How long does energy produced by anaerobic alactic metabolism typically last?

Energy produced by anaerobic alactic metabolism, also known as the phosphagen system or ATP-PC system, typically lasts about 10 to 20 seconds. This system relies on stored ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and creatine phosphate in the muscles to rapidly generate energy during short bursts of intense activity, such as sprinting or jumping.

The reason the duration is limited to this time frame is because the availability of these stored energy sources is finite; they deplete quickly during high-intensity efforts. As the body continues to require energy beyond that window, it must transition to other metabolic pathways, such as anaerobic lactic metabolism or aerobic metabolism, which take longer to generate energy but can sustain activity for extended periods. This aspect of anaerobic alactic metabolism highlights its role in high-intensity, short-duration exercise, distinguishing it from other energy systems that provide energy for longer durations.