Lactic Acid System

Overview

• The lactic acid system is an anaerobic energy system.
• It uses glucose as fuel, derived from glycogen (stored glucose).
• The process is known as glycolysis.

Energy Production

• Glycolysis: Breakdown of glucose to release energy.
  • Produces 2 ATP molecules.
  • Results in the formation of pyruvic acid (pyruvate).
• In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid (lactate).

Effects of Lactic Acid

• Lactic acid is a strong acid causing:
  • Pain
  • Soreness
  • Fatigue
• Inhibits enzymes such as PFK, ATPase, and Cpase, decreasing performance.

Duration and Usage

• Effective for 1-2 minutes of maximal intensity work.
• Not due to lack of fuel but due to pain and fatigue.

Applications

• Used during high-intensity activities lasting longer than 10 seconds.
• Examples:
  • 400m runners
  • 800m runners
  • 100-200m swimmers
  • 200m runners

Advantages

• Rapid energy production due to being anaerobic.
• Provides energy up to two minutes without oxygen.

Disadvantages

• Conversion of pyruvate to lactate leads to discomfort and reduced performance.
• Low energy yield: Only 2 ATP per glucose molecule.
• Compared to aerobic system, significantly less energy is produced.

Conclusion

• The lactic acid system is crucial for short bursts of high-intensity activity, providing quick energy but with limited duration and efficiency.