Validation of a single-day maximal lactate steady state assessment protocol

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The classical maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) assessment requires multiple laboratory visits over several days.
• This time-consuming nature presents a logistical challenge for athletes undergoing performance testing.
• A need exists for a more efficient and accessible protocol to determine MLSS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel, single-day Palmer protocol for measuring MLSS.
• To compare the results of the Palmer protocol against the established multi-day classical MLSS assessment.

Main Methods:

• Nine endurance-trained males participated in the study.
• Participants underwent both the classical MLSS protocol and the single-day Palmer protocol.
• Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Main Results:

• The Palmer protocol demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.97, p<0.001) with the classical MLSS protocol for determining running velocity at MLSS.
• Test-retest reliability for the single-day Palmer protocol was also high (r=0.97, p<0.001).
• The mean velocity at MLSS for the Palmer protocol was 236.4 ± 27.8 m/min, compared to 226.3 ± 22.6 m/min for the classical protocol.

Conclusions:

• The single-day Palmer protocol is a valid and reliable method for estimating MLSS.
• This new protocol offers a practical alternative to traditional multi-day assessments.
• The findings support the use of the Palmer protocol to streamline MLSS testing for athletes.