Method of lactate elevation does not affect the determination of the lactate minimum.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to examine the effects of different lactate elevation protocols on the determination of the lactate minimum (Lac(min)) point.


METHODS
Eight highly trained racing cyclists each completed four continuous ramp lactate minimum tests using the following blood lactate elevation protocols: 1) continuous ramp maximal aerobic power (RMP(max)) assessment, 2) 30-s maximal sprint, 3) 40-s maximal sprint, and 4) two 20-s maximal sprints separated by a 1-min recovery. Each blood lactate elevation protocol was followed by a 5-min active recovery leading into a continuous ramp test commencing at a power of 60% of RMP(max), using a 6 W x min ramp rate, lasting 15 min.


RESULTS
Peak [La](b) values were significantly higher (P > 0.05) after the RMP(max) compared with all other protocols and higher in the 40-s versus 30-s sprint. However, by the start of Lac(min) ramp, [La](b) after the RMP(max) was no longer higher than the 40-s sprint, but Lac(min) [La](b) was similar for all protocols. This resulted in no differences in the total decline of [La](b) measured as a percentage from the highest to the lowest value. At Lac(min) point, there were no significant differences in power (P > 0.05), but heart rate was higher in the RMP versus 2 x 20 s and VO(2) was significantly higher after the 40 s compared with the 2 x 20 s protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that the determination of lactate minimum power in cycling is not dependent upon the lactate elevation protocol.
Smith
Mark F
MF
Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Canterbury Christ Church University College, United Kingdom.
Balmer
James
J
Coleman
Damian A
DA
Bird
Steve R
SR
Davison
R C Richard
RC
D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011336:Probability
D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid