Effect of specific test procedures on plasma lactate concentration and peak oxygen uptake in endurance athletes

Plasma lactate accumulation during submaximal work and VO2peak were determined on the bicycle ergometer and on the treadmill in all round trained control subjects (n = 9) and in specifically trained athletes such as distance runners (n = 9) and racing cyclists (n = 8). Plasma lactate concentration at equivalent levels of oxygen uptake was lower during treadmill exercise than during bicycle exercise in the controls and in the runners, but the difference between the two work modalities was more pronounced in the runners. In contrast to the runners, the cyclists had a higher plasma lactate concentration on the treadmill. VO2peak values on the two ergometers were similar in the controls, while the specifically trained athletes reached the highest value when they were tested with the exercise test which is specific to the training conducted. In the runners VO2peak was 14% higher on the treadmill than on the bicycle ergometer and in the cyclists VO2peak was 11% higher on the bicycle ergometer. It is concluded that the difference in plasma lactate concentration during submaximal work and in VO2peak between treadmill and bicycle exercise can be affected by the training conditions of the subjects.