The bloodless lactate profile

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Blood lactate profiling (HLa-P) is a standard method for assessing athlete performance and prescribing training intensity.
• However, HLa-P presents logistical and public health challenges, necessitating alternative assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate relative velocity and %HRmax as practical alternatives to HLa-P for determining training intensity.
• To assess the accuracy of these bloodless methods in predicting steady-state exercise intensity in competitive speed skaters.

Main Methods:

• Competitive speed skaters (N=20) underwent HLa-P using incremental 2000m/400m repetitions.
• Relative velocity was calculated against maximal trial velocity, and %HRmax was recorded.
• Models were cross-validated during a separate constant-velocity training session, assessing lactate changes to define steady state.

Main Results:

• Steady-state intensity (HLa = 4.0-6.5 mmol.l-1) correlated with 78-88% relative velocity (R²=0.807) and 84-92 %HRmax (R²=0.748).
• HLa-P predicted 81% of training session responses.
• The relative velocity model predicted 78% of responses, while the %HRmax model predicted 68%.

Conclusions:

• Relative velocity and %HRmax show promise as bloodless alternatives to HLa-P for prescribing training intensity.
• The relative velocity method demonstrates high accuracy in predicting steady-state exercise intensity in speed skaters.
• These findings support the use of non-invasive methods for athlete assessment and training prescription.