Maximal Lactate Steady State Workload Research Articles

The Maximal Lactate Steady State Workload Determines Individual Swimming Performance.

The lactate threshold (LT) and the strongly related maximal lactate steady state workload (MLSSW) are critical for physical endurance capacity and therefore of major interest in numerous sports. However, their relevance to individual swimming performance is not well understood. We used a custom-made visual light pacer for real-time speed modulation during front crawl to determine the LT and MLSSW in a single-exercise test. When approaching the LT, we found that minute variations in swimming speed had considerable effects on blood lactate concentration ([La−]). The LT was characterized by a sudden increase in [La−], while the MLSSW occurred after a subsequent workload reduction, as indicated by a rapid cessation of blood lactate accumulation. Determination of the MLSSW by this so-called “individual lactate threshold” (ILT)-test was highly reproducible and valid in a constant speed test. Mean swimming speed in 800 and 1,500 m competition (S-Comp) was 3.4% above MLSSW level and S-Comp, and the difference between S-Comp and the MLSSW (Δ S-Comp/MLSSW) were higher for long-distance swimmers (800–1,500 m) than for short- and middle-distance swimmers (50–400 m). Moreover, Δ S-Comp/MLSSW varied significantly between subjects and had a strong influence on overall swimming performance. Our results demonstrate that the MLSSW determines individual swimming performance, reflects endurance capacity in the sub- to supra-threshold range, and is therefore appropriate to adjust training intensity in moderate to severe domains of exercise.

Is the Functional Threshold Power a Valid Metric to Estimate the Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists?

Lillo-Beviá, JR, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Cerezuela-Espejo, V, Morán-Navarro, R, Martínez-Cava, A, and Pallarés, JG. Is the functional threshold power a valid metric to estimate the maximal lactate steady state in cyclists? J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 167-173, 2022-The aims of this study were to determine (a) the repeatability of a 20-minute time-trial (TT20), (b) the location of the TT20 in relation to the main physiological events of the aerobic-anaerobic transition, and (c) the predictive power of a list of correction factors and linear/multiple regression analysis applied to the TT20 result to estimate the individual maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Under laboratory conditions, 11 trained male cyclists and triathletes (V̇o2max 59.7 ± 3.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed a maximal graded exercise test to record the power output associated with the first and second ventilatory thresholds and V̇o2max measured by indirect calorimetry, several 30 minutes constant tests to determine the MLSS, and 2 TT20 tests with a short warm-up. Very high repeatability of TT20 tests was confirmed (standard error of measurement of ±3 W and smallest detectable change of ±9 W). Validity results revealed that MLSS differed substantially from TT20 (bias = 26 ± 7 W). The maximal lactate steady state was then estimated from the traditional 95% factor (bias = 12 ± 7 W) and a novel individual correction factor (ICF% = MLSS/TT20), resulting in 91% (bias = 1 ± 6 W). Complementary linear (MLSS = 0.7488 × TT20 + 43.24; bias = 0 ± 5 W) and multiple regression analysis (bias = 0 ± 4 W) substantially improved the individual MLSS workload estimation. These findings suggest reconsidering the TT20 procedures and calculations to increase the effectiveness of the MLSS prediction.

A Lactate Kinetics Method for Assessing the Maximal Lactate Steady State Workload

During a continuously increasing exercise workload (WL) a point will be reached at which arterial lactate accumulates rapidly. This so-called lactate threshold (LT) is associated with the maximal lactate steady state workload (MLSSW), the highest WL, at which arterial lactate concentration [LA] does not change. However, the physiological range in which the LT and the MLSSW occur has not been demonstrated directly. We used minor WL variations in the MLSSW range to assess arterial lactate kinetics in 278 treadmill and 148 bicycle ergometer exercise tests. At a certain workload, minimal further increment of running speed (0.1–0.15 m/s) or cycling power (7–10 W) caused a steep elevation of [LA] (0.9 ± 0.43 mM, maximum increase 2.4 mM), indicating LT achievement. This sharp [LA] increase was more pronounced when higher WL increments were used (0.1 vs. 0.30 m/s, P = 0.02; 0.15 vs. 0.30 m/s, P < 0.001; 7 vs. 15 W, P = 0.002; 10 vs. 15 W, P = 0.001). A subsequent workload reduction (0.1 m/s/7 W) stopped the [LA] increase indicating MLSSW realization. LT based determination of running speed (MLSSW) was highly reproducible on a day-to-day basis (r = 0.996, P < 0.001), valid in a 10 km constant velocity setting (r = 0.981, P < 0.001) and a half marathon race (r = 0.969, P < 0.001). These results demonstrate a fine-tuned regulation of exercise-related lactate metabolism, which can be reliably captured by assessing lactate kinetics at the MLSSW.

