Longitudinal analysis of lactate threshold in male and female master athletes.
OBJECTIVE
The lack of relationship between lactate threshold (LT) and running performance in older runners, and the increase in LT with age, has not been previously studied in a longitudinal design. We evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in LT with age and compared the changes in LT with changes in performance variables.


METHODS
Fifty-one male and 23 female runners (39-77 yr) performed two graded treadmill exercise tests with minute-by-minute venous blood lactate analysis, separated by 5.8 +/- 1.6 yr (mean +/- SD). Body composition was determined by hydrodensitometry and training history by questionnaire.


RESULTS
There was no change in LBM over time, but significant decreases in [OV0312]O(2max) and training volume irrespective of age and gender (P < 0.05). LT as a percent of [OV0312]O(2max) increased with age (P < 0.05), demonstrated poor stability over time (r = 0.29, P = 0.01) compared with other parameters measured, and changes in LT were not related to changes in fitness or performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Based upon these findings, we conclude that the LT may be less precise than [OV0312]O(2max) or performance in the prescription of exercise intensities or as an evaluation tool in older individuals.
Marcell
Taylor J
TJ
Kronos Longevity Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA. marcell@kronosinstitute.org
Hawkins
Steven A
SA
Tarpenning
Kyle M
KM
Hyslop
Dan M
DM
Wiswell
Robert A
RA
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011336:Probability; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid