Effect of incremental test protocol on the lactate minimum speed

Agreement Between Maximal Lactate Steady State and Critical Power in Different Sports: A Systematic Review and Bayesian's Meta-Regression

ABSTRACT

Borszcz, FK, de Aguiar, RA, Costa, VP, Denadai, BS, and de Lucas, RD. Agreement between maximal lactate steady state and critical power in different sports: A systematic review and Bayesian's meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e320-e339, 2024-This study aimed to systematically review the literature and perform a meta-regression to determine the level of agreement between maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and critical power (CP). Considered eligible to include were peer-reviewed and "gray literature" studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages in cyclical exercises. The last search was made on March 24, 2022, on PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The study's quality was evaluated using 4 criteria adapted from the COSMIN tool. The level of agreement was examined by 2 separate meta-regressions modeled under Bayesian's methods, the first for the mean differences and the second for the SD of differences. The searches yielded 455 studies, of which 36 studies were included. Quality scale revealed detailed methods and small samples used and that some studies lacked inclusion/exclusion criteria reporting. For MLSS and CP comparison, likely (i.e., coefficients with high probabilities) covariates that change the mean difference were the MLSS time frame and delta criteria of blood lactate concentration, MLSS number and duration of pauses, CP longest predictive trial duration, CP type of predictive trials, CP model fitting parameters, and exercise modality. Covariates for SD of the differences were the subject's maximal oxygen uptake, CP's longest predictive trial duration, and exercise modality. Traditional MLSS protocol and CP from 2- to 15-minute trials do not reflect equivalent exercise intensity levels; the proximity between MLSS and CP measures can differ depending on test design, and both MLSS and CP have inherent limitations. Therefore, comparisons between them should always consider these aspects.

Test Protocol Optimization of the Heart Rate-based Lactate Minimum Test

The determination of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) requires at least two constant load tests. Therefore, different testing procedures to indirectly determine MLSS based on one single test have been developed. One such method is the application of the lactate minimum tests (LMT), where workload and heart rate-based protocols exist. The latter showed significant correlations between parameters at lactate minimum (LM) and MLSS for running and cycling. However, LM clearly underestimated MLSS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize the already existing test protocol in terms of an improved agreement between LM and MLSS. Fourteen healthy endurance-trained male athletes (age: 39.7±8.2 y; height: 180.9±6.2 cm; body mass: 78.6±7.1 kg) performed four different heart rate-based LMT protocols, the original and three new protocols. Additionally, they performed several constant heart rate endurance tests for assessing MLSS exercise intensity. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, oxygen uptake and power at LM of two of our new test protocols with an increased start intensity were closer to and no longer different from MLSS data. We conclude that these two new test protocols can be used in practice to estimate heart rate-based MLSS by means of one single exercise test.

Heart Rate-based Lactate Minimum Test in Running and Cycling

The heart rate-based lactate minimum test is a highly reproducible exercise test. However, the relation between lactate minimum determined by this test and maximal lactate steady state in running and cycling is still unclear. Twelve endurance-trained men performed this test in running and cycling. Exercise intensity at maximal lactate steady state was determined by performing several constant heart rate endurance tests for both exercise modes. Heart rate, power output, lactate concentration, oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion at lactate minimum, maximal lactate steady state and maximal performance were analysed. All parameters were significantly higher at maximal lactate steady state compared to lactate minimum for running and cycling. Significant correlations (p<0.05) between maximal lactate steady state and lactate minimum data were found. Peak heart rate and peak oxygen uptake were significantly higher for running versus cycling. Nevertheless, the exercise mode had no influence on relative (in percentage of maximal values) heart rate at lactate minimum (p=0.099) in contrast to relative power output (p=0.002). In conclusion, all measured parameters at lactate minimum were significantly lower but highly correlated with values at maximal lactate steady state in running and cycling, which allows to roughly estimate exercise intensity at maximal lactate steady state with one single exercise test.

Estimation of the maximal lactate steady state in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to estimate the maximal lactate steady-state velocity (_vMLSS) from non-invasive bloodless variables and/or blood lactate-related thresholds (BL_RTs) measured during an Incremental submaximal Shuttle Test (IST), and to determine whether the addition of a Constant Velocity Test (CVT) could improve the estimation. Seventy-five postmenopausal women conducted an IST to determine several BL_RTs and bloodless variables, and two to seven CVTs to determine _vMLSS. Determined BL_RTs were conventionally used lactate threshold (LT) measured either visually (_vLT_+0.1mM) or mathematically (_vLE_min), and 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mmol·L^-1 above LT, along with fixed BL_RTs. The best single predictor of _vMLSS (7.1 ± 1.0 km·h^-1) was _vLE_min+1.5mM (R² = 0.80, P < 0.001; SEE = 0.46 km·h^-1). The combination of BL_RTs and bloodless variables improved the estimation of _vMLSS (R² = 0.85, P < 0.001; SEE = 0.38 km·h^-1). The addition of a CVT still improved the prediction of _vMLSS up to 89.2%, with lower SEE (0.32 km·h^-1). This study suggests that _vLE_min-related thresholds obtained from a single submaximal IST are accurate estimates of _vMLSS in postmenopausal women, and thus the time-consuming procedure of _vMLSS testing could be avoided. Performing an additional CVT is encouraged because it improves the prediction of _vMLSS.