MCT1 and MCT4 kinetic of mRNA expression in different tissues after aerobic exercise at maximal lactate steady state workload.

We evaluate the mRNA expression of monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4) in skeletal muscle (soleus, red and white gastrocnemius), heart and liver tissues in mice submitted to a single bout of swimming exercise at the maximal lactate steady state workload (MLSSw). After 72 h of MLSS test, the animals were submitted to a swimming exercise session for 25 min at individual MLSSw. Tissues and muscle samples were obtained at rest (control, n=5), immediately (n=5), 5 h (n=5) and 10 h (n=5) after exercise for determination of the MCT1 and MCT4 mRNA expression (RT-PCR). The MCT1 mRNA expression in liver increased after 10 h in relation to the control, immediate and 5 h groups, but the MCT4 remained unchanged. The MCT1 mRNA expression in heart increased by 31 % after 10 h when compared to immediate, but no differences were observed in relation to the control group. No significant differences were observed for red gastrocnemius in MCT1 and MCT4 mRNA expression. However, white gastrocnemius increased MCT1 mRNA expression immediately when compared to rest, 5 and 10 h test groups. In soleus muscle, the MCT1 mRNA expression increased immediately, 5 and 10 h after exercise when compared to the control. In relation to MCT4 mRNA expression, the soleus increased immediately and 10 h after acute exercise when compared to the control group. The soleus, liver and heart were the main tissues that showed improved the MCT1 mRNA expression, indicating its important role in controlling MLSS concentration in mice.

Maximal lactate steady state in kayaking.

A fixed blood lactate value of 4 mM was commonly used to calculate workload at maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in kayaking. Our purpose was to measure the actual blood lactate value at MLSS and workload at MLSS in kayaking and assess the validity of using a fixed blood lactate value to calculate the workload at MLSS. 8 junior kayakers (15.1±1.2 years; 179.9±7.3 cm; 72.3±4.9 kg) participated in an incremental workload test and 4-6 sub-maximal constant workload tests (duration of 30 min) on a kayaking ergometer. Blood lactate was measured to calculate the blood lactate value and workload at MLSS. The blood lactate value at MLSS in kayaking was 5.4±0.7 mM. The measured workload at MLSS (112±22 watts) was significantly greater than the calculated workload using a lactate value of 4 mM (104±18 watts, p=0.016). The measured MLSS workload was not significantly different from the calculated workload using a fixed lactate value of 5.4 mM (115±19 watts, p=0.16) or 5.0 mM (113±19 watts, p=0.78) in the incremental tests. A fixed blood lactate value of 5 mM instead of 4 mM might be a better estimate in kayaking given the incremental workload test used in this study.

Aerobic exercise training improves Ca2+ handling and redox status of skeletal muscle in mice

Exercise training is known to promote relevant changes in the properties of skeletal muscle contractility toward powerful fibers. However, there are few studies showing the effect of a well-established exercise training protocol on Ca(2+) handling and redox status in skeletal muscles with different fiber-type compositions. We have previously standardized a valid and reliable protocol to improve endurance exercise capacity in mice based on maximal lactate steady-state workload (MLSSw). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise training, performed at MLSSw, on the skeletal muscle Ca(2+) handling-related protein levels and cellular redox status in soleus and plantaris. Male C57BL/6J mice performed treadmill training at MLSSw over a period of eight weeks. Muscle fiber-typing was determined by myosin ATPase histochemistry, citrate synthase activity by spectrophotometric assay, Ca(2+) handling-related protein levels by Western blot and reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH:GSSG) by high-performance liquid chromatography. Trained mice displayed higher running performance and citrate synthase activity compared with untrained mice. Improved running performance in trained mice was paralleled by fast-to-slow fiber-type shift and increased capillary density in both plantaris and soleus. Exercise training increased dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) alpha2 subunit, ryanodine receptor and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger levels in plantaris and soleus. Moreover, exercise training elevated DHPR beta1 subunit and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) 1 levels in plantaris and SERCA2 levels in soleus of trained mice. Skeletal muscle GSH content and GSH:GSSG ratio was increased in plantaris and soleus of trained mice. Taken together, our findings indicate that MLSSw exercise-induced better running performance is, in part, due to increased levels of proteins involved in skeletal muscle Ca(2+) handling, whereas this response is partially dependent on specificity of skeletal muscle fiber-type composition. Finally, we demonstrated an augmented cellular redox status and GSH antioxidant capacity in trained mice.

