What type of energy system is predominantly used during high-intensity short-duration activities?

The phosphagen energy system, also known as the ATP-PCr system, is predominantly utilized during high-intensity short-duration activities, typically lasting up to about 10 seconds. This energy system relies on the immediate availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) stored in muscle cells. When an activity like sprinting or heavy lifting demands explosive power, the body uses these readily available sources of energy.

The drawback of the phosphagen system is that it can only support fuel for a brief time due to limited stores of ATP and phosphocreatine. This characteristic makes it ideal for sports or activities requiring quick bursts of energy, such as sprinting, jumping, or heavy resistance training.

In contrast, other energy systems such as the glycolytic (anaerobic) and oxidative (aerobic) systems, while important for different types of physical activities, involve slower energy production processes. The glycolytic system takes slightly longer to kick in and supports activities that last from about 10 seconds to 2 minutes, while the oxidative system supports prolonged activities over a longer duration, relying on oxygen consumption. Therefore, for activities that demand immediate and intense energy performance, the phosphagen system is the most relevant