The Lactate Minimum Test: Concept, Methodological Aspects and Insights for Future Investigations in Human and Animal Models

In 1993, Uwe Tegtbur proposed a useful physiological protocol named the lactate minimum test (LMT). This test consists of three distinct phases. Firstly, subjects must perform high intensity efforts to induce hyperlactatemia (phase 1). Subsequently, 8 min of recovery are allowed for transposition of lactate from myocytes (for instance) to the bloodstream (phase 2). Right after the recovery, subjects are submitted to an incremental test until exhaustion (phase 3). The blood lactate concentration is expected to fall during the first stages of the incremental test and as the intensity increases in subsequent stages, to rise again forming a “U” shaped blood lactate kinetic. The minimum point of this curve, named the lactate minimum intensity (LMI), provides an estimation of the intensity that represents the balance between the appearance and clearance of arterial blood lactate, known as the maximal lactate steady state intensity (iMLSS). Furthermore, in addition to the iMLSS estimation, studies have also determined anaerobic parameters (e.g., peak, mean, and minimum force/power) during phase 1 and also the maximum oxygen consumption in phase 3; therefore, the LMT is considered a robust physiological protocol. Although, encouraging reports have been published in both human and animal models, there are still some controversies regarding three main factors: (1) the influence of methodological aspects on the LMT parameters; (2) LMT effectiveness for monitoring training effects; and (3) the LMI as a valid iMLSS estimator. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a balanced discussion between scientific evidence of the aforementioned issues, and insights for future investigations are suggested. In summary, further analyses is necessary to determine whether these factors are worthy, since the LMT is relevant in several contexts of health sciences.

The midpoint between ventilatory thresholds approaches maximal lactate steady state intensity in amateur cyclists

The aim was to determine whether the midpoint between ventilatory thresholds (MPVT) corresponds to maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Twelve amateur cyclists (21.0 ± 2.6 years old; 72.2 ± 9.0 kg; 179.8 ± 7.5 cm) performed an incremental test (25 W·min^-1) until exhaustion and several constant load tests of 30 minutes to determine MLSS, on different occasions. Using MLSS determination as the reference method, the agreement with five other parameters (MPVT; first and second ventilatory thresholds: VT1 and VT2; respiratory exchange ratio equal to 1: RER = 1.00; and Maximum) was analysed by the Bland-Altman method. The difference between workload at MLSS and VT1, VT2, RER=1.00 and Maximum was 31.1 ± 20.0, -86.0 ± 18.3, -63.6 ± 26.3 and -192.3 ± 48.6 W, respectively. MLSS was underestimated from VT1 and overestimated from VT2, RER = 1.00 and Maximum. The smallest difference (-27.5 ± 15.1 W) between workload at MLSS and MPVT was in better agreement than other analysed parameters of intensity in cycling. The main finding is that MPVT approached the workload at MLSS in amateur cyclists, and can be used to estimate maximal steady state.

Lactate minimum underestimates the maximal lactate steady-state in swimming mice

The intensity of lactate minimum (LM) has presented a good estimate of the intensity of maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS); however, this relationship has not yet been verified in the mouse model. We proposed validating the LM protocol for swimming mice by investigating the relationship among intensities of LM and MLSS as well as differences between sexes, in terms of aerobic capacity. Nineteen mice (male: 10, female: 9) were submitted to the evaluation protocols for LM and MLSS. The LM protocol consisted of hyperlactatemia induction (30 s exercise (13% body mass (bm)), 30 s resting pause and exhaustive exercise (13% bm), 9 min resting pause and incremental test). The LM underestimated MLSS (mice: 17.6%; male: 13.5%; female: 21.6%). Pearson's analysis showed a strong correlation among intensities of MLSS and LM (male (r = 0.67, p = 0.033); female (r = 0.86, p = 0.003)), but without agreement between protocols. The Bland-Altman analysis showed that bias was higher for females (1.5 (0.98) % bm; mean (MLSS and LM): 4.4%-6.4% bm) as compared with males (0.84 (1.24) % bm; mean (MLSS and LM): 4.5%-7.5% bm). The error associated with the estimated of intensity for males was lower when compared with the range of means for MLSS and LM. Therefore, the LM test could be used to determine individual aerobic intensity for males (considering the bias) but not females. Furthermore, the females supported higher intensities than the males. The differences in body mass between sexes could not explain the higher intensities supported by the females.

