Methodological aspects of maximal lactate steady state—implications for performance testing

Abstract

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is the highest blood lactate concentration (BLC) that can be identified as maintaining a steady-state during a prolonged submaximal constant workload. Comparative interpretation of published data about MLSS is complicated by the fact that different methods of testing have been utilized. Thus, three methods, corresponding to the time course of changes in BLC incurred during either 30 min (MLSS I) or 20 min (MLSS II and III) of constant submaximal workload exercise, were compared in 26 male subjects [mean (SD) age 24.6 (5.6) years, height 181.6 (4.9) cm, body mass 74.4 (5.2) kg]. MLSS I [5.1 (1.3) mmol x l(-1)], II [4.9 (1.3) mmol x l(-1)], and III [4.3 (1.3) mmol x l(-1)] were different (P<0.01). The workload corresponding to MLSS III [244.8 (44.0) W] was lower (P<0.01) than that at MLSS I [254.0 (40.8) W] and II [251.9 (40.4) W]. No difference could be confirmed between the workloads established for MLSS I and MLSS II. The differences between MLSS I, MLSS II, and MLSS III and corresponding workloads reflect insufficient contribution to lactate kinetics by testing procedures that depend strongly upon the time course of changes in BLC during the initial 20-25 min of constant-workload exercise. Based on the present findings, constant-load tests lasting at least 30 min and a BLC increase of no more than 1.0 mmol x l(-1) after the 10th testing minute appear to be the most reasonable with respect to valid testing results.

Comparison of maximal lactate steady state with V2, V4, individual anaerobic threshold and lactate minimum speed in horses

“…An ergometric rowing study demonstrated for V 4 what was found in this study for the thresholds of fixed velocity, meaning velocity values above those predicted by MLSS, and high correlation (r = 0.80) between them using 3 min stages (Beneke, 2003). For athletes in cycloergometry, a low correlation was reported (r = 0.57) between fixed velocities at 4 mmol.L -1 and those predicted by MLSS (Aunola and Rusko, 1992).…”

“…Studies are necessary to determine if these factors, inherent to the field test, influence incremental and constant load exercises differently and, consequently, their comparison. Additionally, this study used the method initially proposed for assessment of MLSS (Heck et al, 1985), which was later modified by investigators and which is currently more used and accepted by the scientific community in human sports (Beneke, 2003), using a protocol with 30 min of duration. This difference would probably alter the results of the comparison between the methods.…”

Efeitos do desempenho aeróbio na máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo determinada em protocolo intermitente na natação

“…Dentre os diversos protocolos e critérios, a máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo (MLSS) tem sido considerada como o padrão-ouro para a avaliação aeróbia (1)(2)(3) . A MLSS pode ser definida com a maior intensidade de exercício de carga constante onde ainda pode ser observada estabilidade na concentração sanguínea de lactato.…”

Limited Benefit of Fatmax-Test to Derive Training Prescriptions

“…During constant load exercise, the calculation of substrate utilization by means of indirect calorimetry is correct as long as there are lactate steady-state conditions [ 12 ] . If the lactate steady-state is defi ned as no more than 1 mmol/l increase in bLa between the 10 th and 30 th minute of exercise [ 5 ] , 3 subjects were not in a lactate steady-state in the constant load test at Fat max and fi ve were not in a lactate steady state in the HIGH test. In this case, non-metabolic CO 2 comes up through the buff ering of hydrogen-ions, aff ects RER and, therewith, the calculated fat oxidation rate.…”