Maximal lactate steady state in trained adolescent runners

Abstract

The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the exercise intensity that corresponds to the maximal lactate steady state in adolescent endurance-trained runners; (2) to identify any differences between the sexes; and (3) to compare the maximal lactate steady state with commonly cited fixed blood lactate reference parameters. Sixteen boys and nine girls volunteered to participate in the study. They were first tested using a stepwise incremental treadmill protocol to establish the blood lactate profile and peak oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2). Running speeds corresponding to fixed whole blood lactate concentrations of 2.0, 2.5 and 4.0 mmol · l−1 were calculated using linear interpolation. The maximal lactate steady state was determined from four separate 20-min constant-speed treadmill runs. The maximal lactate steady state was defined as the fastest running speed, to the nearest 0.5 km · h−1, where the change in blood lactate concentration between 10 and 20 min was <0.5 mmol · l−1. Although the boys had to run faster than the girls to elicit the maximal lactate steady state (15.7 vs 14.3 km · h−1, P <0.01), once the data were expressed relative to percent peak [Vdot]O2 (85 and 85%, respectively) and percent peak heart rate (92 and 94%, respectively), there were no differences between the sexes (P >0.05). The running speed and percent peak [Vdot]O2 at the maximal lactate steady state were not different to those corresponding to the fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2.0 and 2.5 mmol · l−1 (P >0.05), but were both lower than those at the 4.0 mmol · l−1 concentration (P <0.05). In conclusion, the maximal lactate steady state corresponded to a similar relative exercise intensity as that reported in adult athletes. The running speed, percent peak [Vdot]O2 and percent peak heart rate at the maximal lactate steady state are approximated by the fixed blood lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol · l−1 measured during an incremental treadmill test in boys and girls.