Blood Lactate Response To Weightlifting In Endurance and Weight Trained Men

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-1990

School

Kinesiology and Nutrition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine whether weight trained men accumulate greater amounts of blood lactate when working with the same relative resistance as untrained and endurance trained men, and (2) to examine the relationship between the lactate response to weightlifting, external work and weightlifting intensity. Fifteen men were divided into three groups according to training history, and participated in three sets of exhaustive weightlifting (60, 70 and 80 percent of 1 RM), each of which ended in volitional fatigue. Capillary blood was drawn and analyzed for lactate at rest, immediately after each set and every two minutes of recovery to minute 15. External work and intensity were estimated at each set, and total work and intensity were calculated for the entire protocol.

The mean lactate response of the weight trained men at 80 percent 1 RM was 21 percent and 30 percent greater than the untrained and endurance trained men, respectively. All groups were similar at the 60 percent and 70 percent exercise intensity. Each group increased blood lactate levels in a linear fashion as exercise intensity increased from the first to the last set. The weight trained men produced greater intensities and external work at each set and for the total workout. Maximal lactates were seen at two minutes post-exercise in all groups. Lactates were related to external work and intensity, with the highest correlation (r = 0.66) between lactate and average intensity of the workout. This study produced an increased absolute blood lactate response in weight trained individuals who were heavier and thus were likely utilizing a larger contracting muscle mass. Total relative work was the only predictor that failed to correlate significantly with lactate, possibly indicating an equal lactate production per kilogram of body weight. Also, the greater external work is probably a reflection of the larger muscle mass of the weight trained group.

Publication Title

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Volume

4

Issue

4

First Page

122

Last Page

130

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