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Relationship between lactate threshold during running and relative gastrocnemius area
1Department of Sports Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 1, 1987
Summary
A larger gastrocnemius muscle area is linked to a lower lactate threshold in young athletes and adults. This finding suggests muscle size influences running performance and endurance capacity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The lactate threshold is a key indicator of endurance performance in runners.
- Understanding factors influencing lactate threshold is crucial for training optimization.
- Previous research has explored various physiological determinants of lactate threshold.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between relative gastrocnemius area and lactate threshold.
- To examine this relationship across different age groups and athletic statuses (boys, adult female runners, adult male non-athletes).
Main Methods:
- Muscle composition, specifically relative gastrocnemius area, was measured using ultrasound.
- Lactate threshold was determined during running at both absolute and relative work rates.
- Participants included nonathletic and athletic boys (9-12 years), adult female runners, and adult male non-athletes.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between relative gastrocnemius area and both absolute and relative lactate threshold across all participant groups.
- This indicates that individuals with a larger relative gastrocnemius muscle area tend to have a lower lactate threshold.
Conclusions:
- The relative gastrocnemius area appears to be an important factor in determining an individual's lactate threshold during running.
- These findings have implications for understanding muscle morphology's role in running economy and endurance potential.