Critical velocity estimates lactate minimum velocity in youth runners

In order to investigate the validity of critical velocity (CV) as a noninvasive method to estimate the lactate minimum velocity (LMV), 25 youth runners underwent the following tests: 1) 3,000m running; 2) 1,600m running; 3) LMV test. The intensity of lactate minimum was defined as the velocity corresponding to the lowest blood lactate concentration during the LMV test. The CV was determined using the linear model, defined by the inclination of the regression line between distance and duration in the running tests of 1,600 and 3,000m. There was no significant difference (p=0.3055) between LMV and CV. In addition, both protocols presented a good agreement based on the small difference between means and the narrow levels of agreement, as well as a standard error of estimation classified as ideal. In conclusion, CV, as identified in this study, may be an alternative for noninvasive identification of LMV.

Hyperlactemia induction modes affect the lactate minimum power and physiological responses in cycling

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of hyperlactemia and blood acidosis induction on lactate minimum intensity (LMI). Twenty recreationally trained males who were experienced in cycling (15 cyclists and 5 triathletes) participated in this study. The athletes underwent 3 lactate minimum tests on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer. The hyperlactemia induction methods used were graded exercise test (GXT), Wingate test (WAnT), and 2 consecutive Wingate tests (2 × WAnTs). The LMI at 2 × WAnTs (200.3 ± 25.8 W) was statistically higher than the LMI at GXT (187.3 ± 31.9 W) and WAnT (189.8 ± 26.0 W), with similar findings for blood lactate, oxygen uptake, and pulmonary ventilation at LMI. The venous pH after 2 × WAnTs was lower (7.04 ± 0.24) than in (p ≤ 0.05) the GXT (7.19 ± 0.05) and WAnT (7.19 ± 0.05), whereas the blood lactate response was higher. In addition, similar findings were observed for bicarbonate concentration [HCO3] (2 × WAnTs lower than WAnT; 15.3 ± 2.6 mmol·L and 18.2 ± 2.7 mmol·L1, respectively) (p ≤ 0.05). However, the maximal aerobic power and total time measured during the incremental phase also did not differ. Therefore, we can conclude that the induction mode significantly affects pH, blood lactate, and [HCO3] and consequently they alter the LMI and physiological parameters at LMI.

Monitoring chronic physical stress using biomarkers, performance protocols and mathematical functions to identify physiological adaptations in rats

This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of monotonous training at lactate minimum (LM) intensity on aerobic and anaerobic performances; glycogen concentrations in the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius muscle and the liver; and creatine kinase (CK), free fatty acids and glucose concentrations in rats. The rats were separated into trained ( n = 10), baseline ( n = 10) and sedentary ( n = 10) groups. The trained group was submitted to the following: 60 min/day, 6 day/week and intensity equivalent to LM during the 12-week training period. The training volume was reduced after four weeks according to a sigmoid function. The total CK (U/L) increased in the trained group after 12 weeks (742.0 ± 158.5) in comparison with the baseline (319.6 ± 40.2) and the sedentary (261.6 ± 42.2) groups. Free fatty acids and glycogen stores (liver, soleus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle) increased after 12 weeks of monotonous training but aerobic and anaerobic performances were unchanged in relation to the sedentary group. The monotonous training at LM increased the level of energy substrates, unchanged aerobic performance, reduced anaerobic capacity and increased the serum CK concentration; however, the rats did not achieve the predicted training volume.

Aerobic fitness evaluation during walking tests identifies the maximal lactate steady state

Objective. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of lactate minimum (LM) determination during a walking test and the validity of such LM protocol on predicting the maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) intensity. Design. Eleven healthy subjects (24.2 ± 4.5 yr; 74.3 ± 7.7 kg; 176.9 ± 4.1 cm) performed LM tests on a treadmill, consisting of walking at 5.5 km · h⁻¹ and with 20–22% of inclination until voluntary exhaustion to induce metabolic acidosis. After 7 minutes of recovery the participants performed an incremental test starting at 7% incline with increments of 2% at each 3 minutes until exhaustion. A polynomial modeling approach (LMp) and a visual inspection (LMv) were used to identify the LM as the exercise intensity associated to the lowest [bLac] during the test. Participants also underwent to 2–4 constant intensity tests of 30 minutes to determine the MLSS intensity. Results. There were no differences among LMv (12.6 ± 1.7%), LMp (13.1 ± 1.5%), and MLSS (13.6 ± 2.1%) and the Bland and Altman plots evidenced acceptable agreement between them. Conclusion. It was possible to identify the LM during walking tests with intensity imposed by treadmill inclination, and it seemed to be valid on identifying the exercise intensity associated to the MLSS.

