Challenging the Accuracy of a Single-test Lactate Threshold Protocol in Collegiate Rowers

Elite rowers use lactate threshold (LT) estimates as a basis for training intensity in order to achieve the greatest training volume. For convenience, LT is usually determined in a maximal LT/VO_2max test. This simultaneous test is problematic because it requires a large power increment, which may not give the most accurate LT.

To challenge the validity of a simultaneous LT/VO_2max test to estimate LT in rowers.

Collegiate rowers (n=20, 16F and 4M, age 19.3±1.3 years, height 171.5±7.1 cm, weight 70±14 kg, VO_2max 44.6±5.5 ml•kg^-1•min^-1) performed two LT tests. Participants completed an incremental VO_2max test with 3-minute intervals increasing by 30W and 40W for women and men respectively. The second test consisted of five 6-minute stages of 10W increments starting from 20W below the estimated LT. For both tests, blood lactate was measured at the end of each stage and LT was determined by the lactate deflection point. The difference in intensity between the first deflection point and the LT was then calculated.

Average difference between LT₁ and LT₂ was 1.15 ± 13.4W, and were not statistically different (p=0.204). Average absolute difference was 9.95 ± 8.80W, and was different from the average (p=0.022).

A second incremental test should be performed for the most precise determination of LT. This is particularly important to rowers who rely on LT to determine training intensities.