On a bioenergetic four compartment model for human exercise

• Bioenergetic models for exercise performance simulations and pacing strategy optimizations currently lag behind empirical knowledge in human bioenergetics. Therefore, the objective of this study was the construction of a four compartment bioenergetic model that incorporates separate oxidative phosphorylation of lipids and carbohydrates and describes the regulation of these energy substrates’ utilization. Furthermore, the aim was also to model efficiency and the impact of muscle fatigue and the force-velocity relationship on the maximal attainable rate of energy expenditure. The model was formulated with five systems of differential equations that regulated the fluid levels in three of the compartments, while the lipid compartment energy was kept constant. Regulations had to be imposed on the system of compartments to achieve the desired carbohydrate dependent functionality and efficiency of the model. Equilibrium equations were modeled for the alactic compound composition and a constraint was modeled for the maximal energy expenditure rate, dependent on the intramuscular inorganic phosphate. A separate force-velocity relationship was modeled to constrain power output at low speeds and efficiency was modeled with a linear but off-set relationship between power output and rate of energy expenditure. The relative aerobic contribution to total energy expenditure showed good congruence with empirical results, while time to exhaustion was overestimated due to the constraint on maximal rate of energy expenditure. Therefore, further experimental studies are necessary for complete validation of the model.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Matematik -- Annan matematik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Mathematics -- Other Mathematics (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Annan maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Other Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Bioenergetics

Compartment model

Differential equation

Power

Performance

Substrate utilization

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)