Diagnostics of νLa.max and Glycolytic Energy Contribution Indicate Individual Characteristics of Anaerobic Glycolytic Energy Metabolism Contributing to Rowing Performance

Abstract

The diagnostics of anaerobic glycolytic metabolism which play a subordinate role in elite rowing and parameters such as maximum lactate accumulation rate (νLa.max) have thus far not been associated with ergometer rowing performance. The aim of the study was to quantify the glycolytic energy metabolism (WGly) during a 2000 m ergometer rowing time trial (RTT) and νLa.max during a 10 s maximum ergometer rowing sprint test (RST) and to unravel associations between those variables and RTT performance. Combined post-exercise lactate measurements and oxygen uptake after RST and RTT were used to determine νLa.max and glycolytic energy contribution (WGly) in seven male and three female German U 23 national rowers (N = 10, 19.8 ± 0.9 years, 183.2 ± 7.0 cm height, 79.9 ± 13.3 kg body mass, 16.4 ± 5.1 % body fat). WGly during RTT ranged from 7 to 15.5% and νLa.max between 0.25 and 0.66 mmol∙L−1∙s−1. νLa.max correlated with WGly (p < 0.05, r = 0.74) and the mechanical power output (W) for the first 300 m (300first) during RTT (p < 0.05, r = 0.67). νLa.max further correlated with ∆300first−last (W) for the first and last 300 m (300last) during RTT (p < 0.01, r = 0.87) and also within the subgroup of male rowers. νLa.max displays a wide spectrum of individual differences in rowers. Due to this and its correlation to specific phases of RTT, it contributes to an individual energetic performance profile in rowing. Future studies must undermine the role of νLa.max for exercise performance and whether it serves as a marker that can be specifically targeted for a training-induced increase or decrease.

A modified formula using energy system contributions to calculate pure maximal rate of lactate accumulation during a maximal sprint cycling test

“…Moreover, there are currently no clear data available about which specific individual training sessions are helpful in improving ν La.max . A recent study by Schünemann et al (2023) suggests that sprint training, resistance training, and hypoxic training may increase glycolytic capacity and anaerobic performance. However, direct interventional approaches related to improving maximal glycolytic metabolism as P ν La.max should be investigated further.…”

Reliability of the 15-s Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate (VLamax) Test for Cycling

“…At the time this study was conceived and based on personal communications (Olbrecht, 2017), we chose a method consistent with Olbrecht's [24,25] and sampled lactate every 2 min, which is also similar to the methods of Dunst et al [26]. In contrast, others [14,18,[27][28][29] have used 1 min sampling rates, and another study relied on 30 s intervals for the first 3 min after exercise [16]. As with the post-test lactate measure frequency, there is also no standardization of when the pre-test measurement is made.…”

Applied high-intensity interval cardio yoga improves cardiometabolic fitness, energetic contributions, and metabolic flexibility in healthy adults

“…After O 2max testing, the participants were advised to continue low-intensity jogging until blood lactate levels were below 2.0 mmol·L −1 ( Schünemann et al, 2023 ). They wore a portable gas analyzer and performed a high-intensity cardio yoga test (HICYT) (one set) for 10-min to analyze highest oxygen uptake ( O 2peak ), metabolic flexibility (fat and carbohydrate oxidation; FATox and CHOox) and contributions from the three-energy system.…”