Comparison of calculated and experimental power in maximal lactate-steady state during cycling

The purpose of this study was the comparison of the calculated (MLSSC) and experimental power (MLSSE) in maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) during cycling.

13 male subjects (24.2 ± 4.76 years, 72.9 ± 6.9 kg, 178.5 ± 5.9 cm, V˙O2max: 60.4 ± 8.6 ml min-1 kg-1, V˙Lamax: 0.9 ± 0.19 mmol l-1 s-1) performed a ramp-test for determining the V˙O2max and a 15 s sprint-test for measuring the maximal glycolytic rate (V˙Lamax). All tests were performed on a Lode-Cycle-Ergometer. V˙O2max and V˙Lamax were used to calculate MLSSC. For the determination of MLSSE several 30 min constant load tests were performed. MLSSE was defined as the highest workload that can be maintained without an increase of blood-lactate-concentration (BLC) of more than 0.05 mmol l-1 min-1 during the last 20 min. Power in following constant-load test was set higher or lower depending on BLC.

MLSSE and MLSSC were measured respectively at 217 ± 51 W and 229 ± 47 W, while mean difference was -12 ± 20 W. Orthogonal regression was calculated with r = 0.92 (p < 0.001).

The difference of 12 W can be explained by the biological variability of V˙O2max and V˙Lamax. The knowledge of both parameters, as well as their individual influence on MLSS, could be important for establishing training recommendations, which could lead to either an improvement in V˙O2max or V˙Lamax by performing high intensity or low intensity exercise training, respectively. Furthermore the validity of V˙Lamax -test should be focused in further studies.