Methods of exercise intensity and lactataemia determination of lactate minimum test in rats

The lactate minimum test (LMT) is a useful protocol for determining the intensity corresponding to the maximal lactate steady state. Nevertheless, different methods to determine LMT variables are found in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyse three different methods for determining the effort intensity (LMTi) and lactataemia (LMTLAC) corresponding to LMT. We subjected seventeen rats to LMT in a swimming ergometer, following three steps: (1) acidosis induction phase; (2) recovery of nine minutes; and (3) incremental swimming intensity phase. We determined the LMTi and LMTLAC using three methods: visual inspection (VI - non-mathematic), second order polynomial function (fPOLY - mathematic) and spline function (fSPL - mathematic). Results showed no significant differences between the LMTi or LMTLAC values determined using VI (5.32+0.50% bw and 5.62+0.78 mM, respectively), fPOLY (5.31+0.53% bw and 5.64+0.72 mM, respectively) and fSPL (5.32+0.54% bw and 5.59+0.76 mM, respectively). We found significant correlations between the three methods (P<0.05). We concluded that the determination of the intensity and lactataemia corresponding to LMT are not influenced by mathematic or non-mathematic methods in swimming sedentary rats.

Reverse lactate threshold: a novel single-session approach to reliable high-resolution estimation of the anaerobic threshold

The multisession maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) test is the gold standard for anaerobic threshold (AnT) estimation. However, it is highly impractical, requires high fitness level, and suffers additional shortcomings. Existing single-session AnT-estimating tests are of compromised validity, reliability, and resolution. The presented reverse lactate threshold test (RLT) is a single-session, AnT-estimating test, aimed at avoiding the pitfalls of existing tests. It is based on the novel concept of identifying blood lactate's maximal appearance-disappearance equilibrium by approaching the AnT from higher, rather than from lower exercise intensities. Rowing, cycling, and running case data (4 recreational and competitive athletes, male and female, aged 17-39 y) are presented. Subjects performed the RLT test and, on a separate session, a single 30-min MLSS-type verification test at the RLT-determined intensity. The RLT and its MLSS verification exhibited exceptional agreement at 0.5% discrepancy or better. The RLT's training sensitivity was demonstrated by a case of 2.5-mo training regimen following which the RLT's 15-W improvement was fully MLSS-verified. The RLT's test-retest reliability was examined in 10 trained and untrained subjects. Test 2 differed from test 1 by only 0.3% with an intraclass correlation of 0.997. The data suggest RLT to accurately and reliably estimate AnT (as represented by MLSS verification) with high resolution and in distinctly different sports and to be sensitive to training adaptations. Compared with MLSS, the single-session RLT is highly practical and its lower fitness requirements make it applicable to athletes and untrained individuals alike. Further research is needed to establish RLT's validity and accuracy in larger samples.

Identificação do lactato mínimo de corredores adolescentes em teste de pista de três estágios incrementais

OBJETIVO: Analisar a possibilidade de se determinar a velocidade de lactato mínimo (LM) em corredores adolescentes utilizando-se apenas três estágios incrementais. MÉTODOS: Onze indivíduos (13,7 ± 1,0 anos; 47,3 ± 12,1kg; 160,0 ± 1,0cm; 18,3 ± 1,8kg/m²) realizaram três testes de corrida em pista de atletismo em dias distintos: 1) desempenho de 3.000m (Vm3.000); 2) teste de LM que consistiu de um sprint de 500m para indução a hiperlactatemia, seguido de 10min de recuperação e seis séries de 800m em intensidades de 83, 86, 89, 92, 95 e 98% da Vm3.000; 3) teste de LM com três estágios (LMp3) semelhante ao protocolo anterior, porém, com três séries de 800m em intensidades de 83, 89 e 98% da Vm3.000. Durante o primeiro minuto de recuperação entre os estágios dos testes dois e três foram coletadas amostras de sangue para dosagem de lactato sanguíneo. Para determinação do LM foram empregadas: a) inspeção visual (LM) e b) função polinomial de segunda ordem para identificar o LM em seis estágios (LMp) e três estágios (LMp3). RESULTADOS: ANOVA demonstrou não haver diferenças entre as velocidades de lactato mínimo (m.min-1) identificadas pelos diferentes métodos (LM = 221,7 ± 15,4 vs. LMp = 227,1 ± 10,8 vs. LMp3 = 224,1 ± 11,2;). Altas correlações foram observadas entre os protocolos estudados e destes com a Vm3.000 (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível identificar a velocidade de corrida correspondente ao LM em adolescentes mesmo utilizando-se de apenas três estágios incrementais (LMp3).

