Analysis of Course of Changes in Blood Lactate Concentration in Response to Graded Exercise Test and Modified Wingate Test in Adolescent Road Cyclists

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the course of changes in the blood lactate (BL) concentration in response to the graded exercise test (GXT) and the modified Wingate test (MWT). Methods: This study involved 23 male highly trained road cyclists (age: 16.2 ± 1.1 years; experience: 5.0 ± 2.1 years; VO2max 59.0 ± 3.5 mL × kg−1 × min−1). The analysis of BL concentration was conducted using an enzymatic–amperometric electrochemical technique. Results: Our study provided the following information: (i) peak BL concentration in response to GXT (12.86 ± 2.32 mmol × L−1) and MWT (12.85 ± 1.47 mmol × L−1) is expected around the third minute after the completion of the trial; (ii) 60 min is not a sufficient period for BL concentration to return to resting values after GXT; (iii) post-GXT BL removal during the 60 min period is unsteady (3–20 min: −2.6 ± −0.6% × min−1; 20–60 min: −1.6 ± −0.3% × min−1; p-value for comparison < 0.01), whereas post-MWT BL removal during the 12 min period appears to be constant (3–6 min: −2.4 ± −5.6% × min−1, 6–9 min: −2.6 ± −1.8 % × min−1; 9–12 min: −3.1 ± −2.1 % × min−1; p-value for all comparisons < 0.01). Conclusions: When aiming to obtain valuable data regarding the course of changes in BL concentration during the post-exertion period, it is essential to consider the number of measurements and the time points in sample collection for analysis.