Sport-specific assessment of lactate threshold and aerobic capacity throughout a collegiate hockey season

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine lactate threshold (LT) and maximal aerobic capacity with a sport-specific skating protocol throughout a competitive season in collegiate hockey players. We hypothesized that maximal aerobic capacity and skating velocity at LT would increase as the season progressed. Sixteen Division I college hockey players performed a graded exercise skating protocol to fatigue at 3 different times (pre-, mid-, and postseason). Subjects skated for 80 s during each stage, followed by 40 s of rest to allow for blood lactate sampling. Velocity at LT was similar during preseason (4.44 +/- 0.08 m.s-1) and postseason (4.52 +/- 0.05 m.s-1) testing, but was significantly elevated at midseason (4.70 +/- 0.08 m.s-1; p < 0.01), compared with preseason. In contrast, LT as a percentage of maximal heart rate (HRmax) was unchanged throughout the season. HRmax remained constant throughout the season, at approximately 190 beats.min-1. Preseason maximal aerobic capacity (48.7 +/- 0.8 mL.kg-1.min-1) was significantly higher than that at postseason (45.0 +/- 1.1 mL.kg-1.min-1; p < 0.01). In conclusion, skating velocity at LT improved from pre- to midseason, but this adaptation was not maintained at postseason. Additionally, maximal aerobic capacity was reduced from pre- to postseason. These findings suggest a need for aerobic training throughout the college hockey season.