Introduction: Some years ago, the so-called heart rate-based lactate minimum test (LMT-HR) developed at our institute (Strupler et al., 2009) revealed a high correlation between lactate minimum (LM) and the maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) in wheelchair racing (Perret et al., 2012), which makes this test feasible to determine individual training intensity zones. However, it remains still unclear, if this test is also suitable to estimate endurance race performance in able-bodied sports such as running. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate, whether 10k and half-marathon performance can be predicted based on a LMT-HR in male and female runners over a wide range of performance levels. Methods: 30 participants (13 male / 17 female) performed a LMT-HR on a treadmill according to the protocol of Strupler et al. (2009). Additionally, they completed a 10k and a half-marathon race at the highest possible pace on a flat track on two separate occasions at least 5 days apart. During these races, runners were regularly informed about the distance covered, but were not aware of race pace or heart rate. For statistical analysis Spearman correlations for speed data at LM versus average speeds during the 10k and half-marathon run were calculated for male and female runners separately. Results: The present study included 13 men (age: median [minimum; maximum] 38y [25;47]; height: 181cm [170;186]; body mass: 75.0kg [63.0;86.0]; VO2peak: 54.1ml/min/kg [42.3;66.0]) and 17 women (age: 33y [24;44]; height: 167cm [161;180]; body mass: 58.0kg [50.0;70.0]; VO2peak: 51.4ml/min/kg [41.1;61.2]). Race times for the 10k ranged between 36:02min and 56:36min and for the half-marathon between 79:36min and 128:59min, respectively. Highly significant correlations between speed at LM vs. 10k speed in men (r=0.875; p<0.001) and women (r=0.916, p<0.001) as well as between speed at LM vs. half-marathon speed (men: r=0.873, p<0.001; women: r=0.924, p<0.001) were found. Conclusions: Results of the LMT-HR allow an accurate prediction of 10k and half-marathon race performance in male and female runners based on a single exercise test. Thus, in daily clinical practice the LMT-HR seems to be a very useful tool for sport scientists and coaches not only to determine individual training intensity zones but also to estimate the actual athletes` running performance potential over a wide range of fitness levels.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Veröffentlicht von University of Vienna. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.