Lactate Kinetics and Individual Anaerobic Threshold*

Abstract

Exercise with stepwise increasing work loads until exhaustion leads to a curvilinear increase of lactate in blood and typical lactate kinetics in the post-exercise period. Lactate kinetics in blood during exercise and recovery results from diffusion along gradients between muscle and blood and simultaneous elimination. Therefore, a general diffusion-elimination model is presented from which maximal rate of elimination (Em), individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), gradient between muscle and blood (ΔC-ΔC_Em), muscle volume working above the IAT (Vm), individual membrane constant (Mc), quantity of lactate accounting for lactate gradient (A_grad), and whole body lactate (A_net) can be obtained. For demonstration purposes, this model was applied to a highly trained athlete. In this example, all constants and variables mentioned above as well as an equation reflecting individual lactate kinetics were calculated. Furthermore, the IAT was determined in 61 athletes participating in different events. In general, it can be demonstrated that with increasing aerobic capacity the lactate concentration at the IAT decreases. The lactate concentration at the IAT varies interindividually within broad limits, thus emphasizing the need for individual assessment.

Key words

lactate kinetics - physical exercise - diffusion - elimination - individual anaerobic threshold