Predicting Maximal Lactate Steady State in Children and Adults

The value of blood lactate concentration (BLC) measured during incremental load tests in predicting maximal lactate-steady-state (MLSS) workload has rarely been investigated in children. In 17 children and 18 adults MLSS was 4.1 +/- 0.9 mmol l(-1). Workload at BLC of 3.0 mmol l(-1) determined during an incremental load test explained about 80% of the variance (p < .001) and best predicted MLSS workload independent of age. This was despite the increase in power per time related to maximum incremental load test power being higher (p < .001) in children than in adults. The BLC response to given exercise intensities is faster in children without affecting MLSS.

Lactate Threshold (D-Max Method) and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists

Lactate Threshold (D-Max Method) and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists The Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS) is defined as the highest workload that can be maintained over time where there is a balance between lactate production and lactate clearance. Therefore, determination of this workload is very importance for diagnosis of aerobic capacity and training program design. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of lactate threshold values determined by the D-max method as related to MLSS in cyclists. The research material included 10 female (body height 167±5.7 cm; body mass 56±4.8 kg; percent body fat 12.3±2.1) and 10 male well-trained cyclists (body height 183.5±4.4 cm; body mass 73.2±4.1 kg; percent body fat 7.9±2.6). The research had two distinct phases, separated by one day of active recovery. During the first phase, progressive tests were carried out to determine lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake in each subject. During the second phase, each athlete performed a series of 30-min ergocycle tests, with a fixed workload to establish maximal lactate steady state. Results showed no significant differences between lactate threshold workload (WRLT), determined by the D-max method, and maximal lactate steady state workload (WRMLSS) in female and male cyclists, expressed in absolute and relative values. Differences between male and female cyclists in absolute and relative values of WRLT, WRMLSS, and WRmax were significant (p&lt;0.05), but in relative values there was a tendency for decreased differences between groups. The oxygen uptake at the lactate threshold and MLSS were significantly (p&lt;0.05) different. Also, a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference was observed in values of heart rate and lactate concentration at the lactate threshold and MLSS. The analysis of changes in lactate concentration, heart rate and oxygen uptake between the 10th and 30th minutes of MLSS, indicates that there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in these values in male and female cyclists. The strong correlation (r=0.97; p&lt;0.05) between WRLT and WRMLSS was found. Also, a significant correlation between (r=0.96; p&lt;0.05) WRMLSS and peak workload during the incremental test (WRmax) (r=0.96; p&lt;0.05) was also observed.

Maximal lactate steady state concentration independent of pedal cadence in active individuals

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is defined as the highest blood lactate concentration that can be maintained over time without a continual blood lactate accumulation. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of pedal cadence (50 vs. 100 rev min(-1)) on MLSS and the exercise workload at MLSS (MLSS(workload)) during cycling. Nine recreationally active males (20.9+/-2.9 years, 73.9+/-6.5 kg, 1.79+/-0.09 m) performed an incremental maximal load test (50 and 100 rev min(-1)) to determine anaerobic threshold (AT) and peak workload (PW), and between two and four constant submaximal load tests (50 and 100 rev min(-1)) on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer to determine MLSS(workload) and MLSS. MLSS(workload) was defined as the highest workload at which blood lactate concentration did not increase by more than 1 mM between minutes 10 and 30 of the constant workload. The maximal lactate steady state intensity (MLSS(intensity)) was defined as the ratio between MLSS(workload) and PW. MLSS(workload) (186.1+/-21.2 W vs. 148.2+/-15.5 W) and MLSS(intensity) (70.5+/-5.7% vs. 61.4+/-5.1%) were significantly higher during cycling at 50 rev min(-1) than at 100 rev min(-1), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in MLSS between 50 rev min(-1) (4.8+/-1.6 mM) and 100 rev min(-1) (4.7+/-0.8 mM). We conclude that MLSS(workload) and MLSS(intensity) are dependent on pedal cadence (50 vs. 100 rev min(-1)) in recreationally active individuals. However, this study showed that MLSS is not influenced by the different pedal cadences analyzed.

