ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which duration best describes the energy burst provided by creatine phosphate during exercise?

1. 30-60 seconds

2. 5-10 seconds

3. 1-2 minutes

4. 15-20 seconds

The correct answer is: 5-10 seconds

The energy burst provided by creatine phosphate during exercise is typically described as lasting around 5 to 10 seconds. Creatine phosphate, a high-energy compound stored in muscle cells, serves as a rapid source of energy for short-duration, high-intensity activities, such as sprinting or heavy lifting. During the initial moments of intense physical effort, creatine phosphate donates a phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), forming adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier in the body. This immediate energy system allows for consistent output during brief, explosive efforts but becomes depleted quickly. This is why the 5 to 10 seconds duration is most accurate, as it aligns with the physiological role of creatine phosphate in anaerobic energy production, which is crucial for short bursts of high-intensity exercise. After this period, the body will rely on other energy systems for continued action, such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, for longer durations.