Validity of a single lactate measure to predict fixed lactate thresholds in athletes. Issue 4 (16th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garcia-Tabar, Ibai; Llodio, Iñaki; Sánchez-Medina, Luis; Asiain, Xabier; Ibáñez, Javier; Gorostiaga, Esteban M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 35:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2017-02-16
• Subjects: OBLA -- anaerobic threshold -- endurance training -- exercise testing -- elite athletes; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1166392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to validate the use of a single blood lactate concentration measure taken following a 12 km h −1 running stage (BLC12 ) to predict and monitor fixed blood lactate concentration (FBLC) thresholds. Three complementary studies were undertaken. Study I : the relationships between BLC12 and the running speeds at FBLC of 3 mmol L −1 (S3mM) and 4 mmol L −1 (S4mM) measured during a multistage running field test were examined in 136 elite athletes. Study II : data from 30 athletes tested one year apart were used to test the predictive capacity of the equations obtained in Study I. Study III : 80 athletes were tested before and after an intensified training period to examine whether training-induced changes in FBLC thresholds could be predicted and monitored by BLC12 . Study I : BLC12 was significantly ( P < 0.001) and inversely related to S3mM ( R 2 = 0.89) and S4mM ( R 2 = 0.95). Study II : prediction models yielded robust correlations between the estimated and measured FBLC thresholds ( r = 0.94–0.99; P < 0.001). Study III : estimated changes predicted actual training-induced changes in FBLC thresholds ( r = 0.81–0.91; P < 0.001). This study gives empirical support to use a single lactate measure during a sub-maximal running field test as a simple, low-cost and practical alternative to FBLC thresholds in athletes.