Maximal Lactate Steady State Rowing Intensity can be Predicted by a 6-Km Rowing Time Trial

0298 It has been suggested that endurance training at intensities approximating maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) may heighten exercise adaptations while minimizing the risk of overtraining related injuries. Measuring MLSS in the laboratory is labor intensive, as laboratory equipment, technicians, and a substantial time investment are all required for invasive physiological testing. Conversely, athletic time trial events are often completed in endurance sports and are relatively simple. If rowers were able to predict MLSS workload from a time trial, it would become comparatively simple for more athletes to become aware of their MLSS workload. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that a relationship exists between the average workload during a 6-km rowing time trial and the MLSS workload. METHODS: Female athletes (n = 23) from a varsity Division I collegiate rowing team were utilized as subjects (age 20.1 ± 1.1yrs, weight 72.0 ± 7.4 kg, height 162.6 ± 6.6 cm, VO2 peak 46.6 ± 3.7 ml/kg/min). Athletes underwent a maximal power output test on the rowing ergometer (max power 263.3 ± 27.5 W). To determine MLSS, each subject completed two to four 30-minute constant workload rows at intensities relative to their individual maximal power output. To eliminate test interruptions, blood samples were collected via toe stick at rest and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute rows. The criterion for achievement of MLSS was the highest concentration of blood lactate that could be maintained (± 1 mM) during the last 20 minutes of a 30-minute constant workload rows (mean MLSS 2.59 ± 0.62 mM). Subsequently, each rower completed a 6-km time trial where mean power output was recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between 6-km time trial mean power output and the power output at MLSS (r = 0.92, p<0.0001). However, 6-km time trial mean power output (214.4 ± 22.9 W) was significantly greater than the power output at MLSS (168.3 ± 19.1W). Hence, the power output at MLSS was equivalent to 78.5% of the 6-km time trial mean power output. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that completion of a 6-km time trial would predict MLSS power output was supported. In rowers, as MLSS workload increases, time to complete the 6-km time trial decreases. Furthermore, this suggests that training to improve MLSS workload may improve 6-km rowing performance. Supported in part by Abbott Laboratories.

Experiment and computer-aided simulation: complementary tools to understand exercise metabolism.

During the last two decades the concept of the MLSS (maximal lactate steady state) has been established. The MLSS detects the highest level of the BLC (blood lactate concentration) and the corresponding workload (MLSS workload) that can be maintained over time without continual BLC accumulation. In spite of a lack of experimental and/or theoretical foundation, it has been speculated that the level of the MLSS may decrease with increasing performance capacity. The potential inter-relationship between performance capacity and BLC response to prolonged constant workload will be analysed based on a recent study, which provided evidence that the MLSS is independent of performance whereas MLSS workload increases with performance capacity, and by a computer-aided simulation. The simulated model modifies and combines previous theories put forward to explain the response of BLC to exercise and incorporates a theory about limiting factors of oxygen transport to the muscle cell. Simulations consider the BLC response to selected prolonged constant workloads while paying special respect to changes in body structure and substrate utilization, which are generally accepted as limiting factors of performance capacity. This complex modulation of appearance and disappearance of lactate during constant prolonged exercise seems to support the experimental results, which indicated independence between MLSS and performance capacity.

Effect of test interruptions on blood lactate during constant workload testing.