The Effect of Sampling Time on Blood Lactate Concentration ([Bla]) in Trained Rowers

Purpose:

To compare blood lactate concentration ([Bla]) at 15 s and 45 s during the 1-min rest period between each stage of an incremental test in rowers and to establish the validity of using interchangeable sampling times.

Methods:

Seventeen male club rowers (mean ± SD, age 28.8 ± 5.7 years, height 186.9 ± 5.1 cm, body mass 85.4 ± 6.6 kg) performed an incremental rowing ergometer test, consisting of five stages of 4 min corresponding to approximately 80% HRmax. A 10-µL earlobe blood sample was collected from each subject at 15 s and again at 45 s in the final minute of each test stage and analyzed in duplicate. A maximum of 10 s was allowed for blood collection.

Results:

Statistical analysis using limits of agreement and correlation indicated a high level of agreement between the two [Bla] samples for all fve test stages (agreement >95%, confidence intervals [CI] = -0.5 to 1.5, r = .97, P < .05).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that a sampling time between 15 s and 45 s may be recommended for the valid assessment of the [Bla] threshold in rowing performance monitoring. This extends the current sampling time of 30 s used by physiologists and coaches for National and club-level Rowers.

Influence of recovery manipulation after hyperlactemia induction on the lactate minimum intensity

This study analyzed the influence of recovery phase manipulation after hyperlactemia induction on the lactate minimum intensity during treadmill running. Twelve male runners (24.6 +/- 6.3 years; 172 +/- 8.0 cm and 62.6 +/- 6.1 kg) performed three lactate minimum tests involving passive (LMT(P)) and active recoveries at 30%vVO(2max) (LMT(A30)) and 50%vVO(2max) (LMT(A50)) in the 8-min period following initial sprints. During subsequent graded exercise, lactate minimum speed and VO(2) in LMT(A50) (12.8 +/- 1.5 km h(-1) and 40.3 +/- 5.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in LMT(A30) (13.3 +/- 1.6 km h(-1) and 42.9 +/- 5.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and LMT(P) (13.8 +/- 1.6 km h(-1) and 43.6 +/- 6.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). In addition, lactate minimum speed in LMT(A30) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in LMT(P). These results suggest that lactate minimum intensity is lowered by active recovery after hyperlactemia induction in an intensity-dependent manner compared to passive recovery.

Influência da forma de indução à acidose na determinação da intensidade de lactato mínimo em corredores de longa distância

O objetivo principal deste estudo foi verificar se diferentes formas de indução à acidose interferem na determinação da intensidade do lactato mínimo (LACmin) em corredores de longa distância. Desse modo, 14 corredores de provas fundas do atletismo participaram do estudo. Os atletas realizaram três protocolos: 1) teste incremental em esteira rolante, com incrementos de 1km.h-1 a cada três minutos até a exaustão, para a determinação das intensidades de limiar anaeróbio (OBLA), de limiar aeróbio (Laer), consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e intensidade de consumo máximo de oxigênio (vVO2max); 2) teste de lactato mínimo em pista de atletismo (LACminp), que consistiu de dois esforços máximos de 233m na pista de atletismo com intervalo de um minuto entre cada repetição, com oito minutos de recuperação passiva, seguido de um teste incremental semelhante ao do protocolo 1; e 3) teste de lactato mínimo em esteira rolante (LACmine), constituído de dois esforços máximos de um minuto e 45 segundos com intervalo de um minuto, na intensidade de 120% da vVO2max, seguido dos mesmos procedimentos do protocolo 2. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue do lóbulo da orelha ao final de cada estágio em todos os protocolos e no 7º minuto de recuperação passiva dos testes de LACmine e LACminp. A análise de variância (ANOVA) mostrou que ocorreram diferenças significativas entre as intensidades de LACmine (13,23 ± 1,78km.h-1) e OBLA (14,67 ± 1,44km.h-1). Dessa maneira, a partir dos resultados obtidos no presente estudo, é possível concluir que a determinação da intensidade correspondente ao lactato mínimo é dependente do protocolo utilizado para a indução à acidose. Além disso, o LACmine subestimou a intensidade correspondente ao OBLA, não podendo ser utilizado para a mensuração da capacidade aeróbia de corredores fundistas.

