Training Dictionary
Phosphocreatine
Definition: Phosphocreatine is the compound found in skeletal muscle used to resynthesize ATP, which is used for skeletal muscle contractions.
Phosphocreatine is derived from creatine and is an important energy buffer in skeletal muscle contractions. Unlike oxidative phosphorylation, phoshocreatine does not utilize oxygen to produce energy.1 Phosphocreatine is used in bursts of heavy activity and can provide a large surge of energy for 5-8 seconds.2
Phosphocreatine is the compound found in skeletal muscle used to resynthesize ATP, which is used for skeletal muscle contractions.1
Simplified Biochemical Reaction:
Phosphocreatine + ADP + Pi --> Creatine + ATP1
(don't worry, I'll explain these terms in the near future)
Effects of Exercise
With anaerobic training, the amount of phosphocreatine stored in muscles increases. Since phosphocreatine is the muscle's main energy supply for immediate energy, increased stores will allow for more short-term, high end power. Also, with an increased amount of phosphocreatine storage, the duration of a maximal intensity effort can be sustained for a longer duration.3
Important Details
When sprinting, this is what provides the initial 5-8 second surge (less depending on level of fatigue).
Sources:
1 Nelson D. L., M. M. Cox 2005. Principles of Biochemistry. 4th Edition. W. H. Freeman & Company, New York 857 p.
2 Robergs & Stevens 2003. Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology: For Fitness, Performance, and Health, 2nd Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York 37-38 pp.
3 McArdle, Katch, F. I., & V. L. Katch, 2001. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance. 5th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia: 466, 485-486 pp.
