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Increased training intensity effects on plasma lactate, ventilatory threshold, and endurance
1Exercise Science Laboratory, University of North Carolina, Greensboro 27412.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Increased training intensity (ITI) in trained runners improved 10 km race times and endurance performance. This enhancement occurred by lowering plasma lactate accumulation at high intensities, despite no significant changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) or ventilatory threshold (VT).
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Endurance Training
Background:
- Optimizing training intensity is crucial for enhancing endurance performance in athletes.
- Understanding the physiological adaptations to increased training intensity (ITI) is key for improving race times and stamina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ITI on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), plasma lactate accumulation, ventilatory threshold (VT), and performance in trained distance runners.
Main Methods:
- Seven trained male distance runners underwent an eight-week training program with increased intensity (90-95% HRmax) three times per week.
- Evaluated changes in VO2max, plasma lactate levels at various percentages of VO2max, VT, and 10 km race performance.
Main Results:
- ITI did not alter VO2max but significantly improved 10 km race times and time to exhaustion.
- Plasma lactate concentration decreased significantly at 85% and 90% of VO2max post-ITI.
- Lactate accumulation at 2.5 and 4.0 mM occurred at a higher percentage of VO2max, with changes dissociated from VT alterations.
Conclusions:
- Trained runners can improve endurance performance through ITI by reducing lactate accumulation at high intensities.
- Improvements in performance are achievable without significant changes in VO2max or VT.
- ITI offers a viable strategy for enhancing performance in already trained distance runners.