Reproducibility of Post-Exercise Lactate and Anaerobic Threshold

Abstract

To test the effect of previous strenuous training on lactate (LA) formation and on changes of lactate threshold (AT) values, a group of seven male athletes aged 26.3±9.2 years, height 184±6.2 cm, body weight 79.3±8.1 kg, percentage of body fat 8.8±3.7 and V̇O₂ max 56.2±5.4 ml/kg were examined on a treadmill to the maximum in the morning after 2 days of rest, and after 2 consecutive days of strenuous training. The subjectively percieved rate of fatigue (SPF) in the morning prior to the exerise test was assessed by means of a 5-grade score. The values of LA max, AT, and SPF on day 1 were 11.06±2.4 mmol/l, 3.5±0.4 m/s, and 0.6±0.4, respectively. The coresponding values on day 2 were 8.8±1.7 mmol/l, 4.0±0.3 m/s, and 2.0±0.5, respectively. The values on day 3 were 8.6±1.1 mmol/l, 4.1±0.4 m/s, and 2.1±0.7, respectively. Statistically significant differences on the 1st day were found in LA max, AT, and SPF compared with days 2 and 3. No significant differences were found between the values for the 2nd and 3rd days. AT values for day 1 were significantly lower than those for days 2 and 3. A significantly higher level of SPF in the morning prior to the test procedure was observed on days 2 and 3 compared with day 1. The AT and SPF values for days 2 and 3 showed no significant difference. These data suggest that not only endurance training but also other factors (e. g., fatigue provoked by repeated strenuous exercise) can affect LA production and AT values.

Key words

anaerobic threshold - sport training