Maximal Lactate Steady State Rowing Intensity can be Predicted by a 6-Km Rowing Time Trial:

0298 It has been suggested that endurance training at intensities approximating maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) may heighten exercise adaptations while minimizing the risk of overtraining related injuries. Measuring MLSS in the laboratory is labor intensive, as laboratory equipment, technicians, and a substantial time investment are all required for invasive physiological testing. Conversely, athletic time trial events are often completed in endurance sports and are relatively simple. If rowers were able to predict MLSS workload from a time trial, it would become comparatively simple for more athletes to become aware of their MLSS workload. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that a relationship exists between the average workload during a 6-km rowing time trial and the MLSS workload. METHODS: Female athletes (n = 23) from a varsity Division I collegiate rowing team were utilized as subjects (age 20.1 ± 1.1yrs, weight 72.0 ± 7.4 kg, height 162.6 ± 6.6 cm, VO2 peak 46.6 ± 3.7 ml/kg/min). Athletes underwent a maximal power output test on the rowing ergometer (max power 263.3 ± 27.5 W). To determine MLSS, each subject completed two to four 30-minute constant workload rows at intensities relative to their individual maximal power output. To eliminate test interruptions, blood samples were collected via toe stick at rest and every 5 minutes during the 30-minute rows. The criterion for achievement of MLSS was the highest concentration of blood lactate that could be maintained (± 1 mM) during the last 20 minutes of a 30-minute constant workload rows (mean MLSS 2.59 ± 0.62 mM). Subsequently, each rower completed a 6-km time trial where mean power output was recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between 6-km time trial mean power output and the power output at MLSS (r = 0.92, p<0.0001). However, 6-km time trial mean power output (214.4 ± 22.9 W) was significantly greater than the power output at MLSS (168.3 ± 19.1W). Hence, the power output at MLSS was equivalent to 78.5% of the 6-km time trial mean power output. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that completion of a 6-km time trial would predict MLSS power output was supported. In rowers, as MLSS workload increases, time to complete the 6-km time trial decreases. Furthermore, this suggests that training to improve MLSS workload may improve 6-km rowing performance. Supported in part by Abbott Laboratories.