Background: Long-term adaptations and ongoing training seem to modify the energy system contribution in highly trained individuals. We aimed to compare the energy metabolism profile during sprint exercise in athletes of different specialties. Methods: Endurance (n = 17, 20.3 ± 6.0 yrs), speed-power (n = 14, 20.3 ± 2.5 yrs), and mixed (n = 19, 23.4 ± 4.8 yrs) athletes performed adapted 15-second all-out test before and after a general preparation training period. The contribution of phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic systems was calculated using the three-component PCr-LA-O₂ method. Results: Between-group differences were observed in the contribution of energy systems in the first and second examinations. The proportions were 47:41:12 in endurance, 35:57:8 in team sports, and 45:48:7 in speed-power athletes. Endurance athletes differed in the phosphagen (p < 0.001) and glycolytic systems (p = 0.006) from team sports and in the aerobic system from speed-power athletes (p = 0.003). No substantial shifts were observed after the general preparatory phase, except a decrease in aerobic energy contribution in team sports athletes (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Sports specialization and metabolic profile influence energy system contribution during sprint exercise. Highly trained athletes show a stable energy profile during the general preparation phase, indicative of long-term adaptation, rather than immediate training effects.

Background/Objectives: A high level of specific metabolic capacity is essential for maximal sprinting in both male and female athletes. Various factors dictate sex differences in maximal power production and energy utilization. This study aims to compare the contribution of energy systems between male and female athletes with similar sport-specific physiological adaptations during a 15-s sprint exercise. Methods: The endurance group consisted of 17 males (23 ± 7 y) and 17 females (20 ± 2 y). The speed-power group included 14 males (21.1 ± 2.6 y) and 14 females (20 ± 3 y). The contribution of phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic systems was determined using the three-component PCr-LA-O₂ method. Results: Significant differences were observed in the energy expenditure for all systems and total energy expenditure between males and females in both groups (p = 0.001–0.013). The energy expenditure in kJ for individual systems (phosphagen–glycolytic–aerobic) was 35:25:7 vs. 20:16:5 in endurance males vs. female athletes, respectively. In the speed-power group, male athletes expended 33:37:6 kJ and female athletes expended 21:25:4 kJ, respectively. The percentage proportions did not differ between males and females in any system. The contribution of the phosphagen–glycolytic–aerobic systems was 52:37:11 vs. 48:39:13 in endurance male and female athletes, respectively. For speed-power males vs. female athletes, the proportions were 42:50:8 vs. 41:50:9, respectively. Conclusions: Despite the differences in body composition, mechanical output, and absolute energy expenditure, the energy system contribution appears to have a similar metabolic effect between male and female athletes engaged in sprint exercises with similar sport-related adaptations. The magnitude and profile of sex differences are related to sports discipline.

Background Although physiological adaptations vary by sport, most athletes use short-term maximal exercise. We examined the effect of long-term and ongoing training adaptation on the contribution of energy systems during sprint exercise depending on sports specialization. Method Endurance-trained (n = 17, aged 20.3 ± 6.0 y), speed-power (n = 14, aged 20.3 ± 2.5 y), and mixed (soccer, n = 19, aged 23.4 ± 4.8 y) athletes participated in the study. They performed a 15-second Wingate test before and after a 14-week training phase. The contribution of phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic systems was calculated using the three-component PCr-LA-O₂ method. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for analysis. Results The proportions of the phosphagen : glycolytic : aerobic energy systems before vs. after the 14-week training period were as follows: 51.8 ± 8.1% : 38.7 ± 6.7% : 9.5 ± 3.2% vs. 46.4 ± 12.8% : 41.1 ± 11.4% : 11.8 ± 5.3% in endurance, 33.9 ± 14.5% : 53.7 ± 13.9% : 11.5 ± 4.1% vs. 34.8 ± 17.2% : 56.9 ± 16.5% : 8.3 ± 2.7% in mixed, and 42.3 ± 12.3% : 49.6 ± 12.1% : 6.9 ± 2.2% vs. 44.7 ± 10.1% : 48.5 ± 9.7% : 6.9 ± 2.2% in speed-power athletes, respectively. The contribution of individual energy systems differed significantly within all groups (p = 0.001‒0.008). Endurance and mixed groups differed in the contribution of the phosphagen (p < 0.001) and glycolytic systems (p = 0.006). Endurance and speed-power groups differed in the contribution of the aerobic system (p = 0.003). There were no substantial shifts in energy systems contribution after the training period, except for decreasing aerobic system contribution in mixed athletes (p = 0.048). Conclusion Energy systems contribution during sprint exercise is determined by long-term specific adaptations. Ongoing training loads do not induce significant changes in the proportions of energy systems.