To determine whether repetitive test interruptions (TI) during constant load testing influence blood lactate concentration (BLC), maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), MLSS workload (P-MLSS), and relative MLSS intensity (Int-MLSS). Nineteen males participated in this study. In experiment A, 10 subjects (27.5 +/- 2.9 yr; 183.7 +/- 5.2 cm; 77.4 +/- 3.7 kg) performed 30-min constant load tests: one without TI, one with TI of 30 s, and one with TI of 90 s after every 5 min of cycling at a given workload. In experiment B, nine subjects (28.0 +/- 2.7 yr; 182.9 +/- 6.8 cm; 76.2 +/- 4.5 kg) performed 30-min constant load tests at different workloads until MLSS had been determined for all three TI protocols. In experiment A, the BLC after 30 min net working time (BLC30) was higher (P < 0.001) without TI (6.0 +/- 1.3 mmol.l(-1)) than with TI of 30 s (4.9 +/- 1.4 mmol.l(-1)) or 90 s (4.5 +/- 1.1 mmol.l(-1)). The change in BLC during the final 20 min (DeltaBLC10-30) was greater (P < 0.01) without TI (1.2 +/- 1.0 mmol.l(-1)) than with TI of 30 s (0.2 +/- 0.7 mmol.l(-1)) or 90 s (-0.3 +/- 0.7 mmol.l(-1)). In experiment B, the MLSS was not affected, but P-MLSS and Int-MLSS were lower (P < 0.01) without TI (277.8 +/- 24.4W and 73.7 +/- 7.6%) than with TI of 30 s (300.4 +/- 30.4W and 79.2 +/- 8.0%) or 90 s (310.0 +/- 31.2W and 81.5 +/- 7.1%). Approximately 35% of the variance of BLC30 and DeltaBLC10-30, and 70% of the variance of P-MLSS and Int-MLSS were explained by TI duration (P < 0.001). TI decreased BLC30 and DeltaBLC10-30 but has no effect on MLSS. Consequently, with TI, the MLSS is achieved at higher P-MLSS and Int-MLSS.

Dependence of the maximal lactate steady state on the motor pattern of exercise

Background—Blood lactate concentration (BLC) can be used to monitor relative exercise intensity. The highest BLC representing an equilibrium between lactate production and elimination is termed maximal lactate steady state (MLSS)....

Maximal lactate-steady-state independent of performance.

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) corresponds to the highest workload that can be maintained over time without a continual blood lactate accumulation. MLSS and MLSS intensity have been speculated to depend on performance. Experimental proof of this hypothesis is missing. 33 male subjects (age: 23.7 +/- 5.5 yr, height: 181.2 +/- 5.3 cm, body mass: 73.4 +/- 6.4 kg) performed an exhausting incremental load test to measure peak workload and three to six 30-min constant load tests on a cycle ergometer to determine MLSS. MLSS (4.9 +/- 1.4 mmol x L(-1)) was independent of MLSS workload (3.4 +/- 0.6 W x kg(-1)) and peak workload (4.8 +/- 0.6 W x kg(-1)). MLSS intensity (71.1 +/- 6.7%) did not correlate with peak workload or MLSS (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between peak workload and MLSS workload (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). MLSS and MLSS intensity are independent of performance but subjects with higher maximum performance have higher MLSS workloads. The combination of various fitness related effects on both, the production and the disappearance of lactate during exercise, may explain that different MLSS workloads coincide with similar levels of MLSS and MLSS intensity.

Maximal lactate steady state during the second decade of age.

Maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) presumably corresponds to the highest constant workload that can be performed by oxidative metabolism. The anaerobic and, to a minor extent, the oxidative metabolism have been reported to be affected by age. The second decade of life is the key period in the change in energy metabolism between children and adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age on MLSS in 34 male subjects (age: 15.4 +/- 2.8 yr, range: 11-20 yr; height: 171.8 +/- 14.9 cm, range: 134-191 cm; body mass: 59.6 +/- 15.5 kg, range: 27-90 kg) performing an incremental load test to determine maximal workload and several constant load tests for MLSS measurement on a cycle ergometer. MLSS (4.2 +/- 0.7 mmol.l-1, range: 2.8 to 5.5 mmol.l-1) and MLSS intensity related to maximal workload (66.5 +/- 7.7%, range: 50-84%) were independent of age. MLSS heart rate (180.1 +/- 10.1 min-1, range: 156-208 min-1) decreased (P < 0.01) with increasing age, whereas absolute (157.2 +/- 54.8 W, range: 65-240 W) and relative MLSS workload (2.6 +/- 0.5 W.kg-1, range: 1.5 to 4.1 W.kg-1) and absolute (236.9 +/- 79.0 W, range: 100-350 W) and relative maximal workload (3.9 +/- 0.6 W.kg-1, range: 2.7 to 5.5 W.kg-1) increased (P < 0.001) with age. The age independence of MLSS supports the theory that neuromuscular factors may contribute to the frequently observed changes in response to given exercise with physical maturity more than changes in oxidative metabolism and/or glycolysis.

