Blood Lactate at 12 km/h and vOBLA as Predictors of Run Performance in Non-Endurance Athletes*

Abstract

Run velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (vOBLA) has been reported to be highly correlated with performance in endurance runs. From capillary blood samples taken during incremental treadmill running, vOBLA and the blood lactate concentration at a run speed of 12 km/h (La12) were determined in a group of 11 men which excluded endurance athletes. The inter-relationships between these variables, 4-km run performance and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were investigated. vOBLA and La12 were highly correlated with one another (r = -0.95). Mean 4-km run speed was found to be closely related to vOBLA (r = 0.86), La12 (r = -0.88) and VO2max (r = 0.86). Reproducibility of both vOBLA and La12 was found to be good; test and re-test scores were highly correlated (r greater than or equal to 0.93) and did not differ significantly (p greater than 0.05). The present study suggests that vOBLA may be a valid and reproducible predictor of run performance in individuals who are not endurance athletes. It was not, however, found to be better in these respects than La12, the measurement of which would be easier and less traumatic to the subject since it would require less blood sampling.

A comparison of respiratory compensation thresholds of anaerobic competitors, aerobic competitors and untrained subjects

“…From an application standpoint it should be noted that, while threshold values have been shown to accurately predict success in endurance events (Allen et al 1985;Coyle et al 1991;Duggan and Tebbutt 1990;Mafulli et al 1991;Tanaka and Matsuura 1984;Tanaka et al 1983;Weltman et al 1978;Yoshida et al 1987), relying solely on threshold may not be effective in certain groups. Although threshold may be a more effective predictor, _ V V O 2max establishes the upper limit of aerobic metabolic potential.…”

“…Previous research shows various measures of anaerobic threshold values predict endurance performance success more effectively than maximal oxygen consumption ( _ V V O 2max ) (Allen et al 1985;Coyle et al 1991;Duggan and Tebbutt 1990;Mafulli et al 1991;Tanaka and Matsuura 1984;Tanaka et al 1983;Weltman et al 1978;Yoshida et al 1987). Studies also suggest threshold values may be influenced by testing protocol, substrate availability, altitude, and ambient temperature.…”

On‐field prediction vs monitoring of aerobic capacity markers using submaximal lactate and heart rate measures

“…In an attempt to facilitate the monitoring of athletes' aerobic conditioning, the use of a single BLC assay in response to a submaximal exercise protocol has been submitted to investigation. Inspired by the study of Duggan and Tebbutt conducted in 11 soldiers, we have recently validated the use of a single BLC measurement taken at 12 km·h −1 (BLC 12 ) following a two‐stage 13‐minute exercise test protocol to predict and track changes in FBLC thresholds in 136 elite athletes . The mean BLC 12 obtained after this 13‐minute exercise test protocol was 3.7 mmol·L −1 , ranging from 0.9 to 9 mmol·L −1 , which corresponded to a mean intensity of 98% of S4mM, ranging from 19% below to 34% above S4mM.…”

Performance diagnostic in cross-country skiing

“…Performance at 4 mmol/l is most easily measured and cited to be the most accurate, objective and valid measure of endurance capacity, yielding significant and close relationships (r = 0.85-0.97) with different endurance distances [4,13,22,23]. Performance at 4 mmol/l, which is sometimes simplified and wrongly referred to as the anaerobic threshold, can differ widely between individuals with different endurance levels or between different sports [24].…”