Final answer:
The performance difference of the subjects can be explained by the composition of muscle fibers and the metabolic pathways utilized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in performance of the subjects during the 1st 30 s effort and the rate of decline in power between each effort can be attributed to various skeletal muscle and physiological properties or abilities.
One factor that may explain the difference is the composition of muscle fibers. There are three main types of skeletal muscle fibers: slow oxidative (SO) fibers, fast oxidative (FO) fibers, and fast glycolytic (FG) fibers. Slow-twitch fibers (SO) are used in endurance exercises and allow for long periods of contraction. Fast-twitch fibers, on the other hand, are used for quick, powerful contractions. The proportion of these muscle fibers can affect the performance of the subjects.
Another factor is the metabolic pathways used by the muscle fibers. Slow-twitch fibers primarily use aerobic respiration to produce ATP, while fast-twitch fibers primarily use anaerobic glycolysis. The type of metabolism utilized can affect the fatigue rate and overall performance of the muscles.