Protocols for hyperlactatemia induction in the lactate minimum test adapted to swimming rats

The lactate minimum test (LACmin) has been considered an important indicator of endurance exercise capacity and a single session protocol can predict the maximal steady state lactate (MLSS). The objective of this study was to determine the best swimming protocol to induce hyperlactatemia in order to assure the LACmin in rats (Rattus norvegicus), standardized to four different protocols (P) of lactate elevation. The protocols were P1: 6 min of intermittent jumping exercise in water (load of 50% of the body weight - bw); P2: two 13% bw load swimming bouts until exhaustion (tlim); P3: one tlim 13% bw load swimming bout; and P4: two 13% bw load swimming bouts (1st 30 s, 2nd to tlim), separated by a 30 s interval. The incremental phase of LACmin beginning with initial loads of 4% bw, increased in 0.5% at each 5 min. Peak lactate concentration was collected after 5, 7 and 9 min (mmol L(-1)) and differed among the protocols P1 (15.2+/-0.4, 14.9+/-0.7, 14.8+/-0.6) and P2 (14.0+/-0.4, 14.9+/-0.4, 15.5+/-0.5) compared to P3 (5.1+/-0.1, 5.6+/-0.3, 5.6+/-0.3) and P4 (4.7+/-0.2, 6.8+/-0.2, 7.1+/-0.2). The LACmin determination success rates were 58%, 55%, 80% and 91% in P1, P2, P3 and P4 protocols, respectively. The MLSS did not differ from LACmin in any protocol. The LACmin obtained from P4 protocol showed better assurance for the MLSS identification in most of the tested rats.

Comparação entre métodos invasivos e não invasivo de determinação da capacidade aeróbia em futebolistas profissionais

O Limiar Anaeróbio (Lan) pode ser determinado por protocolos que utilizam concentrações fixas de lactato sanguíneo como o OBLA (Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation) e os que utilizam procedimentos mais individualizados, como o Lactato Mínimo (Lacmin). Independente do método, a mensuração da capacidade aeróbia através do Lan nesses casos exige a utilização de equipamentos sofisticados, além do elevado custo por atleta, o que torna sua aplicação limitada. Como alternativa, um dos testes não invasivos mais empregados no meio esportivo é o de 12 minutos proposto por Cooper. O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi comparar a intensidade de exercício obtida pelo teste de 12min com as intensidades correspondentes ao Lan obtido pelo protocolo adaptado ao de Tegtbur et al. (1993) (Lac minat) e pelo OBLA em futebolistas profissionais. Para tanto participaram 16 atletas pertencentes a uma equipe profissional filiada à série A3 do futebol paulista. Cada atleta foi avaliado nos três protocolos, com intervalo mínimo de 48 e máximo de 72 horas. Os resultados mostraram diferença (p < 0,05) entre as velocidades (km.h-1) obtidas pelo teste de Cooper (15,09 ± 0,94) e OBLA (14,28 ± 1,02); entretanto, esses testes apresentaram correlação significativa. Cooper e OBLA não apresentaram correlação com o Lac minat, mas as velocidades foram similares com esse protocolo. Dessa maneira, a partir da análise de regressão entre os valores de Cooper e OBLA foi possível determinar uma equação de correção que permita, através do teste de Cooper, a obtenção da intensidade correspondente ao Lan determinado pelo OBLA em futebolistas profissionais.

Comparação entre a utilização de saliva e sangue para determinação do lactato mínimo em cicloergômetro e ergômetro de braço em mesa-tenistas

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de determinar o teste de lactato mínimo (TLM) com concentrações de sódio (Na+), potássio (K+) e lactato (LAC) na saliva em ergômetro de braço e cicloergômetro. Foram participantes deste estudo oito mesa-tenistas de nível internacional. Como estímulo anaeróbio no TLM em ambos os ergômetros foram utilizados testes máximos de 30 segundos. No ergômetro de braço isocinético (Cybex Ube 2432) foi aplicada a força máxima com rotação fixa em 102rpm e no cicloergômetro, aplicada a carga de 7,5% do peso corporal (Kp). Após o estímulo anaeróbio no ergômetro de braço, foi iniciado um teste incremental com rotações na manivela constante a 60rpm, iniciado a 49 watts com aumento de 16 watts a cada estágio de três minutos de exercício. A intensidade correspondente ao TLM foi determinado com amostras de sangue e saliva (LACmin braço; Na+min braço-saliva e K+min braço-saliva, respectivamente). Para o cicloergômetro, a carga inicial foi de 85 watts e aumento de 17 watts com rotação do pedal constante a 70rpm. Cada estágio de exercício também teve a duração de três minutos. O LACmin foi determinado utilizando amostras de sangue e saliva (LACmin ciclo; Na+min ciclo-saliva, K+min ciclo-saliva e LACmin ciclo-saliva, respectivamente). Em ambos os ergômetros, as intensidades obtidas no TLM foram correspondentes à derivada zero do ajuste polinomial entre metabólito versus intensidade. Foram utilizados, como procedimentos estatísticos, o teste ANOVA One Way, teste t de Student pareado e teste de correlação de Pearson com níveis de significância de 5%. Os LACmin determinados com amostras de sangue e de saliva, tanto para o ergômetro de braço (LACmin braço 91,71 ± 12,43; Na+min braço-saliva 71,99 ± 23,42; K+min braço-saliva 79,67 ± 17,72), quanto para cicloergômetro (LACmin ciclo 157,68 ± 13,48; LACmin ciclo-saliva 135,49 ± 33,2; Na+min ciclo-saliva 121,81 ± 51,31; K+min ciclo-saliva 135,49 ± 33,21), não foram diferentes significativamente. Contudo, essas intensidades não apresentaram correlações significativas. Pode-se então concluir que a utilização de metabólitos na saliva para determinação do TLM não parece ser possível para esse protocolo quando os ergômetros utilizados são o ergômetro de braço isocinético e o cicloergômetro.

