Exercise training at and above the lactate threshold in previously untrained women

A. Weltman, R. L. Seip, D. Snead, J. Y. Weltman, E. M. Haskvitz, W. S. Evans, J. D. Veldhuis, A. D. Rogol

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Abstract

We examined the effects of training at and above the lactate threshold in previously untrained women. Twenty-four untrained eumenorrheic women (age = 31.3±4.0 yrs, wt = 66.2±7.6 kg, ht = 166.4±5.8 cm) were assessed at baseline [during days 1-3 of the menstrual cycle (MC)] and every 4 MC after that (for 1 year) for V̇O2 and velocity (V) at LT, fixed blood lactate concentrations (FBLC) of 2.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mM, and Max. Subjects were assigned to control (C, n = 7), at LT @ LT, trained 6 days/week at the velocity associated with LT, n = 9) or above LT (> LT, trained 3 days/week at the velocity midway between V LT and V Max and 3 days/week at V LT, n = 8) groups. Exercise prescriptions were adjusted after each assessment and each group progressed similarly in weekly mileage. No between group differences were observed before training. After training the > LT group had significantly higher values than the C and @ LT groups for LT (p < 0.05). For FBLC of 2.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mM and Max, the > LT group values were greater than the C group (p < 0.05). No differences were observed after training between the @ LT and C groups. Although the > LT group had higher V̇O2 and V Max values than the @ LT group after training, these differences were not statistically significant. An interaction was observed with the increase in V~2 and V in the > LT group being greater than the @ LT and C groups for LT and FBLC of 2.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mM and greater than the C group for Max (p < 0.05). Within group analysis revealed that both training groups showed similar increases in V̇O2 and V at LT, FBLC of 2.0 and 2.5 mM from baseline to MC 4 (p < 0.05). At MC 8 and 12 the > LT group continued to increase V̇O2 and V with no further change observed in the @ LT group (p < 0.05). The present data suggest that during the first 4 months of training, training at or above the LT results in similar improvements in V̇O2 and V at LT, and FBLC of 2.0 and 2.5 mM. However, for continued improvement, in these and other parameters, some training must be above LT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)257-263
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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