Fatigue during the 400-m sprint was studied by measuring muscle ATP, creatine phosphate (CP), lactate (M-La), and blood lactate (B-La) in six male runners before and after four experimental sprints (100, 200, 300, and 400 m).

During the first 100 m, muscle CP decreased from 15.8 +/- 1.7 to 8.3 +/- 0.3 mmol/kg while M-La increased to 3.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/kg. After 200 m the CP had decreased to 6.5 +/- 0.5 mmol/kg and M-La had increased to 8.3 +/- 1.1 mmol/kg.

At the end of the 400 meters, ATP and CP concentrations had decreased by 27% and 89%, respectively, and M-La had increased to 17.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/kg. It was concluded that after 200 m the speed of running decreased, although CP was not depleted and lactate concentration was not at maximum level.

Complete fatigue occurred when CP stores were depleted and B-La and M-La attained an individual maximum.

About the Authors

Hirvonen J, Nummela A, Rusko H, Rehunen S, Härkönen M. (1992) Fatigue and changes of ATP, creatine phosphate, and lactate during the 400-m sprint. Can J Sport Sci. 1992 Jun;17(2):141-4. Finnish Sports Institute, Vierumäki, Finland.