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Published on: July 5, 2017
Reassembling the Field-based Applicability of the Lactate Threshold for Old Age
Ibai Garcia-Tabar1,2,3, Maitane Ruiz-Rios1,3, Cristina Martinez-Labari2
1Department of Physical Education and Sport, Society Sports and Physical Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT), Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Lactate Threshold (LT) testing is a valuable tool for estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in older men. This method offers a more accurate assessment of exercise intensity domains compared to the Six-minute Walk Test.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and exercise intensity domains are crucial for assessing aerobic fitness, especially in older adults.
- Current methods for determining these parameters may have limitations in older populations.
- Lactate Threshold (LT) is a potential alternative for assessing exercise capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of Lactate Threshold (LT) for predicting maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in older adults.
- To compare LT with the Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) for demarcating exercise intensity domains.
- To evaluate the accuracy of LT in estimating VO2max and identifying the moderate-to-heavy intensity boundary (HRm-h) in older men.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional validation study involving older adults aged 61-77.
- Participants underwent incremental maximal exercise testing (CPX) for VO2max determination.
- Lactate Threshold (LT) was determined using a discontinuous incremental field test, and the Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) was also performed.
Main Results:
- LT testing required lower internal effort (76±8%HRmax) compared to 6MWT (92±9%HRmax).
- LT demonstrated a stronger correlation with VO2max (r ≈0.90) than 6MWT (r=0.68), with lower standard error of estimate.
- The Six-minute Walk Test reference equations overestimated VO2max by 10-23%.
Conclusions:
- Lactate Threshold (LT) testing is a more submaximal and valuable tool for estimating VO2max in older male adults compared to the 6MWT.
- LT provides a more accurate estimation of exercise intensity domains, aiding in the prescription of aerobic exercise.
- Implementing LT testing in physical activity programs can enhance the quality of aerobic exercise training for older men.
