Lactate Threshold
Original Editor - lucinda hampton
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Lactate threshold defined thus: The level above which pyruvate—an intermediate product of anaerobic metabolism—is produced faster than it can be used aerobically; unused pyruvate splits into lactate (lactic acid) and positively charged hydrogen ions; continued exercise above the lactate, or anaerobic, threshold results in accumulation of these ions—acidosis—causing exhaustion and intramuscular pain[1]
Image 1: Anaerobic lactate production
Many refer to lactate as a metabolic waste product (not really) and blame it for the muscle soreness that can plague us several days after a hard workout (not so, actually inflammation)[2]. Still, exercise above the lactate threshold is associated with more rapid fatigue and, as such, the speed at lactate threshold is a powerful predictor of endurance performance.
A higher lactate threshold will enable an endurance activity to be sustained without blood lactate accumulating, enabling the athletes speed to be maintained for an extended period. eg Elite male and female marathon runners have reported lactate threshold speeds of 18-21km/h[3]
Mechanism[edit | edit source]
The lactate threshold is a point during exhaustive, all-out exercise at which lactate builds up in the bloodstream faster than the body can remove it. The only way to make up the difference is to rev up anaerobic glycolysis, which occurs in environments environments lacking oxygen.
- Anaerobic metabolism produces energy for short, high-intensity bursts of activity, the lactate build-up reaches a threshold where it can no longer be absorbed and accumulates. This point is known as the lactate threshold
- Lactate, which may be harmful to the cell itself (aerobic glycolysis is water and carbon dioxide, which are not harmful to cells).
- When the concentration of lactate in the blood starts to climb, our brain senses this and we start to feel nauseous.[2][4]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The fee dictionary lactate Threshold Available: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/lactate+threshold(accessed 28.11.2021)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Active Lactate Threshold and V02 Max Explained Available: https://www.active.com/triathlon/articles/lactate-threshold-and-v02-max-explained(accessed 28.11.2021)
- ↑ The Conversation Science of champion runners: inside the body of elite endurance athletes Available: https://theconversation.com/science-of-champion-runners-inside-the-body-of-elite-endurance-athletes-146639(accessed 28.11.2021)
- ↑ verywellfit Lactate Threshold Training for Athletes Available: https://www.verywellfit.com/lactate-threshold-training-3120092 (accessed 28.11.2021)
