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.