Comparison of calculated and experimental power in maximal lactate-steady state during cycling

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was the comparison of the calculated (MLSS C ) and experimental power (MLSS E ) in maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) during cycling. Methods. 13 male subjects (24.2 ± 4.76 years, 72.9 ± 6.9 kg, 178.5 ± 5.9 cm, V ̇ O 2 max: 60.4 ± 8.6 ml min -1 kg -1 , V ̇ La max: 0.9 ± 0.19 mmol l -1 s -1 ) performed a ramp-test for determining the V ̇ O 2 max and a 15 s sprint-test for measuring the maximal glycolytic rate (V ̇ La max). All tests were performed on a Lode-Cycle-Ergometer. V ̇ O 2 max and V ̇ La max were used to calculate MLSS C . For the determination of MLSS E several 30 min constant load tests were performed. MLSS E was defined as the highest workload that can be maintained without an increase of blood-lactate-concentration (BLC) of more than 0.05 mmol l -1 min -1 during the last 20 min. Power in following constant-load test was set higher or lower depending on BLC. Results: MLSS E and MLSS C were measured respectively at 217 ± 51 W and 229 ± 47 W, while mean difference was -12 ± 20 W. Orthogonal regression was calculated with r = 0.92 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The difference of 12 W can be explained by the biological variability of V ̇ O 2 max and V ̇ La max. The knowledge of both parameters, as well as their individual influence on MLSS, could be important for establishing training recommendations, which could lead to either an improvement in V ̇ O 2 max or V ̇ La max by performing high intensity or low intensity exercise training, respectively. Furthermore the validity of V ̇ La max -test should be focused in further studies. © 2014Hauser et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.