs. Lactate, however, is
not a waste product; rather, it is an important metabolic intermediary for energy and a fuel
source for other tissues.

4. Discuss several possible reasons why blood lactate begins to rise rapidly during
incremental exercise and graph it.

The muscles need to expend more energy during incremental activity. The body uses glucose
and glycogen as energy sources to meet this demand. Lactate is produced as a consequence
of increased glucose and glycogen breakdown during intense exercise.

5. What is McArdle’s Syndrome?

 McArdle disease is a hereditary condition that mostly affects the skeletal muscles. It is
caused by a lack or absence of an enzyme known as myophosphorylase. During periods of
vigorous activity, symptoms such as painful muscle cramps, weakness, and weariness
appear.

6. How Carbohydrate Feeding via Sports Drinks Improves Endurance Performance

Athletes commonly eat carbohydrates through sports drinks to improve endurance

performance. Carbohydrates are the body's major source of energy, and depletion of
glycogen stores during extended exercise can result in weariness. Sports drinks, which
typically contain carbs in the form of sugars, electrolytes, and fluids, are essential for
endurance athletes.

7. Explain the percentage of energy derived from the four major sources based on figure 1.

Figure 1. Four major sources of energy derived

According to Figure 1, the first hour of low-intensity, sustained activity such as walking, long
slow runs, and cycling takes a significant amount of oxygen to provide the necessary energy.
The majority of our energy comes from the breakdown of carbs stored in glycogen in your
muscles. However, this significant source of energy will be the primary supply of energy for
us during continuous exercise until the muscle glycogen stores decline.

When this happens, blood glucose and plasma free fatty acids become a more essential
source of energy. With the steady depletion in muscle glycogen, there is a shift in substrate
metabolism as fat is used more than carbohydrates. This can also be due to increased
adrenaline levels in the blood. As a result, lipase activity and lipolysis increase.

As we exercise for a longer period of time, our bodies get more adept at using fat for energy.
However, this shift from carbs to fat can only last so long. When the levels of sugar in our
blood (glucose) drop too low and our muscle glycogen is depleted, our bodies are unable to
produce pyruvate. When our sugar levels drop and our muscle glycogen is depleted, our
 bodies are unable to make enough pyruvate, which is required for the production of energy
from oxygen. As a result, our workout performance begins to deteriorate.

8. Graph the change in oxygen uptake during the transition from rest to steady-state,
submaximal exercise. Label the oxygen deficit. Where does the ATP come from during the
transition period from rest to steady state?

Initial ATP production through anaerobic pathways

- ATP-PC system
- Glycolysis