Effect of the passive recovery period on the lactate minimum speed in sprinters and endurance runners

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the passive recovery time following a supramaximal sprint exercise and the incremental exercise test on the lactate minimum speed (LMS). Thirteen sprinters and 12 endurance runners performed the following tests: (1) a maximal 500 m sprint followed by a passive recovery to determine the time to reach the peak blood lactate concentration; (2) after the maximal 500 m sprint, the athletes rested eight mins, and then performed 6 x 800 m incremental test, in order to determine the speed corresponding to the lower blood lactate concentration (LMS1) and; (3) identical procedures of the LMS1, differing only in the passive rest time, that was performed in accordance with the time to peak lactate (LMS2). The time (min) to reach the peak blood lactate concentration was significantly higher in the sprinters (12.76 +/- 2.83) than in the endurance runners (10.25 +/- 3.01). There was no significant difference between LMS 1 and LMS2, for both endurance (285.7 +/- 19.9; 283.9 +/- 17.8 m/min; r = 0.96) and sprint runners (238.0 +/- 14.1; 239.4 +/- 13.9 m/min; r = 0.93), respectively. We can conclude that the LMS is not influenced by a passive recovery period longer than eight mins (adjusted according with the time to peak blood lactate), although blood lactate concentration may differ at this speed. The predominant type of training (aerobic or anaerobic) of the athletes does not seem to influence the phenomenon previously described.

Anaerobic threshold: the concept and methods of measurement

The anaerobic threshold (AnT) is defined as the highest sustained intensity of exercise for which measurement of oxygen uptake can account for the entire energy requirement. At the AnT, the rate at which lactate appears in the blood will be equal to the rate of its disappearance. Although inadequate oxygen delivery may facilitate lactic acid production, there is no evidence that lactic acid production above the AnT results from inadequate oxygen delivery. There are many reasons for trying to quantify this intensity of exercise, including assessment of cardiovascular or pulmonary health, evaluation of training programs, and categorization of the intensity of exercise as mild, moderate, or intense. Several tests have been developed to determine the intensity of exercise associated with AnT: maximal lactate steady state, lactate minimum test, lactate threshold, OBLA, individual anaerobic threshold, and ventilatory threshold. Each approach permits an estimate of the intensity of exercise associated with AnT, but also has consistent and predictable error depending on protocol and the criteria used to identify the appropriate intensity of exercise. These tests are valuable, but when used to predict AnT, the term that describes the approach taken should be used to refer to the intensity that has been identified, rather than to refer to this intensity as the AnT.

Determination of anaerobic threshold in rats using the lactate minimum test

The break point of the curve of blood lactate vs exercise load has been called anaerobic threshold (AT) and is considered to be an important indicator of endurance exercise capacity in human subjects. There are few studies of AT determination in animals. We describe a protocol for AT determination by the "lactate minimum test" in rats during swimming exercise. The test is based on the premise that during an incremental exercise test, and after a bout of maximal exercise, blood lactate decreases to a minimum and then increases again. This minimum value indicates the intensity of the AT. Adult male (90 days) Wistar rats adapted to swimming for 2 weeks were used. The initial state of lactic acidosis was obtained by making the animals jump into the water and swim while carrying a load equivalent to 50% of body weight for 6 min (30-s exercise interrupted by a 30-s rest). After a 9-min rest, blood was collected and the incremental swimming test was started. The test consisted of swimming while supporting loads of 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 7.0% of body weight. Each exercise load lasted 5 min and was followed by a 30-s rest during which blood samples were taken. The blood lactate minimum was determined from a zero-gradient tangent to a spline function fitting the blood lactate vs workload curve. AT was estimated to be 4.95 +/- 0.10% of body weight while interpolated blood lactate was 7.17 +/- 0.16 mmol/l. These results suggest the application of AT determination in animal studies concerning metabolism during exercise.

