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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-11-2013 | Original Article

Changes in phosphocreatine concentration of skeletal muscle during high-intensity intermittent exercise in children and adults

Authors: J. Kappenstein, A. Ferrauti, B. Runkel, J. Fernandez-Fernandez, K. Müller, J. Zange

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to test the hypotheses that a greater oxidative capacity in children results in a lower phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion, a faster PCr resynthesis and a lower muscle acidification during high-intensity intermittent exercise compared to adults.

Methods

Sixteen children (9.4 ± 0.5 years) and 16 adults (26.1 ± 0.3 years) completed a protocol consisting of a dynamic plantar flexion (10 bouts of 30-s exercise at 25 % of one repetition maximum separated by 20-s recovery), followed by 10 min of passive recovery. Changes of PCr, ATP, inorganic phosphate, and phosphomonoesters were measured by means of ³¹Phosphorous-magnetic resonance spectroscopy during and post-exercise.

Results

Average PCr (percentage of [PCr] at initial rest (%[PCr]_i)) at the end of the exercise (adults 17 ± 12 %[PCr]_i, children 38 ± 17 %[PCr]_i, P < 0.01) and recovery periods (adults 37 ± 14 %[PCr]_i, children 57 ± 17 %[PCr]_i, P < 0.01) was significantly lower in adults compared to children, induced by a stronger PCr decrease during the first exercise interval (adults −73 ± 10 %[PCr]_i, children −55 ± 15 %[PCr]_i, P < 0.01). End-exercise pH was significantly higher in children compared to adults (children 6.90 + 0.20, −0.14; adults 6.67 + 0.23, −0.15, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

From our results we suggest relatively higher rates of oxidative ATP formation in children’s muscle for covering the ATP demand of high-intensity intermittent exercise compared to adults, enabling children to begin each exercise interval with significantly higher PCr concentrations and leading to an overall lower muscle acidification.

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Title: Changes in phosphocreatine concentration of skeletal muscle during high-intensity intermittent exercise in children and adults
Authors: J. Kappenstein
A. Ferrauti
B. Runkel
J. Fernandez-Fernandez
K. Müller
J. Zange
Publication date: 01-11-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11/2013
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2712-x

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Changes in phosphocreatine concentration of skeletal muscle during high-intensity intermittent exercise in children and adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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