Identification of maximal lactate steady state by a short lactate minimum test in walking

Objectives. - The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity of a short Lactate Minimum test (LM) to assess the maximum lactate steady state (MLSS) during walking tests. Equipment and methods. - Twelve healthy young participants performed LM on a treadmill at 5.5 km.h(-1), with the intensity being incremented by inclination (%). Participants first performed a walking trial at 5.5 km.h(-1) with 20% or 22% inclination until voluntary exhaustion. After 7 min of recovery an incremental test was initiated by using only 3 incremental stages that were selected based on the rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The LM intensity was identified as the lowest [bLac] during the incremental test, by using a visual inspection (LM3v) and applying a polynomial function of second order (LM3p). The MLSS intensity was also measured. Results. - ANOVA showed no difference between the intensities (i.e., treadmill inclination) of MLSS (13.3 +/- 2.2%), LM3 v (12.6 +/- 1.6%), and LM3p (13.4 +/- 1.3%). Conclusion. - It was possible to identify the LM during walking by using 3 stages in most of the participants expressing the MLSS intensity with good agreement and correlation between them. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.