Is Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate Promising for Improving 5000-m Prediction in Running?

Endurance running performance can be predicted by maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O (2) max), the fractional utilisation of oxygen uptake (%V̇O (2) max) and running economy at lactate threshold (RE (OBLA) ). This study aims to assess maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLa (max) ) in terms of improving running performance prediction in trained athletes. Forty-four competitive female and male runners/triathletes performed an incremental step test, a 100-m sprint test and a ramp test to determine their metabolic profile. Stepwise linear regression was used to predict 5000-m time trial performance. Split times were recorded every 200-m to examine the ‘finishing kick’. Females had a slower t (5k) and a lower V̇O (2) max, ċLa (max) , ‘finishing kick’ and RE (OBLA) . Augmenting Joyner’s model by means of ċLa (max) explained an additional 4.4% of variance in performance. When performing the same analysis exclusively for males, ċLa (max) was not included. ċLa (max) significantly correlated with %V̇O (2) max (r=-0.439, p=0.003) and the ‘finishing kick’ (r=0.389, p=0.010). ċLa (max) allows for significant (yet minor) improvements in 5000-m performance prediction in a mixed-sex group. This margin of improvement might differ in middle-distance events. Due to the relationship to the ‘finishing kick’, ċLa (max) might be related to individual pacing strategies, which should be assessed in future research.