Abstract
Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS) and Lactate Threshold (LT) are physiologically-related and fundamental concepts within the sports and exercise sciences. Literature supporting their relationship, however, is scarce. Among the recognized LTs, we were particularly interested in the disused “Minimum Lactate Equivalent” (LEmin), first described in the early 1980s. We hypothesized that velocity at LT, conceptually comprehended as in the old days (LEmin), could predict velocity at MLSS (VMLSS) more accurate than some other blood lactate-related thresholds (BLRTs) routinely used nowadays by many sport science practitioners. Thirteen male endurance-trained [VMLSS 15.0 ± 1.1 km·h−1; maximal oxygen uptake () 67.6 ± 4.1 ml·kg−1·min−1] homogeneous (coefficient of variation: ≈7%) runners conducted 1) a submaximal discontinuous incremental running test to determine several BLRTs followed by a maximal ramp incremental running test for determination, and 2) several (4–5) constant velocity running tests to determine VMLSS with a precision of 0.20 km·h−1. Determined BLRTs include LEmin and LEmin-related LEmin plus 1 (LEmin+1mM) and 1.5 mmol·L−1 (LEmin+1.5mM), along with well-established BLRTs such as conventionally-calculated LT, Dmax and fixed blood lactate concentration thresholds. LEmin did not differ from LT (P = 0.71; ES: 0.08) and was 27% lower than MLSS (P < 0.001; ES: 3.54). LEmin+1mM was not different from MLSS (P = 0.47; ES: 0.09). LEmin was the best predictor of VMLSS (r = 0.91; P < 0.001; SEE = 0.47 km·h−1), followed by LEmin+1mM (r = 0.86; P < 0.001; SEE = 0.58 km·h−1) and LEmin+1.5mM (r = 0.84; P < 0.001; SEE = 0.86 km·h−1). There was no statistical difference between MLSS and estimated MLSS using LEmin prediction formula (P = 0.99; ES: 0.001). Mean bias and limits of agreement were 0.00 ± 0.45 km·h−1 and ±0.89 km·h−1. Additionally, LEmin, LEmin+1mM and LEmin+1.5mM were the best predictors of (r = 0.72–0.79; P < 0.001). These results support LEmin, an objective submaximal overlooked and underused BLRT, to be one of the best single MLSS predictors in endurance trained runners. Our study advocates factors controlling LEmin to be shared, at least partly, with those controlling MLSS.
Highlights
The exercise intensity corresponding to the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a consistent physiological phenomenon describing the highest constant velocity or power output that can be maintained over time without continual blood lactate concentration (BLC) accumulation (Beneke, 1995)
In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of multiple-day testing, simpler methods have been proposed to estimate MLSS from a single-day test, involving the use of either BLC-based measurements or some other bloodless simple measurements such as the peak workload reached during an incremental maximal test
The major finding of this study was that velocity corresponding to the Minimum Lactate Equivalent (VLEmin) was the strongest predictor of velocity at MLSS (VMLSS), followed by VLEmin+1 mM, VLEmin+1.5 mM, LT1 and the rest of the predictor variables (Table 3)
Summary
The exercise intensity corresponding to the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a consistent physiological phenomenon describing the highest constant velocity or power output that can be maintained over time without continual blood lactate concentration (BLC) accumulation (Beneke, 1995). Numerous studies conducted on competitive athletes have shown that the intensities corresponding to some blood lactate-related thresholds (BLRTs), such as the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA) (Beneke, 1995; Van Schuylenbergh et al, 2004), Individual Anaerobic Threshold (IAT) (Beneke, 1995), Dmax (Van Schuylenbergh et al, 2004) or the Lactate Minimum Test (LMT) (Jones and Doust, 1998), predict MLSS with a wide range of correlation magnitudes (r = 0.61–0.85) These correlation magnitudes are equal, or even lower, than the ones reported in those same studies when the peak workload attained during an incremental maximal test was used as MLSS predictor (r = 0.85–0.94)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