Determination of maximal lactate steady state response in selected sports events.

Maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) refers to the upper limit of blood lactate concentration indicating an equilibrium between lactate production and lactate elimination during constant workload. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether different levels of MLSS may explain different blood lactate concentration (BLC) levels at submaximal workload in the sports events of rowing, cycling, and speed skating. Eleven rowers (mean +/- SD, age 20.1 +/- 1.5 yr, height 188.7 +/- 6.2 cm, weight 82.7 +/- 8.0 kg), 16 cyclists and triathletes (age 23.6 +/- 3.0 yr, height 181.4 +/- 5.6 cm, weight 72.5 +/- 6.2 kg), and 6 speed skaters (age 23.3 +/- 6.6 yr, height 179.5 +/- 7.5 cm, weight 73.2 +/- 5.6 kg) performed an incremental load test to determine maximal workload and several submaximal 30-min constant workloads for MLSS measurement on a rowing ergometer, a cycle ergometer, and on a speed-skating track. Maximal workload was higher (P < or = 0.05) in rowing (416.8 +/- 46.2 W) than in cling (358.6 +/- 34.4 W) and speed skating (383.5 +/- 40.9 W). The level of MLSS differed (P < or = 0.001) in rowing (3.1 +/- 0.5 mmol.l-1), cycling (5.4 +/- 1.0 mmol.l-1), and in speed skating (6.6 +/- 0.9 mmol.l-1). MLSS workload was higher (P < or = 0.05) in rowing (316.2 +/- 29.9 W) and speed skating (300.5 +/- 43.8 W) than in cycling (257.8 +/- 34.6 W). No differences (P > 0.05) in MLSS workload were found between speed skating and rowing. MLSS workload intensity as related to maximal workload was independent (P > 0.05) of the sports event: 76.2% +/- 5.7% in rowing, 71.8% +/- 4.1% in cycling, and 78.1% +/- 4.4% in speed skating. Changes in MLSS do not respond with MLSS workload, the MLSS workload intensity, or with the metabolic profile of the sports event. The observed differences in MLSS and MLSS workload may correspond to the sport-specific mass of working muscle.

Anaerobic threshold, individual anaerobic threshold, and maximal lactate steady state in rowing

Anaerobic threshold, also termed 4.0 mmol.l-1 threshold (AT4), and individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), presumably indicate the workload corresponding to maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) during an incremental workload test. MLSS is the highest blood lactate concentration (BLC) resulting in a steady state during constant workload. The purpose of the present investigation was to ascertain the validity of AT4 and IAT as related to MLSS during rowing ergometry. Nine rowers (mean +/- SD age 20.2 +/- 1.6 yr; HT 187.2 +/- 4.9 cm; WT 81.1 +/- 6.3 kg) performed an incremental load test to determine AT4, IAT and maximal workload and several 30 min constant workloads for MLSS measurement on a mechanical rowing ergometer. The incremental load test was conducted at 215 W and increased by 35 W every 3.0 min. The first 30 min constant workload was conducted at 60% of maximal workload (363.3 +/- 45.1 W). If a constant load test resulted in a steady state of BLC subsequent constant load tests were performed and workload increased by 3% to 10% after each constant load test until no steady state of BLC could be observed. AT4 (287.0 +/- 20.5 W), IAT (287.1 +/- 25.1 W), and BLC at IAT (4.2 +/- 0.8 mmol.l-1) were higher (P < 0.001) compared to MLSS workload (255.1 +/- 17.5 W) and MLSS (3.0 +/- 0.6 mmol.l-1), respectively. Independent of the practical application of AT4 and IAT, in rowing AT4 and IAT do not represent MLSS workload.