The main objective of this study was to show and analyse the changes in blood lactate concentrations in Polish elite sprinters. The study sample was comprised of 9 top male sprinters and 8 top female sprinters, all finalists from the Polish national championships. Blood lactate concentrations were evaluated with the use of a Lactate Scout measuring device. The measurements were taken pre-exercise and at 1, 5 and 10 minutes post-exercise. Before warm-up, the mean blood lactate concentration in male subjects was 1.40 ± 0.24 mmol/L and for female subjects 1.23 ± 0.24 mmol/L. During the first minute of recovery, the post-exercise lactate concentration rose to 9.38 ± 2.18 mmol/L in male sprinters and to 6.73 ± 2.48 mmol/L in female sprinters. Five minutes after the end of the 100 m sprint, the lactate level for females was 11.01 ± 2.14 mmol/L and for males 10.11 ± 0.99 mmol/L. Lactate concentrations at 10 minutes post-exercise reached 9.51 ± 1.23 mmol/L for male sprinters and 9.09 ± 1.46 mmol/L for female sprinters. The observed blood lactate concentration changes in Polish elite sprinters after a 100 m race provide new information regarding recovery dynamics which can be useful in designing sprint training.
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