New methods in performance testing of elite athletes: Lactate-Minimum Test and Reverse Lactate-Threshold Test

Project details

Research objective

In the context physiological testing, the determination of the MLSS is time consuming and is usually replaced by single session tests. However, these tests are variably handicapped by compromised validity, accuracy, resolution, and reliability and often rely on the experience of the tester, using either fixed-lactate concentrations or transition/inflection-points as determination criteria for MLSS. The lactate-minimum test (LMT) and the reverse lactate threshold test (RLT) are the only single-session tests which are based on the physiologically founded lactate appearance-disappearance equilibrium concept that forms the basis for the MLSS test, as well. However, according to the limitations of both initially suggested LMT- and RLT-protocols, the aim of the project is to modify both protocols in order to solve these limitations and to further investigate the validity of the modified tests to determine MLSS in cycling and running. Both tests will be compared with established testing protocols for the determination of the MLSS.

Research method

Cycling:
Nineteen subjects performed an mLMT, an mRLT, a graded-exercise-test (100W start, +20W every 3 min) and 3 or more constant-load tests of 30 minutes to determine power output at MLSS. The mLMT and mRLT both consisted of an initial lactate priming-segment, followed by a short recovery phase. Afterwards, the initial load of the subsequent incremental- or reverse-segment was calculated individually and was increased or decreased by 10W every 90 sec respectively.

Running:
Twenty-one subjects performed a mLMT, a graded-exercise-test (2.4 m•s-1 start, +0.4 m•s-1 every 5 min) and 3 or more constant-speed tests of 30 minutes to determine running speed at MLSS. The mLMT consisted of an initial lactate priming-segment, followed by a short recovery phase. Afterwards, the initial load of the subsequent incremental-segment was determined individually and was increased by 0.1 m•s-1 every 105 sec.

Research key findings

Cycling:
The mean difference to MLSS was +2 ± 7W (mLMT), +5 ± 10W (mRLT), +9 ± 21W (OBLA) and +6 ± 14W (mDmax). The correlation between power output at MLSS and mLMT was highest (r=0.99), followed by mRLT (r=0.98), mDmax (r=0.95) and OBLA (r=0.90). Due to the higher accuracy of the mLMT and the mRLT to determine MLSS compared to OBLA and mDmax, we suggest both tests as valid and meaningful concepts to estimate power output at MLSS in one single test in moderately up to well-trained athletes. Additionally, our modified tests provide anaerobic data and do not require detailed knowledge of the subjects' training status compared to previous LMT- or RLT-protocols.

Runnig:
in progress
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date01.06.1330.06.17

Fingerprint

Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.