Simple Assessment of Lactate Threshold by Means of the Bench Stepping in Older Population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple assessment of lactate threshold (LT) in older people. Two-hundreds and nine subjects, aged 65 to 90 years old, performed a bench stepping test by means of a 20 cm bench at 10 to 35 ascends per minute of the stepping rate. In 52 of 209 subjects, we determined the metabolic equivalents corresponding to exercise intensity of which lactate (LA) increased 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 1 mmol/l from baseline level, LA corresponding to the baseline level and 2 mmol/l (METs@LAr+0.1, METs@LAr+0.2, METs@LAr+0.3, METs@LAr+0.4, METs@LAr+0.5, METs@LAr+1, METs@LAr and METs@LA2), in addition to LT. We calucurated exercise intensity equivalent to fi xed LA levels by both a standard aseessment using a liner regression between exercise intensity (logexercise inetsnity) and LA (log-LA) ranged above LT, and a simple assessment using a liner regression between log-exercise inetsnity and log-LA ranged bellow and above 2 mmol/l of LA. Using the standard assessment, no signifi cant difference was confi rmed between METs@LAr+0.1 (4.7±0.8 METs) and LT (4.6±0.7 METs). In regard to METs corresponding to other LA, using the standard assessment, METs@LAr (4.5±0.8 METs) was signifi cantly lower (p<0.05), and the rest (4.8±0.8 -5.6±0.8 METs) were signifi cantly higher (p<0.01), compared with LT. There was no signifi cant difference between METs@LAr+0.1 determined using standard assessment and simple assessment (4.6±0.9 METs). Also METs@LAr+0.1 determined by the simple assessment had high correlation and good limit agreement with LT (r=0.900, p<0.001 and 0.0±0.8 METs), as well as METs@LAr+0.1 determined by the standard assessment (r=0.930, p<0.001 and 0.0±0.6 METs). In 90% of men and 92%of women, LA reached 2 mmol/l at an intensity of 20, 25 or 30 ascends/minute. The method of evaluating exercise intensity corresponding to 0.1 mmol/l above resting level of LA using a stepping rate of 15, 20, 25 and 30 ascends/minute on a 20 cm platform, taking LA of 2 mmol/l as the termination criteria, can be considered valid as a simple assessment of LT in older individuals.

Validity and Usefulness of the Simple Assessment of Lactate Threshold in Younger Adults

“…In order to solve these problems, we have proposed a simple assessment of LT that used METs@LAr+0.1 by means of LA obtained from 2 intensities. The accuracy of this assessment was 13.5% (%2SEE of LT) in older people [Ayabe et al, (2003)]. Additionally present investigation demonstrated that this simple assessment had similar accuracy in younger adults.…”

“…The graded exercise test used a submaximal graded step test, following the our previous investigation [Ayabe et al, (2003)]. Exercise intensity was decided according to the exercise habits and aerobic capacity individually.…”

“…METs@LAr+0.1was determined according to the our previous investigation [Ayabe et al, (2003)]. From each stage, we chose LA bellow and above 2 mmol/l and corresponding exercise intensity.…”

“…We have developed a simple assessment of LT and have reported on its validity in older people [Ayabe et al, (2003)]. Briefly, our previous report demonstrated that a exercise intensity of which LA increased 0.1 mmol/l above baseline level would be a substitute for LT. By means of this simple assessment, the number of blood sampling is 4-5 times, and the termination criteria of exercise test is 2 mmol/l of LA, thus the cost, efficiency and safety of LT assessment will be dramatically improved.…”

Physical Activity in the Japan Population: Association with Blood Lipid Levels and Effects in Reducing Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality

“…Walking and jogging are appropriate forms of exercise, but rain or harsh conditions such as extreme heat or icy conditions in winter can make it difficult to go outside; therefore, we recommend the benchstep exercise. This activity can be performed while watching television or listening to music, and the intensity can be easily maintained at a constant level or pace 77,78) . Home-based bench-stepping training offers optimal benefits for the elderly both as an aerobic exercise and as an effective strengthener of lower extremity muscles, such as the quadriceps and psoas major muscle, the major sites of sarcopenia in older people.…”