SES9702: Post-Analysis Methods for Lactate Threshold Depend on Training Intensity: Intermediate Exercise Physiology Report, ENU, Singapore

Post-analysis methods for lactate threshold depend on training intensity and aerobic capacity in runners. An experimental laboratory study.

Introduction: Blood lactate evaluation commonly complements endurance training regimens.1,2 It has been recommended as an efficient method for evaluating training intensity and recovery, and for improving the performance of endurance athletes.3-6 During incremental exercise, the lactate threshold (LT) is defined as the abrupt transition from slow increases to rapid exponential increases in blood lactate levels.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate different lactate threshold methods, and determine which methods are most reliable
for athletes with different physical conditioning and training
programs.

Task 1: Introduction. Please provide a brief introduction to the topic, with reference to the literature, including a rationale for the study and aim/hypothesis clearly stated at the end of the section.

Task 2: Methodology. Provide brief details on the participant, protocol, and equipment used. This section should also include the time of day and date of testing. You may wish to include a table.

Task 3: Produce 3 graphs of the results using MS Excel™. The first graph (Figure 1) is: lactate concentration on the y-axis v heart rate on the x-axis; the second (Figure 2) is of lactate concentration on the y-axis v power/speed on the x-axis. The third graph (Figure 3) should be of lactate concentration on the y-axis vs RPE with RPE on the x-axis. Identify the lactate threshold on Figures 1, 2 and 3.Ensure that it is clear what is represented in each Figure and in the tables. Some text before each figure to explain what exactly is being presented and where exactly lactate threshold occurred will do this. Ensure you define the method you have used to determine lactate threshold and reference this in the text. You should also present a table of lap times with both the mean and max heart rate at each of the stages highlighted in this table. The brief text should accompany the figure and table.

Task 4: Explain how you in your role as a Sport & Exercise Scientist could use the data collected and processed in this session to assist in your participant’s training. In your answer, you should demonstrate a clear understanding of the lactate threshold, heart rate, power (bike), treadmill (speed), and RPE as appropriate to your participant when answering this question.

In addition, you should prescribe a training program specific to your participant (consider mode/s of exercise/intensity/frequency/duration, etc.) to aid improvement of their performance. In your answer discuss some of the physiological adaptations you would expect to see with the training you have prescribed