Comparison of calculated and experimental power in maximal lactate-steady state during cycling

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was the comparison of the calculated (MLSS(C)) and experimental power (MLSS(E)) in maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) during cycling. METHODS: 13 male subjects (24.2 ± 4.76 years, 72.9 ± 6.9 kg, 178.5 ± 5.9 cm, [Formula: see text]: 60.4 ± 8.6 ml min(−1) kg(−1), [Formula: see text]: 0.9 ± 0.19 mmol l(-1) s(-1)) performed a ramp-test for determining the [Formula: see text] and a 15 s sprint-test for measuring the maximal glycolytic rate ([Formula: see text]). All tests were performed on a Lode-Cycle-Ergometer. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were used to calculate MLSS(C). For the determination of MLSS(E) several 30 min constant load tests were performed. MLSS(E) was defined as the highest workload that can be maintained without an increase of blood-lactate-concentration (BLC) of more than 0.05 mmol l(−1) min(−1) during the last 20 min. Power in following constant-load test was set higher or lower depending on BLC. RESULTS: MLSS(E) and MLSS(C) were measured respectively at 217 ± 51 W and 229 ± 47 W, while mean difference was −12 ± 20 W. Orthogonal regression was calculated with r = 0.92 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The difference of 12 W can be explained by the biological variability of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The knowledge of both parameters, as well as their individual influence on MLSS, could be important for establishing training recommendations, which could lead to either an improvement in [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] by performing high intensity or low intensity exercise training, respectively. Furthermore the validity of [Formula: see text] -test should be focused in further studies.