GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 33 – September 4, 2015 | Page 28

WHAT YOU NEED
YOUR BODY TO DO
BY HANNAH VAN BUUREN
SEPTEMBER 3, 2015
Physical fitness expert and sports research academic, Hannah van Buuren explains what is required from the body in
order to successfully play Gaelic sports and to overcome and
manage the physiological demands that is placed on the body
in order to execute specific functions successfully.
The body requires energy in order to function, using Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). This is the ‘currency of the body’ and
is produced through various systems. The three systems are
known as;

AKA:
State:
Fuel Source:
Duration:

Intensity:
Example:

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ATP-PC
Anaerobic = very little O2 present
Phosphocreatine
0 - ±15 sec → rapid, immediate energy supply
however very limited
Very High
Short sprints & explosive movements
(i.e. jumping for the ball)

AKA:

State:
Fuel Source:
Duration:
Intensity:
Example:

AKA:
State:
Fuel Source:
Duration:
Intensity:
Example:

Anaerobic Glycolysis / EMP / Lactic Acid
System
Anaerobic = very little O2 present
Glucose (Carbohydrates)
<2min, medium amount of energy supplied
High
Running into space → collect pass → run with
ball → pass → run into space Aerobc

Mitochondrial Respiration
Aerobic = presence of O2
Carbohydrates, Lipids (Fats), Protein
>2min, Vast amount of energy supplied
Moderate to Low
Playing a half/full games of Gaelic Football