Changes of Lactate Threshold during a Half-Year Training Cycle in "Arka Gdynia" Football Players

Abstract

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to assess lactate threshold changes during a half-year training cycle in S.S.A. “Arka Gdynia” football team. Material/Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 17 “Arka Gdynia” Football Club players. The subjects participated in premier league competitions in autumn 2009/10 season. Apart from league matches (17) the players took part in Remes Polish Cup (2 matches). Aerobic capacity tests were conducted at the beginning of the summer preparatory season (test 1 – 27th June 2009), during the competitive season (test 2 – 2nd September 2009) and at the beginning of the winter preparatory season (test 3 – 13th January 2010). The players underwent an incremental running test. Running speed (V/LT) and heart rate (HR/LT) at the lactate threshold were determined. Results: An analysis of mean running speed values at LT intensity in each study confirms that during the first two tests participants achieved the same mean value of the ratio V/LT (3.80 m/s). The last test revealed a regression of the results by 0.17 m/s. The lowest standard deviation (± 0.20 m/s) was observed in the first study, which indicates that the diversity of the group was the smallest. Conclusions: Goalkeepers achieved statistically lower (p<0.05) values of running speed at the intensity corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (V/LT) in relation to field players.