Relationship of peak capillary blood lactate accumulation and body composition in determining the mechanical energy equivalent of lactate during sprint cycling.

AIM: A 15-s all-out sprint cycle test (i.e., νLamax-test) and the post-exercise change in capillary blood lactate concentration is an emerging diagnostic tool that is used to quantify the maximal glycolytic rate. The goal of this study was to determine the relation between 15 s-work, change in capillary blood lactate concentration (∆La) and body composition in a νLamax-test. METHOD: Fifty cyclists performed a 15 s all-out sprint test on a Cyclus2 ergometer twice after a previous familiarization trial. Capillary blood was sampled before and every minute (for 8 min) after the sprint to determine ∆La. Body composition was determined employing InBody720 eight-electrode impedance analysis. RESULT: Simple regression models of fat-free mass (FFM) and also the product of FFM and ∆La showed similar ability to predict 15 s-work (R2 = 0.79; 0.82). Multiple regression combining both predictors explains 93% of variance between individuals. No differences between males and females were found regarding 15 s-work relative to the product of fat-free mass and ∆La. Considering pairs of similar FFM, a change 1 mmol/l of ∆La is estimated to be equal to 12 J/kg in 15 s-work (R2 = 0.85). DISCUSSION: Fifteen s-work is both closely related to FFM and also the product of ∆La and lactate-distribution space approximated by FFM. Differences in 15 s-work between males and females disappear when total lactate production is considered. Considering interindividual differences, the mechanical energy equivalent of blood lactate accumulation seems a robust parameter displaying a clear relationship between ∆La and 15 s-work relative to FFM.