ABSTRACT
The energy continuum depicts the changes in major energy sources with time when exercise is maximal for each of the phases. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a ubiquitous high-energy phosphate which consists of a nucleoside, adenosine, to which is attached three phosphate molecules using high energy-yielding bonds. Muscle glycogen is an essential store of carbohydrate fuel for both high-intensity exercise and also prolonged activity. Glycogen is a polysaccharide made up of a large number of monosaccharide glucose units. When muscle glycogen breaks down to produce energy, the reactions involve the removal of glucose molecules under the influence of the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. Glucose delivered to the muscle by blood may also act as a useful energy source during exercise. Aerobic energy processes take place in the mitochondria of cells. The essential requirement is that oxygen must be present to complete the process.
