Maximal Lactate Steady State as a Training Stimulus

Abstract

The present study examined the use of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) as an exercise training stimulus in moderately trained runners. Fourteen healthy individuals (12 male, 2 female; age 25 ± 6 years, height 1.76 ± 0.05 m, body mass 76 ± 8 kg mean ± SD) took part in the study. Following determination of the lactate threshold (LT), V·O_2max, running velocity at MLSS (vMLSS) and a control period of 4 weeks, participants were pair matched and split into two cohorts performing either continuous (CONT: 2 sessions/week at vMLSS) or intermittent treadmill running (INT: 2 sessions/week, 3-min repetitions 0.5 km · h^-1 above and below vMLSS). vMLSS increased in CONT by 8 % from 12.3 ± 1.5 to 13.4 ± 1.6 km · h^-1 (p < 0.05) and in INT by 5 % from 12.2 ± 1.9 km · h^-1 to 12.9 ± 1.9 km · h^-1 (p < 0.05). Running speed at the LT increased by 7 % in the CONT group (p < 0.05) and by 9 % in the INT group (p < 0.05). V·O_2max increased by 10 % in the CONT group (p < 0.05) and by 6 % in INT (p < 0.05). Two sessions per week at vMLSS are capable of eliciting improvements in the physiological responses at LT, MLSS, and V·O_2max in moderately trained runners.

Key words

endurance - lactate - MLSS - testing - training

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