Method of lactate elevation does not affect the determination of the lactate minimum

PURPOSE

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.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the determination of lactate minimum power in cycling is not dependent upon the lactate elevation protocol.

Comparação das intensidades correspondentes ao lactato mínimo, limiar de lactato e limiar anaeróbio durante o ciclismo em atletas de endurance

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a intensidade de exercício no lactato mínimo (LACmin), com a intensidade correspondente ao limiar de lactato (LL) e limiar anaeróbio (LAn). Participaram do estudo, 11 atletas do sexo masculino (idade, 22,5 + 3,17 anos; altura, 172,3 + 8,2 cm; peso, 66,9 + 8,2kg; e gordura corporal, 9,8 + 3,4%). Os indivíduos foram submetidos, em uma bicicleta eletromagnética (Quinton - Corival 400), a dois testes: 1) exercício contínuo de cargas crescentes - carga inicial de 100W, com incrementos de 25W a cada três min. até a exaustão voluntária; e 2) teste de lactato mínimo - inicialmente os indivíduos pedalaram duas vezes 425W (+ 120%<img border=0 width=32 height=32 src="../../../../../img/revistas/rbme/v6n5/a2e01.gif" align=top>max) durante 30 segundos, com um min. de intervalo, com o objetivo de induzir o acúmulo de lactato. Após oito min. de recuperação passiva, os indivíduos iniciaram um teste contínuo de cargas progressivas, idêntico ao descrito anteriormente. O LL e o LAn foram identificados como sendo o menor valor entre a razão - lactato sanguíneo (mM) / intensidade de exercício (W), e a intensidade correspondente a 3,5mM de lactato sanguíneo, respectivamente. O LACmin foi identificado como sendo a intensidade correspondente a menor concentração de lactato durante o teste de cargas progressivas. Não foi observada diferença significante entre a potência do LL (197,7 + 20,7W) e do LACmin (201,6 + 13,0W), sendo ambas significantemente menores do que do LAn (256,7 + 33,3W). Não foram encontradas também diferenças significantes para o <img border=0 width=32 height=32 src="../../../../../img/revistas/rbme/v6n5/a2e01.gif" align=top>(ml.kg-1.min-1) e a FC (bpm) obtidos no LL (43,2 + 5,01; 152,0 + 13,0) e no LACmin (42,1 + 3,9; 159,0 + 10,0), sendo entretanto significantemente menores do que os obtidos para o LAn (52,2 + 8,2; 174,0 + 13,0, respectivamente). Pode-se concluir que o teste de LACmin, nas condições experimentais deste estudo, pode subestimar a intensidade de MSSLAC (estimada indiretamente pelo LAn), o que concordacom outros estudos que determinaram a MSSLAC diretamente. Assim, são necessários mais estudos que analisem o possível componente tempo-dependente (intensidade inicial) que pode existir no protocolo do LACmin.

Changes in blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio during the lactate minimum speed test

The aim of this study was to assess the responses of blood lactate and pyruvate during the lactate minimum speed test. Ten participants (5 males, 5 females; mean +/- s: age 27.1+/-6.7 years, VO2max 52.0+/-7.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed: (1) the lactate minimum speed test, which involved supramaximal sprint exercise to invoke a metabolic acidosis before the completion of an incremental treadmill test (this results in a 'U-shaped' blood lactate profile with the lactate minimum speed being defined as the minimum point on the curve); (2) a standard incremental exercise test without prior sprint exercise for determination of the lactate threshold; and (3) the sprint exercise followed by a passive recovery. The lactate minimum speed (12.0+/-1.4 km x h(-1)) was significantly slower than running speed at the lactate threshold (12.4+/-1.7 km x h(-1)) (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in VO2, heart rate or blood lactate concentration between the lactate minimum speed and running speed at the lactate threshold. During the standard incremental test, blood lactate and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased above baseline values at the same time, with pyruvate increasing above baseline at a higher running speed. The rate of lactate, but not pyruvate, disappearance was increased during exercising recovery (early stages of the lactate minimum speed incremental test) compared with passive recovery. This caused the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio to fall during the early stages of the lactate minimum speed test, to reach a minimum point at a running speed that coincided with the lactate minimum speed and that was similar to the point at which the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased above baseline in the standard incremental test. Although these results suggest that the mechanism for blood lactate accumulation at the lactate minimum speed and the lactate threshold may be the same, disruption to normal submaximal exercise metabolism as a result of the preceding sprint exercise, including a three- to five-fold elevation of plasma pyruvate concentration, makes it difficult to interpret the blood lactate response to the lactate minimum speed test. Caution should be exercised in the use of this test for the assessment of endurance capacity.