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Blood lactate concentration at the maximal lactate steady state is not dependent on endurance capacity in healthy recreationally trained individuals

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the independent relationship between maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), blood lactate concentration [La] and exercise performance as reported frequently. Sixty-two subjects with a wide range of endurance performance (MLSS power output 199 ± 55 W; range: 100–302 W) were tested on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. One-min incremental exercise tests were conducted to determine maximal variables as well as the respiratory compensation point (RCP) and the second lactate turn point (LTP2). Several continuous exercise tests were performed to determine the MLSS. Subjects were divided into three clusters of exercise performance. Dietary control was employed throughout all testing. No significant correlation was found between MLSS [La] and power output at MLSS. Additionally, the three clusters of subjects with different endurance performance levels based on power output at MLSS showed no significant difference for MLSS [La]. MLSS [La] was not significantly different between men and women (average of 4.80 ± 1.50 vs. 5.22 ± 1.52 mmol l−1). MLSS [La] was significantly related to [La] at RCP, LTP2 and at maximal power. The results of this study support previous findings that MLSS [La] is independent of endurance performance. Additionally, MLSS [La] was not influenced by sex. Correlations found between MLSS [La] and [La] at maximal power and at designated anaerobic thresholds indicate only an association of [La] response during incremental and MLSS exercise when utilizing cycle ergometry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Sports Sciences, Department of Sport Physiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Gerhard Smekal, Rochus Pokan, Harald Tschan, Ramon Baron & Norbert Bachl

  2. Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Rifer Schlossallee 49, 5400, Hallein/Rif, Austria

    Serge P. von Duvillard

  3. Human Performance Research, Karl Franzens University and Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria

    Peter Hofmann

  4. Institute of Sports Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria

    Peter Hofmann

  5. Department of Exercise Science, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA

    William A. Braun

  6. Department of Exercise Science, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA

    Paul J. Arciero

  7. Internal Medicine, University of Graz, Graz, Austria

    Manfred Wonisch

Authors
  1. Gerhard Smekal
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  2. Serge P. von Duvillard
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  3. Rochus Pokan
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  4. Peter Hofmann
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  5. William A. Braun
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  6. Paul J. Arciero
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  7. Harald Tschan
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  8. Manfred Wonisch
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  9. Ramon Baron
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  10. Norbert Bachl
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Serge P. von Duvillard.

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Communicated by Susan A. Ward.

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Smekal, G., von Duvillard, S.P., Pokan, R. et al. Blood lactate concentration at the maximal lactate steady state is not dependent on endurance capacity in healthy recreationally trained individuals. Eur J Appl Physiol 112, 3079–3086 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2283-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2283-7

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