Relationships Between Blood Lactate Clearance and Measures of Aerobic Capacity in Elite Women's Ice Hockey

Abstract

Successful performance in ice hockey relies on a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. The relationships between blood lactate and indirect measures of aerobic capacity have not been investigated in elite female ice hockey players. PURPOSE: To determine relationships between blood lactate clearance, the difference between lactate immediately following an on-ice Repeat Sprint Skate Test (RSS) (Bracko & George, 2001) and lactate after 4-6 mins recovery, and other measures of aerobic capacity in elite female ice hockey players. METHODS: Players on the University of Alberta women's ice hockey team (n=80, 21.1±2.6 yrs) completed pre-season tests of aerobic fitness (Leger test [Leger, 1988]) (off-ice) and RSS. Blood lactate clearance, drop-off times on RSS (difference between first and third repeat), heart rate drop-offs (post-RSS HR - recovery HR differences), and Leger test estimates of VO2max were used as proxies for aerobic capacity. Bivariate Pearson correlations were run (SPSS Mac Version 10.0), with a significance level set a priori at p<0.05. RESULTS: No significant relationships were found between lactate clearance and any aerobic measures (r= −.034 to .113, p>0.10). However, higher VO2max estimates from the Leger test were significantly related to better scores for on-ice measures of aerobic capacity (RSS drop-off, r=-.460, -.490, p=.000; HR drop-off; r=.293, p =.017). CONCLUSIONS: Lactate clearance is not related to on and off-ice measures of aerobic capacity in elite female hockey players; however, high predicted VO2max is correlated to better drop-off time and HR recovery after sprint skating.